The Upgrade: After several months back in Research & Development we are pleased to unveil our completely new and reworked A-1 jacket! Of all the American flight jackets, this model is one of the hardest to reproduce correctly, simply because original examples are virtually impossible to find: Ideally, an original example to hand is necessary to make a proper reproduction, as only then can the fine details be truly examined.

We have been extremely fortunate to secure an original A-1, which is still complete with all its original trim, so we were therefore inspired to give our A-1 a complete facelift. Every component (bar the knit) has been replaced on our new A-1, as well as receiving a whole new fit and cut. For the first time since 1931, an A-1 made from all the correct materials - including Capeskin for the shell, is now available.

Origin of the A-1: The A-1 was standardised on November 27th 1927 as a Summer flying jacket. It was the very first of the knitted waist and cuff, windcheater type flight jackets, that was to set the basic outline for flight jacket design to this day.

Synonymous with early aviation heroes such as Jimmy Doolittle, the A-1 although superseded in design by the A-2 in 1931, was still in limited use during WWII, and was not declared obsolete until September 29th 1944.

It was originally specified to be made from a Olive Drab Capeskin, but of the few existing examples that can be seen today, they are always found to be of the typical Seal Brown shade. It's frontal closure was buttoned (realy horn), and these were backed (in the traditional good old tailors way, for extra strength) with smaller 'backing buttons' (again in real horn) buttons. The pocket flap buttons applied in the same way. It was lined with a brown, sateen weave cotton of a very fine density, and trimmed with 100% wool knit for collar, waistband and cuffs.

The reproduction: Our new A-1 replicates the original to the last detail. Firstly, we have re-cut the whole design (as with many of the early 1930 contract A-2s, the A-1 is particularly slim cut, with narrow sleeves and nippy through the shoulders). However, unlike the early A-2s, the A-1 being made from the much softer and finer leather - Capeskin - wears very easy and feels like you hardly have it on.

It is clear to see why the AAC moved to a more durable leather for the A-2, as the Capeskin is not necessarily the best type of hide for a rugged and utilitarian application. It is not surprising therefore that original examples are hard to find, and if one does, the leather is usually the worst for wear - The Capeskin wouldn't have liked being caught on sharp angular pieces of metal that are likely to protrude in a 1920s cockpit. Capeskin is basically sheepskin - the same material that was used for B-3 and B-6 flight jackets - the only difference being that Cape is a particular type of breed derived from Africa, which was noted for it's fine quality and smooth texture, making it perfect for 'hair off' leather garments - particularly gloves, in the commercial world.

But as a reproduction flight jacket wearer of today, do not be put off by this. It is perfectly acceptable for the kind of normal day to day wear the average person would want to expect from a good leather jacket. Indeed, this jacket is an absolute pleasure to wear - the butter soft leather is light and fine, giving the feeling you are wearing nothing more than a cardigan. It is the perfect Summer weight flight jacket, that can be worn from outdoors to indoors without feeling you need to take it off. Yet still offers just the right amount of protection if the wind blows cool in the street. It is in our opinion the perfect all rounder, and an absolute dream to wear, and a garment that exudes absolute quality.

Our Capeskin has been sourced and selected from the highest grade we could find. And then finished in an aniline Seal Brown dye, matched exactly to the original. This combination of quality and dye method produces a leather that is just delicious to touch and vision.

We also spared no expense with the rest of it's construction: