A-2 Flight Jacket Guide: History, Details, Fit and How to Wear It

Few jackets have a clearer origin story than the A-2 flight jacket. It was designed for military pilots in the early 1930s, and its short, clean shape has barely changed since, which is exactly why it still works with jeans, chinos and knitwear today. This guide covers where it came from, the details that define it, how it should fit and how to wear one.

What Is an A-2 Flight Jacket?

The A-2 is a short leather flight jacket first issued to US Army Air Corps pilots and aircrew. It ends at the waist with a knit band, closes with a zip and keeps decoration to a minimum: a collar, two pockets and a pair of epaulets.

People often call it a bomber jacket, and in everyday shopping terms that's fair. But the A-2 is one specific, documented design rather than a general style. Because it was made for a cramped cockpit, it is trim through the body with no long hem to bunch up when you sit, and that practical cut is a big part of why it still looks sharp off duty.

A Short History of the A-2

The US Army Air Corps adopted the A-2 as standard issue on May 9, 1931, as the successor to the A-1. The A-1 had a knit collar and a button front; the A-2 replaced those with a leather shirt-style collar and a zip.

The original specification called for seal brown horsehide. As production grew around the start of World War II, cowhide and goatskin were also allowed. During the war the A-2 became the defining jacket of American aircrew, and many crews personalized theirs with squadron patches and painted artwork on the back.

In 1943 newer designs took over as standard, although A-2s already in stock stayed in use for years. The US Air Force brought the jacket back for aircrew in the late 1980s: a 1987 regulation allowed it to be worn again, and the first new jackets, made in goatskin, were delivered in 1988. The A-2 jacket entry on Wikipedia has more on the original contracts.

The Signature Details of an A-2 Flight Jacket

Original A-2s were made by many different contractors, so small details varied, but the core features are consistent:

• Snap-down shirt collar. A leather collar with hidden snaps that hold the points flat. Originals also had a small hook at the throat to close the collar against wind.
• Shoulder epaulets. Plain leather straps stitched down at the shoulder.
• Two patch pockets with snap flaps. Set low on the front of the body, one on each side.
• Knit cuffs and waistband. Knit trims at the wrists and hem seal out drafts and let the body blouse slightly over the waist.
• Front zip. A full-length zip in place of the A-1's buttons.
• Short, clean body. Waist length with a plain back, so the jacket stays neat when you sit or drive.

How the A-2 Compares With Other Flight Jackets

The A-2 belongs to a family of military flight jackets, each built for a different job. We cover the others in their own guides, so here is the short version:

• A-1: the A-2's predecessor, with a knit collar and buttons. See our A-1 flight jacket guide.
• B-3: a heavy sheepskin jacket made for high-altitude bomber crews, far warmer and bulkier than the A-2. Our A-2 vs B-3 comparison explains when each makes sense.
• G-1: the US Navy's close relative, in goatskin with its own collar and pocket details. Read the G-1 flight jacket guide for the differences.

If you would like one of your own, these three are made in the A-2 style in genuine leather in our workshop. Each product page lists the exact details and measurements.

Men's Distressed Brown Lightweight Cowhide A-2 Flight JacketMen's Black Leather A-2 Flight JacketWomen's Distressed Brown Lambskin A-2 Flight Jacket

How Should an A-2 Flight Jacket Fit?

An A-2 should look neat rather than tight. Because the waistband is knit, you can't adjust the hem, so fit through the chest and length matters more than usual.

• Length: the waistband should sit at your belt line or just above it. If it rides down onto your hips, the jacket is too long.
• Chest: zipped over a T-shirt or oxford shirt, it should feel close without pulling across the front, with room for a light sweater underneath.
• Shoulders: the seam should land at the edge of your shoulder bone, with the epaulets lying flat.
• Sleeves: with your arms at your sides, the knit cuffs should reach your wrist bone. A little extra length is normal, since the cuffs gather the sleeve and it pulls back when you reach forward.
• Blousing: a little fullness above the waistband is part of the look. A lot of it means the body is too big.

Measure a jacket that fits you well and compare it with our size guide. If you fall between sizes, choose "Customise Size (made to measure)" on the product page, then email info@whiteburaq.com with your order number and measurements; made-to-measure pieces take about 2 weeks. Standard sizes can be returned within 30 days of delivery, unworn and unused with all tags attached, while made-to-measure sizes are final sale.

How to Wear an A-2 Flight Jacket

The A-2's strength is its simplicity. Treat it as a smarter alternative to a denim jacket and build around plain, good-quality basics.

• White tee, dark jeans, leather boots. The classic. Slim or straight jeans keep the waistband visible.
• Oxford shirt and chinos. A light blue or white oxford with khaki or olive chinos and suede chukkas or loafers suits casual Fridays and weekend lunches.
• Crewneck sweater and gray trousers. A navy or cream knit under a brown A-2 is an easy cold-weather look.
• Henley and work pants. More rugged, and a natural match for distressed brown leather.

Brown is the traditional color and the most versatile, while black reads a little sharper for evenings. Either way, go easy on military extras: one patch or none, not aviator sunglasses, cargo pants and a stack of insignia all at once.

How Women Can Style an A-2

Women's A-2 styles are usually cut with more shape at the waist, which makes them a natural partner for high-rise bottoms.

• High-rise straight jeans and loafers, with a tucked-in tee or fine knit so the waistband lines up with your natural waist.
• Over a slip or midi dress with ankle boots, for contrast between soft fabric and leather.
• Wide-leg trousers and a turtleneck for an office-friendly take.
• A striped tee and black jeans with white sneakers for weekends.

For more shapes and colors, browse our women's bomber jackets.

FAQ

Is an A-2 the same as a bomber jacket?

It is one type of flight jacket that people commonly call a bomber. "Bomber" is a broad shopping term, while the A-2 is a specific design with its own collar, pockets and knit trims.

What leather were original A-2 jackets made from?

The first specification called for horsehide. Cowhide and goatskin were later allowed as wartime demand grew, and the jackets reissued to US Air Force aircrew from 1988 were goatskin.

Should an A-2 flight jacket be tight?

No. It should fit close and end at the waist, but you should be able to zip it over a light sweater and move your arms freely.

Can you wear an A-2 in winter?

It works on its own for cool fall and spring days, and with a sweater underneath for colder weather. For deep cold, a heavier sheepskin style like the B-3 is the better tool.

The A-2 flight jacket has outlasted nearly a century of fashion because it does a few things very well: it is short, clean, practical and easy to dress up or down. When you are ready to find yours, explore our bomber and flight jackets.