AUTHENTIC A2 LEATHER FLIGHT JACKETS
A word on the title: "authentic" here refers to the pattern, not to provenance. This is a jacket cut to the genuine A-2 specification and made by us in real leather. It is not military issue, not surplus, and it carries no contract labels, insignia or squadron markings. It sits in our aviator and pilot leather jackets range.
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Material: Genuine leather
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Fit: Classic A-2 cut
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Closure: Front zip with a wind flap and snap-down collar
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Color: Brown
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Care: Dry wipe, clear conditioner twice a year, hang on a broad hanger
How to tell a faithful A-2 pattern from a loose one
Five details, and they are all visible in a photograph. The collar should be a shirt-style turndown with hidden snaps at the points, not a stand collar. The pockets should be flapped patch pockets set fairly low, with no hand-warmer openings — the original had none. The waistband and cuffs should be knitted wool-style rib, not leather. The body should be short, finishing at the waist rather than below it. The zip should sit behind a leather wind flap. A jacket missing two or more of these is A-2-inspired rather than A-2 pattern, whatever it is called.
Why the pattern has lasted
Every one of those details solved a problem in an unheated cockpit: the knit trims sealed warm air in, the collar lay flat under a harness, the wind flap stopped cold air passing through the zip teeth, the short body did not bunch when seated. Nothing on the jacket is decorative, which is why the shape has survived nearly a century essentially unchanged and why it still works as ordinary clothing.
Ageing
The A-2 is the jacket that made worn brown leather famous. It lightens at the high points while creases stay dark, so contrast builds over years of wear. Use a clear conditioner twice a year; a pigmented one fills the light areas and flattens the effect.
Sizing and made to order
Measure your chest over a T-shirt and take the size that fits close — the A-2 is meant to be snug. Sizes run XS to 5XL, with Custom taking chest, waist, shoulder, sleeve, and body length.
Shop Related Styles at Leather Outlet
Browse the aviator and pilot leather jackets, our bomber leather jackets, the men leather jackets range, or cafe racer jackets. Everything is at Leather Outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an original military jacket?
No. "Authentic" refers to the pattern. It is a fashion jacket with no contract labels, insignia or military affiliation.
How do I recognise a faithful A-2 pattern?
Shirt-style snap-down collar, flapped patch pockets with no hand-warmers, knit waistband and cuffs, a short body, and a wind flap behind the zip.
Why are there no hand-warmer pockets?
The original A-2 did not have them, so a faithful pattern does not either.
Is the leather genuine?
Yes, real hide throughout.
How should it fit?
Close through the chest and short in the body.
Do you offer custom sizing?
Yes. Choose Custom and send chest, waist, shoulder, sleeve, and body length.
Is shipping free?
Yes, free worldwide shipping and secure checkout.
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