The evolution of the pilot jacket
From A1-G1-B3, why does a pilot jacket have so many styles?
The origin of the flight jacket can be traced back to the early 20th century. During World War I, the cockpit of early aircraft was open, and pilots faced extremely low temperatures when flying at high altitudes, so they needed enough warm clothing. In 1915, the British Royal Flying Corps took the lead in using leather to make long heavy leather jackets to cope with the cold environment at high altitudes. In 1917, the United States set up a special aviation clothing committee to develop flight jackets and various aviation equipment, but during the test, it was found that during high-altitude flights, heavy wool materials would freeze due to excessive humidity in the air, which might cause pilots to lose temperature. Later, it was found that leather could be perfectly replaced due to its breathable, waterproof and strong warmth retention. The A1 jacket was born, and its left and right collars could be closed by hooks, tightly wrapping the collar that was most likely to get in the wind in the open cabin.
Later, people found that since the collar could be hooked, why couldn't the collar material also be made of leather? This will make it warmer. So G1 is the upgraded version of A1 with fur collar.
In 1934, the B3 flight jacket was launched. B is the code name for winter jackets, and the wool texture inside is more resistant to freezing. This jacket uses the now-known "fur and leather" process. In order to ensure the body temperature of soldiers in harsh environments, the best lamb wool without fur is selected for production, making full use of the warmth retention of wool itself. The zipper and metal buckle are treated with corrosion resistance, cowhide stitching is added to the leather joints, the straps on the wool lapel are designed to preserve the temperature of the neck, and the belt buckles on both sides of the body have the dual functions of windproof and heat dissipation.
The evolution history of the pilot jacket is an optimization and improvement made for severe weather conditions, and it is also a microcosm of human beings constantly challenging themselves, pursuing adaptation and breakthroughs in extreme environments. From A1 to G1 to B3, the birth of each jacket embodies a deep insight into the environment, precise selection of materials and unremitting exploration of craftsmanship. They not only provide life-threatening protection for pilots, but also become a symbol of human courage and wisdom in the long river of history, witnessing the leap of aviation from its infancy to its glory. And this design concept of continuous optimization to adapt to the environment has long surpassed the field of flight and become a permanent revelation in modern fashion design and even in a wider range of fields.