The “too big” wind flap actually has a purpose: Navy regulations stipulate that if you are wearing a flight jacket in uniform, you must have it zipped up ¾ of the way up. The flap extends ¾ of the way up the placket to be an indicator if one is wearing one’s jacket correctly.
Victor, precisely. Prewar cockpits were largely open air in reconnaissance and training craft. Even in WW2, cockpits were unconditioned and unpressurized. Layering was expected, and the aviator's scarf was not a prop.
Yes, both flight jackets and (often) straight-zipped motorcycle jackets include the wind guard strip attached to the side of the main zipper path. Wind/cold air will otherwise penetrate the closed zipper teeth and chill the wearer or even inflate the jacket/cause it to 'billow.' The wind flap puts a barrier behind the main zipper path to help prevent this. It's a side-benefit, but a benefit nonetheless, that a windflap will also help prevent the zipper teeth from catching on shirt material as the jacket is zipped up. My personal inclination is to buy a well-designed and well-made leather jacket with exactly the features I want, including a wind flap (or none), or epaulets, epaulet stars, and a belt/half-belt (or none), rather than later removing these features from a jacket that already has them. Besides the risk of damaging the jacket's shell or seams/thread--and weakening the seams of a protective motorcycle jacket is a functionally bad idea--removal of such features may also reduce the jacket's resale value later, and may make it look worse because the features were an intended part of its design. The 'quick' removal of epaulets, half-belts, and belt loops from jackets using scissors can look especially sloppy (for those who care about that). Your local leather shop/leather tailor can probably remove such features more adeptly if you really want them gone. Every feature on traditional biker jackets intended for riding serves a desirable functional purpose, including those pesky waist belts/buckles/loops on motorcycle jackets (which also help prevent rushing wind from 'billowing' the jacket or chilling the wearer on the highway) but the biker jacket and flight jacket styles are popular just for their looks/style as streetwear too.
My stepfather's mother made the actual WWII bomber jackets. No one knew until after she had passed, when they found a note from an airman thanking her for keeping him warm on missions over Europe. Apparently the women who worked in the factories put notes in the pockets to the airmen going to the war.
I just scored a G-1 off Poshmark for $55 that looks to be in excellent condition. The only kickers are that it’s a made by Cockpit USA for Bill’s Khakis, doesn’t have the shearling collar & has what appears to be a cotton liner on the body with nylon lined sleeves. It’s listed as a size Large as opposed to Cockpit’s more precise measurements. I’m a 43” chest with a rather broad back, so fingers crossed for fit.
don't think that's a shirt protector. it's a flap to act as a wind break for wind going through the zipper. cuz it's a flight jacket and planes used to not have heating.
There used to be a Cockpit store on Houston and B’way back in the 80s. All the leather stores in NYC started closing early 2000s. Department stores like Macy’s and Sears used to have a leather jacket section. Not sure what happened.
@@Stridewise true but people still shop in stores. The rise of PU leather played a role too. Then after PU leather slowed down, real leather jackets were forgotten by the average consumer.
I’ve had jackets with wind flaps in the past & I had a tailor add a snap to fold them to the inside & stash away when not needed & the jacket open. Those weren’t leather though, so I can’t say that’s an option for that jacket. But it worked great.
Hey Nick, have you ever heard of Avi Leather jackets? They’re similar to Cockpit in that they create reproduction flight jackets. I love their style, and they’re affordable, relative to quality reproduction leather jacket prices.
I just ordered their naval short leather peacoat. It back ordered which takes longer to get, but for nearly 40% off, I'll wait. Stridewise stamp of approval is reassuring. Lol!! After being burned by another brand, THIS is what I'm looking for. Great review too!
You should review “The Jacket Maker” jackets. Very curious what you think. They have a large selection at a very decent price. Their concept is is interesting. Would be very interesting to see you do an in-depth review of their jackets.
If you are feeling that Indiana jones itch, you should try wested. There the og manufactures of the first 3 indy movies. Curious to see your perspective to there goods.
Thanks for the info. If I understand correctly, Cockpit USA leather jackets are not for athletic built guys (wide shoulders with small waist) except the one you have?
