MA-1 Flight jacket

Marv · Jan 9, 2017

That seems to be the issue with all G&B flight jackets that they run big no matter which type of jacket you order.

I am a relative newcomer to nylon flight jackets and having never owned one of any type before November last year so that's when the learning curve began as the sizing is unique.

I noticed that the sizing is all over the place so it has been a case or trial and error to get the type of fit I would like starting with XL Alpha MA-1 which is a great jacket looks very much line the original contract spec but ended up being a size too large.

Since then have purchased a Weintraub L-2A (Large) and a brand new Alpha MA-1 (2015 sage green colour in a Large) and have a 1961 Skyline MA-1 (in large) coming from the US which looks in decent condition.

So I have adopted the same method using my measurement specs rather going off the jacket label size which I guess most off us do these days.

If the Skyline is in good wearer condition and fits as I hope then I don't think I will purchase any more, as much as I like the L-2, L-2A, L-2B, MA-1 nylon, I am a leather guy at heart and will always prefer the A2 and G1 over all others I guess.

RapidReaper · Jan 9, 2017

Marv said:
I've just managed to score a 1961 Skyline MA-1 size Large off ebay which looks in pretty good condition, should be winging it's way from US at some point this week.

Consider yourself very lucky if you don't have to replace any of the knits. Just doing the cuffs on one of mine was $40 plus the cuffs. A waistband job could easily approach $100. Some seamstresses won't even touch them. They're so tough.

bn1966 · Jan 9, 2017

Marv said:
That seems to be the issue with all G&B flight jackets that they run big no matter which type of jacket you order.

I am a relative newcomer to nylon flight jackets and having never owned one of any type before November last year so that's when the learning curve began as the sizing is unique.

I noticed that the sizing is all over the place so it has been a case or trial and error to get the type of fit I would like starting with XL Alpha MA-1 which is a great jacket looks very much line the original contract spec but ended up being a size too large.

Since then have purchased a Weintraub L-2A (Large) and a brand new Alpha MA-1 (2015 sage green colour in a Large) and have a 1961 Skyline MA-1 (in large) coming from the US which looks in decent condition.

So I have adopted the same method using my measurement specs rather going off the jacket label size which I guess most off us do these days.

If the Skyline is in good wearer condition and fits as I hope then I don't think I will purchase any more, as much as I like the L-2, L-2A, L-2B, MA-1 nylon, I am a leather guy at heart and will always prefer the A2 and G1 over all others I guess.

The nylon buying bug can bite deep too

can potentially be cheaper than leather. I like them both. Need a decent light-weight MA-1 at present...

bn1966 · Jan 9, 2017

Marv said:
That seems to be the issue with all G&B flight jackets that they run big no matter which type of jacket you order.

I am a relative newcomer to nylon flight jackets and having never owned one of any type before November last year so that's when the learning curve began as the sizing is unique.

I noticed that the sizing is all over the place so it has been a case or trial and error to get the type of fit I would like starting with XL Alpha MA-1 which is a great jacket looks very much line the original contract spec but ended up being a size too large.

Since then have purchased a Weintraub L-2A (Large) and a brand new Alpha MA-1 (2015 sage green colour in a Large) and have a 1961 Skyline MA-1 (in large) coming from the US which looks in decent condition.

So I have adopted the same method using my measurement specs rather going off the jacket label size which I guess most off us do these days.

If the Skyline is in good wearer condition and fits as I hope then I don't think I will purchase any more, as much as I like the L-2, L-2A, L-2B, MA-1 nylon, I am a leather guy at heart and will always prefer the A2 and G1 over all others I guess.

If you need any restoration work on the Skyline, I can recommend Bradley's Quality Dry Cleaners. Entrusted several nylon pieces to them & have been very pleased with the results (Bradley's specialise in vintage work)

Marv · Jan 11, 2017

Thanks for the heads up, i'll definately bare it in mind.

Marv · Jan 11, 2017

well the Skyline was shipped yesterday from the US so expecting it some time next week.

Marv · Jan 22, 2017

Well my 1961 Skyline MA-1 has arrived from the US and I must say, for a 56 year old issued jacket it's in really good condition with just a small rip in the left cuff which can be easily darned without too much trouble.

The blackend Conmar zippers work really well both the main zip and on the sleeve pocket also, there outer shell is really clean considering it's age and the only other marks are where the service branch badges have been removed at some point during it's lifetime.

