The MA-1 Bomber Jacket a Urban Classic

The MA-1 was designed by the Air Force to serve as an Intermediate Weight Flight Jacket for use all year. This was accomplished by manufacturing the MA-1 from very high quality nylon fabrics and polyester interlinings. The light weight nylon design allowed the pilot in warm weather to wear the jacket open and be comfortable; upon entering the aircraft, the pilot could zip the MA-1 closed and be afforded ample protection against the cold conditions encountered in flight.

The MA-1 has undergone various design modifications during its long history of use, but its classic, highly functional design has remained basically the same. The original design was contained in U.S. Government Military Specification "MIL-J-8279." Changes to the MA-1 jacket were periodically made by the Air Force. These occurred because of the introduction of new textiles, new sewing techniques or new aircraft cockpit design which required a change in the jacket design. The Military Specification was amended to reflect the changes, which was signaled by adding a letter to the Mil. Spec. For example, MA-1 specifications progressed from the original number Mil-J-8279, to J-8279A, J-8279B, J-8279C, etc. The most recent revision, J-8279F, was issued in the early 1980s.

The MA-1 was produced in two colors: sage green and midnight blue. Blue was the original color used by the military, but it was soon replaced by green. During the Korean war, (1950–1953) mixing flight clothing from multiple time periods and colors was not unusual. Presumably, the green was eventually adopted because it blended more easily with the environment should the pilot need camouflage protection on the ground. The jacket found it's way into the European  street fashion via army surplus stores, eventually becoming a fixture of skinhead uniform in the late 70's. Designer Gaultier understood how it flattered the male form, it's padding bulking up the shoulders and arms while it's ribbing narrowed the waist and designed a satin version in the late 80's, Rick Owens also shows a slim line version for his  F/W 2009/10. Who  could argue that the combination of MA-1 flight jacket, Levi's 501 and Dr. Martens is not the urban uniform of the decade? Modern fashion MA-1's are available in a variety of colors, including the traditional ones and black, red, blue, silver, grey and yellow. A urban classic and standard for every wardrobe.