BARNSTORMER LEATHER JACKET
The barnstormer is the oldest shape in our aviator and pilot leather jackets range — it predates the A-2 by a decade and looks nothing like it. Understanding where it came from explains every detail on it.
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Material: Genuine leather
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Fit: Longer body with a half belt at the back
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Closure: Buttoned or zipped front with a high fastening collar
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Color: Brown
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Care: Dry wipe, condition twice a year, hang on a broad hanger
Where the barnstormer comes from
Barnstormers were the travelling stunt pilots of the 1920s, flying surplus biplanes from field to field. Their aircraft had open cockpits and no heating at all, so the jacket had to do everything: it is longer in the body than later flight jackets because a pilot sat exposed to the waist, the collar fastens high across the throat because there was no windscreen, and the half belt at the back cinches the waist so the wind cannot get up inside. Those three details are the barnstormer signature, and every one of them is functional.
The half belt
A strap sewn across the back at waist level, buckled or buttoned, which draws the jacket in behind while leaving the front loose. It is a neater solution than a full belt: no buckle at the front to press against you when seated, and the back panel keeps its shape rather than gathering. It also survives as a detail on modern town coats and shooting jackets for the same reasons.
What makes it wearable now
The longer body and high collar make this the warmest of the classic flight jacket patterns and the most weather-capable. It reads more like a coat than a bomber, so it works over a jumper with wool trousers or jeans and looks correct in town in a way an A-2 does not.
Stated plainly: this is a fashion jacket in a historical style. Not military issue, no insignia, no affiliation.
Sizing and made to order
The barnstormer is cut generously to be worn over layers, so measure your chest over the jumper you expect to wear underneath. 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 men leather jackets, the leather trench coats selection, or B3 leather bomber jackets. Everything is at Leather Outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a barnstormer jacket?
The 1920s open-cockpit flying jacket — longer in the body, high fastening collar, and a half belt at the back.
What does the half belt do?
It cinches the waist at the back so wind cannot get up inside, without a buckle at the front to press against you when seated.
How does it compare with an A-2?
Longer, warmer, and more weather-capable. It reads closer to a coat than to a bomber.
Is it military issue?
No. It is a fashion jacket in a historical style, with no insignia or affiliation.
What size should I take?
Measure your chest over the jumper you plan to wear underneath — the cut is designed for layers.
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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