It's a Size Large and fits really well but could be a little longer in the waist by about an inch but other than that, it's a really great jacket.

Modern commercial MA-1 like the Alphas are not a patch on the originals.

Doctor Damage · Jan 22, 2017

Marv said:
Modern commercial MA-1 like the Alphas are not a patch on the originals.

They're not intended to be, of course. To get a modern original, you need to go to Buzz and Buzz prices. There is only a tiny market at that price point, unfortunately.

Anyways, it's great you've managed to score an original in good condition. Rare these days, it seems!

Peacoat · Jan 22, 2017

Marv said:
Well my 1961 Skyline MA-1 has arrived from the US and I must say, for a 56 year old issued jacket it's in really good condition with just a small rip in the left cuff which can be easily darned without too much trouble.

The blackend Conmar zippers work really well both the main zip and on the sleeve pocket also, there outer shell is really clean considering it's age and the only other marks are where the service branch badges have been removed at some point during it's lifetime.

It's a Size Large and fits really well but could be a little longer in the waist by about an inch but other than that, it's a really great jacket.

Modern commercial MA-1 like the Alphas are not a patch on the originals.

Congratulations on getting the '61 Skyline; that was a good score.

They are all short waisted. Some have said it is due to the original owners putting them in the wash instead of following the label instructions and having them dry cleaned. The washing (and especially the dryer heat) causes the wool batting to shrink with a resulting short waist.

I never noticed my L2-b or MA-1 had a short waist because I wore it with a flight suit, which has no belt or waistline.

BlueTrain · Jan 22, 2017

I think most jackets with elasticated bottoms tend to ride up, making them seem shorter in the waist that otherwise. The US Army fleece jacket I'm wearing now does the same think.

But at same time, denim jackets (cowboy style) seem to be made longer than they used to be. Instead of waist length, they're almost hip length. And for some reason, they all seem to be pre-washed, which I'm certain shortens their life.

bn1966 · Jan 22, 2017

Washing worked in my favour with one jacket...an Alpha Replica early MA-1, previous owner appears to have stuck it in the wash with resulting shrinking of the wool interlining shortening the jacket & giving it an overall 'vintage' look & good fit. I obtained an un-adulterated version, same size, it was too big & lacked character

Marv · Jan 23, 2017

Here's a quick photo of my newly acquired 1961 Skyline MA-1 size Large.

Peacoat · Jan 23, 2017

Nice. Looks like my mid 60s Alpha version. My MA-1 is a warm jacket. Your jacket should keep you warm in your UK winters.

Big J · Jan 31, 2017

I have good news!
Here in Japan the cool kids are hanging up their MA-1/L-2b clones! They market must have reached saturation point, because 'the next big thing' has come along to replace it.
So, I don't know how many seasons behind the West is, but there is light st the end of the tunnel- you'll soon be able to enjoy your nylon flight jackets again.
Bad news; kids are wearing really high quality nylon M65 Field coat and Parka liners by themselves. Sometimes in ERDL camp.
Sometimes with short sleeves.
I don't understand 'fashion'.

BlueTrain · Jan 31, 2017

If you are interested in M1 flight jackets, you understand fashion well enough.

Doctor Damage · Feb 19, 2017

SAC nylon

bn1966 · Feb 19, 2017

Big J said:
I have good news!
Here in Japan the cool kids are hanging up their MA-1/L-2b clones! They market must have reached saturation point, because 'the next big thing' has come along to replace it.
So, I don't know how many seasons behind the West is, but there is light st the end of the tunnel- you'll soon be able to enjoy your nylon flight jackets again.
Bad news; kids are wearing really high quality nylon M65 Field coat and Parka liners by themselves. Sometimes in ERDL camp.
Sometimes with short sleeves.
I don't understand 'fashion'.

Just seen a Frankenstein in the Mall....M-65 / MA-1 Hybrid

bn1966 · Feb 19, 2017

Doctor Damage said:
SAC nylon

Saw the film Strategic Air Command & then went and spent a lot of money on SAC nylon.
Keeper from that adventure is my N-2A

Doctor Damage · Feb 19, 2017

Here's a vintage N2B which has had the hood removed and an MA-1 style knit collar installed.

TXFlyGuy · Feb 20, 2017

Funny thing...on my last Tokyo trip, the only people I noticed wearing MA-1's were young 20 something chicks.

MA-1 Flight jacket

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