The MA-1 bomber jacket also
know as the MA-1 flight jacket
was first developed in the mid
1950's. The MA-1 bomber
jackets were needed at that
time because the emergence of
the jet age created new
requirements for pilot
performance, safety and
comfort. The MA-1 was designed
by the Air Force to serve as
an intermediate weight flight
jacket for use all year. This
was accomplished by
manufacturing the MA-1 from
very high quality nylon
fabrics and polyester
interlinings. The light weight
nylon design allowed the pilot
in warm weather to wear the
jacket open and be
comfortable; upon entering the
aircraft, the pilot could zip
the MA-1 closed and be
afforded ample protection
against the cold conditions
encountered in flight. The MA-
1 Jacket not only keeps the
wearer warm, but is highly
comfortable, the jacket is
very popular in Europe and
Australia during the winter.
The jacket is also worn by
many people in North America,
where it is commonly known as
a bomber jacket, especially in
areas with cold weather. These
bomber jackets became popular
in the late 1970s. During the
1980s the bomber jackets had
extensive exposure in style
magazines such as The Face and
i-D, often reimagined by
clothes designers of the time.
The MA-1 is also in use in
several police forces where
cold weather is a part of
everyday life. They were
chosen over several other
designs primarily for the
sturdy construction, and the
heavy insulation needed in
extreme cold temperatures.
