A-1 Flight Jacket

A-1 was issued between 1927 to 1931. It was worn by the flying superstars of the day, such as Jimmy Doolittle. The A-1 was the first jacket to feature a knitted wool waistband and cuffs, which would set the design standard for flight jackets going forward. It also featured a capeskin exterior (a kind of sheepskin), two flapped cargo pockets, a heavy cotton lining, and horn buttons for fastening. The military eventually abandoned capeskin, as it was not durable enough to survive the utilitarian purpose it was created for.