DESCRIPTION

Originally developed for U.S. Air Force pilots in the early Cold War era, the MA-1 flight jacket was officially introduced in 1958 under specification MIL-J-8279. It was designed to meet the evolving needs of jet aviation. As aircraft cabins became more confined and flight conditions more demanding, earlier bulky shearling jackets were replaced by lighter, more practical nylon garments offering improved mobility, wind resistance, and thermal efficiency.

One of the MA-1’s most distinctive features is its bright orange lining, conceived as a survival and rescue tool. In the event of an emergency landing, pilots could reverse the jacket to increase visibility from the air, making it easier for search and rescue teams to locate them across snow, water, or rugged terrain. This dual-purpose construction reflects the military logic behind the MA-1, where every element served a clear and functional role, a design ethos that later carried the jacket from flight gear into civilian and cultural history.

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ERA

Contemporary reinterpretation by UNIVERSAL SURPLUS

ORIGIN

U.S. Air Force 

FABRIC

Inner and outer shell: 100% Nylon.

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SIZE & FIT

Irving is 1m78, 69kg — wearing size Medium

SIZE	A	B	C	D
X-SMALL	50.5 CM	67.5 CM	61 CM	60 CM
SMALL	53 CM	69 CM	62 CM	62 CM
MEDIUM	55.5 CM	71 CM	63 CM	62.5 CM
LARGE	57.5 CM	74 CM	64 CM	63 CM
X-LARGE	61 CM	76.5 CM	65 CM	63.5 CM
XX-LARGE	63 CM	79.5 CM	67.5 CM	65 CM

HOW TO MESURE :

Measurements are taken laid flat.

(A) Shoulder: Measured straight across from shoulder seam to shoulder seam.

(B) Chest: Measured from pit to pit.

(C) Back length: Measured from the base of the collar to the bottom hem.

(D) Sleeve: Measured from shoulder seam to cuff.

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INFO

CARE

Machine wash at 30°
Do not bleach
Tumble dry low
Iron on medium heat

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PRODUCTION

Made in China