Men's flight jackets
Are you looking for a men's flight jacket?
Daytona 73, leather specialist, offers you a wide selection of unique models that will add style to your outfit.
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The leather flight jacket is on trend: French, vintage, or American style, it's everywhere: on the street, on the catwalks, and in designer boutiques, with or without a patch. To learn everything about this legendary leather jacket, follow the guide!
The flight jacket: a historic coat
In the 1930s, people were preparing for war. Pilots were circling their planes, and at the time, cockpits were only located at the front, like a windshield to protect them from the cold, wind, or rain. Of course, in the sky, this wasn't enough, so they decided to make them a reinforced jacket . It had to be warm and durable without hindering their movement in action.
This is how this type of men's leather jacket , also called a flying jacket, was born, an outer garment meeting a military need . The very first pilot's jacket was named The Irvin , in homage to the first aviator who wore it during a parachute jump in 1919: Leslie Irvin.
Today, the leather flight jacket has become a must-have in men's wardrobes over the years. Inspired by the look of US Air Force pilots , it often features numerous patches, giving it a unique style. There are many shades of leather to suit everyone's tastes and often has a removable collar to personalize your leather jacket according to your desires.
Beyond style, the pilot jacket is ideal for fighting the cold and allowing you to face the cold seasons without any problem.
The different models of the flying jacket
Like many items of clothing, the leather bomber jacket has undergone many evolutions over the years:
Lightweight bomber jackets
The A1 : Button closure and cotton lining with a knitted collar and cuffs. It is made from raw shearling, which allows the "fur" side to be against the body, for better thermal insulation.
The A2: This one is zipped and made of horse or cowhide leather with two flap pockets. Today, it's the most well-known model of bomber jackets, often available in aged leather for a vintage effect. At the time, it was reserved for elite aviators.
Heavy jackets, known as winter jackets
The B3: this time, we've ditched the knit and introduced fur-lined collars and sleeves. It's made from sheepskin.
The G1: It has a fur collar and is decorated with numerous patches. It's the bomber jacket worn by Tom Cruise in Top Gun while he rides his motorcycle. Very popular in the 90s, it once again illustrates the links between motorcycles, leather, and bombers .
There are also some textile bomber jackets , made of cotton and nylon. These were cheaper to manufacture during the war effort.
Bomber jacket/flight jacket/bomber jacket: same fight?
The bomber jacket is the 2.0 version of the flight jacket. The two types of jackets are distinguished by the bomber's orange nylon lining , which was added to the flight jacket a few years later. This made it easier for the pilot to be spotted in the event of a crash at sea.
As for the bomber jacket, it is distinguished from the flight jacket by its leather turned inside the jacket .
To recognize a bomber jacket, it's very simple:
- the cut stops at the waist,
- the jacket closes with buttons or a zipper,
- the cuffs are elastic (or not, depending on your model),
- the collar is made of fur,
- and it can be found patched with various designs, or not.
Which leather for my bomber jacket?
At that time, horse leather or cowhide were used, as they were very resistant to cold and wind.
Today, the bomber jacket no longer has the same military resonance and if the cut has remained, the materials have adapted to the needs of the men who wear it. We therefore choose a more beautiful and less functional leather . We favor cowhide leather which ages easily for a vintage effect or lambskin , a soft and light leather, perfect for mid-season jackets.
What should I wear my bomber jacket with?
Originally, the flying jacket didn't really have a particular sartorial function, but today, it's quite the opposite. Men who wear it do so for their everyday look, but be careful, the jacket doesn't suit everyone.
- For those looking for something classic, forget about patches , with their strong identity.
- For a casual style, avoid black and instead opt for blue, brown or cognac, which are less formal.
- Choose the right jacket size : neither too big nor too small, you should be able to close it like a normal jacket.
- Wear it with casual clothes to break up its functional and cold effect: jeans, sneakers, long-sleeved sweater or t-shirt, boots, etc.
- Choose thin clothing so that the jacket doesn't add volume or hinder your movements.
- Your t-shirt or shirt should be shorter than your jacket to avoid a sloppy look . Feel free to tuck it into your pants if necessary.
The bomber jacket for women
The flying jacket only for men?
No, for several years now, bomber jackets have been adapted to women. At Daytona 73, we offer several models adapted to their body shape and always based on the same principle: leather jacket, fur collar and/or cuffs, and even patches.
Taking care of your bomber jacket
The bomber jacket is quite easy to maintain , depending on the leather of the jacket.
To maintain the suppleness of the leather, you can apply nourishing leather lotion to your bomber jacket using a soft cloth. Also, to prevent discoloration or deterioration of the leather, please avoid heat sources. Find more tips for caring for your leather jacket in the Daytona 73 care guide .
To prevent your bomber jacket from getting marked by rain, you can add waterproofing spray the first time you use it.
Finally, don't forget the most important thing: leather needs to be moisturized! Twice a year, apply a special leather milk to nourish the leather and restore its suppleness and shine.
For even more advice on choosing the right bomber jacket (leather, cut, care, etc.), don't hesitate to contact us.
Where to buy a men's bomber jacket?
At Daytona 73, delivery is free for purchases over €150 and returns are free.
Daytona 73 offers a wide selection of leather aviator jackets in its online store, and you can also find the products at many of the brand's retailers.
The team remains at your disposal for any questions about the products available on the site.
Daytona 73, great know-how
A leather specialist, all of the brand's products are of the highest quality. The choice of raw materials and the manufacturing process of the bomber jackets are key elements in the creation of Daytona 73 clothing.
You can also find men's bomber jackets, biker jackets and many leather jackets on your Daytona 73 website.
