History of the Leather Bomber Jacket

In the early eighteenth century, leather flight jackets (brown) were worn by people in the armed services and flight crews. By the time of World War 2, the coats were called "bomber jackets" and were heavily valued for their warmth and thick insulation. The jacket was often part of my overall uniform ensemble that was meant to protect us bomber pilots from exposure to the extreme climate conditions found at high altitude. They sometimes were partially made of sheepskin, with intact fleece on the inside to keep us warm. Leather jackets were worn by Russian Bolsheviks and were almost considered an uniform for Commissars during the Civil War in Russia, and later for the members of the Cheka. This practice is said to have been started by Yakov Sverdlov. In the mid 1950's, civilians started to wear the leather flight jacket because of its warmth and versatility as a jacket that could be worn from fall to early spring. Manufacturers changed some of the material elements on the jackets (the collars and cuffs were changed from wool to an acrylic knit.) Water repellent treatments were used for coats sold in wetter climates. From the 1960's to the 1980's, leather bomber jackets became a fashion statement and became a symbol for rebels and counter culture youth, including the Punk movement. These folks dyed their jackets in bold colors and customized them. Actors in blockbuster films during the 80's were known for wearing leather flight jackets. Harrison Ford in the Indiana Jones movies, and Steve McQueen in The Hunter, are two examples of this popular influence on fashion.

Raw Materials 

Buckskin, antelope, sheepskin, lambskin, and cowhide are the hides most commonly used to make leather jackets. When the animal's skin is removed at the meat processing plant, workers refrigerate it, salt it, or pack them in barrels of brine. It is then sent to the tannery. These skins then undergo several processes designed to preserve and soften them. Sewing materials such as zippers, lining, thread, seam tape, buttons, and snaps are usually bought from outside vendors and stored in a garment factory. Design of the jacket depends on the manufacturer. Linings can range from quilted material to silk to cotton. Well was originally used in the collar and cuffs of the flight jacket for warmth. Some jackets are made with detachable fur collars. 

Read more blogs from MyBomberJacket.com