Real Leather US Aviator Air Force Pilot Flying Bomber Jacket

Real Leather US Aviator Air Force Pilot Flying Bomber Jacket

This follows the American A-2 pattern — the flight jacket issued to US Army Air Forces pilots from the 1930s onward, and the one most people picture when they think of a leather flight jacket. What sets it apart from a plain bomber is the collar: a shirt-style pointed collar with a throat latch, rather than a knitted rib collar. Everything else about the shape follows from that.

• Material: Real leather
• Fit: Regular A-2 style fit
• Closure: Front zip with shirt collar and snap flap pockets
• Color: Brown
• Care: Dry cloth, condition twice a year, keep away from direct heat

The A-2 pattern

Four features define it. A pointed shirt collar that lies flat rather than a knit rib collar. Snap-flap patch pockets at the hip, closed rather than open-topped. Knitted rib only at the cuffs and hem, not the neck. And shoulder epaulettes, originally for securing a strap.

The collar is the important one. A shirt collar sits flat and open, which makes an A-2 look more like a jacket and less like sportswear — and it is why the pattern still looks correct worn with a shirt rather than a hoodie.

Pockets that close

The snap flaps are functional. On an open-topped bomber pocket, anything in it falls out when you lean forward; a flap pocket does not. That detail came from the original specification and it is still worth having.

Each snap is set through a reinforced tab so it does not tear out of the hide.

Reproduction, honestly stated

This is a jacket built on the A-2 pattern in new leather. It is not military surplus, not issued, and carries no genuine service insignia. If you want an authentic wartime jacket, that is a specialist collector's market and this is not it — what this is, is the correct shape and construction, made to your size, at a price that makes sense to wear rather than to preserve.

Fit and styling

Regular fit. Take your normal size — the pattern includes room for a jumper underneath, so avoid sizing up unless you want it loose. A-2s were cut to sit at the waist rather than below it, so it is a shorter jacket than a modern casual one.

It works better with a shirt or knit than with a hoodie, because the shirt collar wants something with a collar or a clean neckline underneath. Brown works with blue denim, chinos, cream and olive. See the rest of our Men Bomber Leather Jackets, our B3 Bomber Jackets for shearling, or Men Leather Jackets for other shapes.

Sizes and made to order

Each jacket is cut after you order. Standard sizes are XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL and 5XL, plus Custom — send chest, waist, sleeve and back length after checkout at no extra charge. Free worldwide shipping and secure checkout are included.

Shop Related Styles at Leather Outlet

• Men Bomber Leather Jackets
• B3 Bomber Jackets
• Men Leather Jackets
• Full Leather Collection
• Leather Outlet

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this an A-2 rather than a plain bomber?

A pointed shirt collar instead of a knit rib collar, snap-flap patch pockets, epaulettes, and rib only at the cuffs and hem.

Is this military surplus?

No. It is a reproduction of the A-2 pattern in new leather, with no genuine service insignia.

Is the leather real?

Yes, real leather throughout.

Do the pockets close?

Yes, with snap flaps, so contents stay put when you lean forward.

Is it short?

It sits at the waist, as the original pattern did, so it is shorter than a modern casual jacket.

What should I wear underneath?

A shirt or knit suits the shirt collar better than a hoodie does.

How do I care for it?

Dry cloth, keep away from direct heat, condition twice a year. Never machine wash or dry clean.