First issued to US Air Force pilots in the early 1950s, the Type L-2B flight jacket was originally designed as a lightweight alternative to the bulky MA-1. By stripping away non-essential pockets and heavy insulation, the L-2B was much sleeker than its predecessors, offering pilots enhanced comfort and manoeuvrability while in the cockpit. However, like many military surplus designs, this now iconic jacket was quickly embraced by the American youth subcultures of the 1960s, permeating pop culture where it remains a staple of rebel fashion to this day.
Inspired by those original jackets, this take on the L2-B combines traditional materials and design features with one of our toughest fabrics. Constructed from 17oz cotton duck canvas, the outer shell is incredibly hardwearing, with comfort and warmth provided by a lightly padded diamond quilt liner. Finished with tubular knitted elasticated collar, cuffs and hem, a heavy-duty 2-way zipper and an interior ‘gun’ pocket - the resulting jacket pays unique homage to a military classic, offering timeless style and rugged durability.