USAAF A-2 Horsehide Bomber Jacket
Stated first: this is a fashion jacket in the A-2 style — not military issue, not surplus, with no insignia, contract labels or squadron markings and no affiliation with any air force. What makes it worth a separate page is the hide: horsehide is the material the earliest A-2 contracts specified, and it behaves unlike anything else. It sits in our aviator and pilot leather jackets range.
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Material: Genuine horsehide
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Fit: A-2 cut, close chest and short body
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Closure: Front zip with knit cuffs and waistband
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Color: Brown
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Care: Dry wipe, condition twice a year, expect a long break-in
What horsehide does that cowhide does not
Horse leather has a denser, tighter fibre structure than cow. Three consequences follow. It is stiffer when new — noticeably so, and it takes months rather than weeks to break in fully. It creases into sharp, hard folds rather than soft rolls, which is why old horsehide jackets have that distinctive angular grain across the sleeves and back that collectors look for. And it is exceptionally durable: a horsehide jacket outlasts a cowhide one of the same weight by a wide margin.
Being honest about the break-in
The first month in a horsehide jacket is genuinely stiff. Elbows resist, the collar stands away, and it does not yet move with you. This is normal and it is the price of the material. From about the second month it starts to give, and from the first year on it is one of the most comfortable things you can own — moulded to your shape and holding it. If you want a jacket that is comfortable from day one, lambskin or goatskin is the honest recommendation instead.
How it ages
Horsehide develops the hardest, most defined creasing of any jacket leather, and the high points lighten sharply against dark folds. It is the reason horsehide reproductions are the ones collectors chase. Use a clear conditioner twice a year; a pigmented one flattens the developing contrast.
Sizing and made to order
Buy close over a T-shirt — horsehide relaxes with wear and does not shrink back, and a loose horsehide jacket never looks right. 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 B3 leather bomber jackets. Everything is at Leather Outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is horsehide different from cowhide?
A denser fibre structure — stiffer when new, sharper creasing, and considerably more durable.
How long does it take to break in?
Months rather than weeks. It is genuinely stiff for the first month and comfortable from the first year on.
Should I buy horsehide?
If you want a jacket that lasts decades and ages dramatically, yes. If you want comfort from day one, choose lambskin or goatskin instead.
Is this military issue?
No. It is a fashion jacket in the A-2 style, with no insignia or affiliation.
How should it fit?
Close over a T-shirt. Horsehide relaxes with wear and does not shrink back.
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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