I have this jacket, bought it because I wanted ONE jacket to last me a long time. I really like it, however it has this “expensive/fancy” look to it because it is but thats not really my style, it also doesn’t quite match with the rest of my humble wardrobe 😂. I still enjoy wearing it though, it is very comfortable and pretty warm when the temperature drops.
i just bought there new jacket called the battleworn a2 horsehide jacket it is all broken in nice jacket not made for everey one i like it keep up the good work
I’ve got this beautiful Sigg tech leather jacket. I paid a bunch of money for a few years ago. But I bought it too damn big. Do you think these guys would do custom work, or do you know somebody who could properly refill it for me?
Hi Nick thanks for that review. Would love to see one of Gustin's L1 leather jacket they are offering in some horween leather types. I haven't seen a review of that any where and a bit hesitant to pull the trigger on it. It looks like a really nice minimalist jacket which I've been looking for.
those gustin jackets are a slim fit and that horween leather they use is fantastic. the price is unrivaled for a horween leather jacket. i too considered joining a recent campaign but it seems like a few of them failed to fund. i had my eye on the brown dublin. i already have quite a few and i am happy with them outside of them being a bit snug.
There are boots made in India by craft and glory, if possible to review those it'll be great. They are handmade and cost around $200. They are actually less than $200 but shipping to the US may bring the cost up i hope you order one from them and review it soon.
I'd like to get a nice leather jacket (my first) some day but man it's kinda overwhelming due to the options and brands available. I'm a slim guy and like slim, close fitting clothes so the jacket would absolutely have to fall in that category. Is it feasible to order a jacket online without being able to try it on in person? That seems pretty sketchy to me, especially for something so expensive. But I'm not sure there's many options in B&M stores around me.
This brand has a stellar reputation for QC and customer service. Call them and ask about the return/exchange policy, or go visit them if you are ever in Manhattan. IIRC, exchanges are not an issue unless the item was a custom order, or soiled. They sell direct.
SchottNYC Has slim fitting jackets, and amazing customer service. Give them your measurements, they will find you a perfect fitting jacket. This company, CockpitUSA, also has a bunch of jackets that I want, but I've yet to buy anything from them.
I kind of like these jackets, but I'm not sure I agree with the "any body type" comment. All of their leather jackets have those big lower flap pockets that I think are really unflattering on guys with more of a gut going on. Cool brand for sure, though.
I'd love to own one of their jackets but they're just too expensive. After a point, sheepskin is just sheepskin and it costs me 1/3rd the price to get myself a damn good one made in china/Pakistan. They usually market their b3s for 2-250$ but if you're willing to pay $300-$350, you can get everything you want down to the large wrist storm flaps.
haha I was just thinking there are too many NON-boot videos on my channel, that's why I posted my latest! The next one is an incredibly long video about my favorite kind of jacket, stay tuned!
@@Stridewise awesome! Saw your videos on the Grant Stone Kangaroo Ottawas. Love that video! Been thinking of getting a pair to complement similar jacket. At first I was thinking of getting a natural vegetable tanned fringe jacket from banana replublic, but am leaning towards the Thursday racer in the same color😅
Wow, you've either drank the Koolaide or you're a shareholder in Avirex. Sure, they were the first out there making these for the masses and focusing on the marketing before anyone else did. There are SO many better jackets which are less expensive. I guess I must ask if you know authenticity when you see it, and how you'd define it?
@@Stridewise the only thing I wish were different was the actual patch on the Top Gun jacket - they swapped out the Taiwan/Japan operation patch that Maverick's dad had.
@@StridewiseCockpit/Aviax is incredibly well known.....collectors have been avoiding these Mall Jackets since the 80's 😂 Aero Scotland is much more small scale with a price tag and tailoring to match
@@StridewiseI have an All-saints, it’s really nice but not GREAT it’s much thinner cheaper “fashion forward” leather from India. I just bought a cockpit jacket and it’s thick soft n like a tank. I’m just saying, I love my all saints jacket but I know what it is and what it isn’t and it IS NOT great quality
