grommet
Member
"We are fascinated by the A-2 jacket. More than likely, if you're visiting our site, you are too..." so went the first words of a well known web site.
My question is, "why are YOU fascinated by the A-2 jacket?"
On scouring a number of books on the subject, I have found surprisingly little discussion about this. The following just about summarizes it:
From Nelson and Parson's "Hell-Bent for Leather":
"...the jacket had a tough, can-do-edge. It looked informal but extremely capable, utilitarian but with a touch of swagger..."
"It had a rare combination of image and mission."
"Something about the leather flight jacket symbolized their [early pilot's] spirit."
From Gary Eastman's "Type A-2 Flight Jacket Identification Manual":
"Its iconic status was further galvanised [sic] in true American fashion when it was 'recruited' once agin, this time by Hollywood. If Hollywood wanted to portray a cool-looking, street-wise youth, a tough likable rogue, or a wartime hero, the chances are he would be wearing an A-2."
From Jon Maguire's "Gear Up!":
"A seasoned A-2 jacket was a status symbol among airmen."
From Marc Weinshenker's Website "Acme Depot":
""It would be perfectly accurate to call me a fanatic about A-2 jackets. Every detail evokes my wide-eyed enthusiasm. Every original jacket I handle has its own special story."
"The A-2 maintains a strong presence to this day due to its rugged simplicity and to an undying aura of triumph and tradition...Besides, an A-2 just flat out looks cool."
In Maguire and Conway's "The Art of the Flight Jacket" and "American Flight Jackets" there is almost no discussion of this.
I know that this is a personal question to be asking. I know there are many reasons for the "jacket sickness".
I will take the plunge first:
1. To me, the best thing about the A-2 is that it can be worn without embarrassment in public and, in doing so, believe that it makes you look dashing, roguish and (even more) youthful.
2. Wearing an A-2 sets you apart from the crowd - jacketed in ill fitting, garish colored, synthetic material bearing fashion, corporate or sport team logos.
3. It somehow ties you to a time of epic struggle between good and evil with the fate of the world literally hanging in the balance.
4. The leather is beautiful to behold and smells great (there are, of course, many exceptions to this).
5. The design is beautiful. (Although it would be more functional with inside and handwarmer pockets, the A-2 is clearly a case of form trumping function.)
6. It is made by hand and the pride of workmanship is obvious.
7. Even though the design was standardized by the military and the various contracts may look similar to the uninitiated, each jacket is absolutely unique.
I invite your thoughts.
My question is, "why are YOU fascinated by the A-2 jacket?"
On scouring a number of books on the subject, I have found surprisingly little discussion about this. The following just about summarizes it:
From Nelson and Parson's "Hell-Bent for Leather":
"...the jacket had a tough, can-do-edge. It looked informal but extremely capable, utilitarian but with a touch of swagger..."
"It had a rare combination of image and mission."
"Something about the leather flight jacket symbolized their [early pilot's] spirit."
From Gary Eastman's "Type A-2 Flight Jacket Identification Manual":
"Its iconic status was further galvanised [sic] in true American fashion when it was 'recruited' once agin, this time by Hollywood. If Hollywood wanted to portray a cool-looking, street-wise youth, a tough likable rogue, or a wartime hero, the chances are he would be wearing an A-2."
From Jon Maguire's "Gear Up!":
"A seasoned A-2 jacket was a status symbol among airmen."
From Marc Weinshenker's Website "Acme Depot":
""It would be perfectly accurate to call me a fanatic about A-2 jackets. Every detail evokes my wide-eyed enthusiasm. Every original jacket I handle has its own special story."
"The A-2 maintains a strong presence to this day due to its rugged simplicity and to an undying aura of triumph and tradition...Besides, an A-2 just flat out looks cool."
In Maguire and Conway's "The Art of the Flight Jacket" and "American Flight Jackets" there is almost no discussion of this.
I know that this is a personal question to be asking. I know there are many reasons for the "jacket sickness".
I will take the plunge first:
1. To me, the best thing about the A-2 is that it can be worn without embarrassment in public and, in doing so, believe that it makes you look dashing, roguish and (even more) youthful.
2. Wearing an A-2 sets you apart from the crowd - jacketed in ill fitting, garish colored, synthetic material bearing fashion, corporate or sport team logos.
3. It somehow ties you to a time of epic struggle between good and evil with the fate of the world literally hanging in the balance.
4. The leather is beautiful to behold and smells great (there are, of course, many exceptions to this).
5. The design is beautiful. (Although it would be more functional with inside and handwarmer pockets, the A-2 is clearly a case of form trumping function.)
6. It is made by hand and the pride of workmanship is obvious.
7. Even though the design was standardized by the military and the various contracts may look similar to the uninitiated, each jacket is absolutely unique.
I invite your thoughts.
