Researching flight clothing from the 1910s and 1920s reveals that aviators wore leather coats. Since the Wright brothers took to the skies in 1903, heavy leather coats became essential to withstand the cold. Leather coats and goggles used for motorcycles and cars (which were mostly convertibles at the time) were also suitable for aviation. By this time, “aviator apparel” began appearing in comprehensive catalogs in the U.S. and U.K., with leather coats labeled “for aviators.” For those striving to fly higher and faster, such coats provided excellent insulation and were popular for their functionality and protection.

AVIATION ASSOCIATES

From the 1920s through the 1940s , various types of flight jackets were commercially available at the market featuring the elements of Army spec. When examining the old photos during the World War, we were able to spot a few pilots with a non-Army issued jacket. Officially, soldiers were not allowed to wear non-Army issued jackets, but the regulation became loose during the actual war time. The difference between Army issued and non-Army issued can mainly be seen on the design and material usage, but the similar color was used in accordance with the original Army-issued products to meet military regulations. And also the design of non-Army products were obviously based on Army issued items, many non- Army jackets were somewhat modified with a bit of original twist, providing really classical look to the eyes. Aviation Associates was the legendary line that commercially manufactured by the previous contractor Buzz Rickson MFG. We would sincerely want you to feel the spirit of our product through these jacket.