About MA1 Bomber Jackets in UK
Like other leather bomber jackets, the ma1 bomber jacket is also a product of military fashion that started during the cold war and eventually got integrated into everyday fashion of civilians. It was a later edition to the a2 bomber jackets, g1 bomber jacket and b3 bomber jackets that came earlier on.
No jacket can match the versatility of bomber jackets. That’s probably a notion everyone is aware of.
The best thing about these jackets is that they not only provided protection but also proved functional and a rather style-forward option for both soldiers and civilians once they became available in markets.
The reversible inner lining, sleek silhouette and functional properties still make it a viable option for today’s world, where people are still adopting the ma1 bomber jacket as they did back in the day.
So what makes the ma1 bomber jacket so special that it remains valid in this age?
Let’s have a closer look at the outerwear and how it came to place.
History of MA1 bomber jacket
The ma1 bomber jacket was created during the cold war, and eventually replaced the b13 jackets, men’s leather jackets, worn at that time, by pilots who were operating at high altitudes. Although the B13 jacket proved effective against the cold, it formed a liability for the pilots due to the fur collar which got in the way as they put on their parachute harnesses.
Ma1 bomber jackets came as an effective solution to this mess, where it introduced a knit collar that gave it a sleek appearance and made it more functional for pilots and navy soldiers. It became a staple for military wear, which was mostly the case in 1960s and 1970s, before it took the much needed leap and became available for civilians who were head over heels for the garment as soon as it came out.
They were found in a plethora of colors making it more suitable for everyday wear; the founding of new subcultures, made the ma1 jacket even more popular. These included punk, hip hop and streetwear that adopted the ma1 bomber jacket willingly, thanks to its rugged yet stylish appearance.
Ma1 jackets were not only relevant during the 1990s and Y2K, but formed part of mainstream fashion, being donned by pop stars and our favorite Hollywood stars that inevitably started trends among their fans.
With its versatile design and the sleek yet effortless persona the ma1 bomber offers, it was bound to make waves and continues to do so, till this day.
Style and Design of MA1 Bomber Jacket for UK
Even though ma1 jackets were created for pilots operating in open cockpits, they are quite different from aviator leather jackets, the earlier version of flight jackets, made in the 20th century. With their furry collars they gave the distinct appearance of men’s fur and shearling jackets, with their leather exterior and furry lining peeking out from their collars.
Like the a2 bomber jacket, the ma1 bomber was designed to be men’s lightweight jackets for flight, suitable for warmer weather, because even though it is warm on land, the temperatures can drop significantly low on higher altitudes. The ma1 bomber jacket formed a suitable alternative for the bulky g1 and b3 bomber jackets and allowed them to be worn and enjoyed by civilians and soldiers alike.
MA1 jackets usually feature a weather resistant exterior making them great softshell jackets which prepare you to battle the external elements with style. The jacket features ribbed cuffs, collar and waist, and has an overall blouson silhouette that allows it to fit neatly on most body shapes and also proves quite effective for layering.
The original design was made to be reversible, with an olive green exterior and orange lining, where the bright color proved effective during times of emergency as soldiers wore it inwards out as a form of warning to other soldiers. You can still find the reversible feature in ma1 bomber jackets, but it will mostly be available in nylon ma1 bomber jackets, rather than leather or suede.
Despite being a lightweight jacket, the ma1 bomber is equipped to keep you warm with a wool lining that acts as an insulator, and keeps you warm and cozy all winter long. The roomy fit allows you to fit in extra layers, which can prove especially beneficial when you are planning an outdoor adventure in colder months.
MA1 Bomber Jackets for Men and Women
Mens’s ma1 bomber jackets are available for both men and women. In fact you can even wear them as unisex ma1 bomber jackets, where you can go for hooded bomber jackets or custom bomber jackets, for a ma1 bomber jacket designed especially for you.
Ma1 bomber jackets are also available as leather jackets for women where they offer a more form fitted silhouette and allow you to dress it in a smart casual or even semi formal manner.
So whether you are going for men’s hooded jackets or women bomber jackets, know that an ma1 bomber jacket is an outerwear both genders can count on without any second thoughts. You can dress them up or down according to the occasion, and manage to turn countless heads as long as you get the basics right, without putting in much effort.
FAQs About MA1 Bomber Leather Jackets
What is the meaning of the ma1 bomber jacket?
The MA1 in ma1 bomber jacket refers to Military Alpha version 1, and served as a replacement for leather jackets designed for the flight crew.
What is the difference between MA1 and MA2 bomber jackets?
The MA1 was designed specifically for the soldiers, while MA2 bomber jackets took inspiration from the design and used it to make a more civilian friendly style that they could wear on a daily basis. The main difference lies in their collars where the MA2 bomber has a more formal outlook than MA1 bomber jackets due to its pointed corner that can be folded down and also features a sleek appearance.
How to style MA1 bomber jackets?
With its ribbed cuffs and collar, and blouson shape the MA1 bomber jacket is best suited to casual settings with basic pieces to allow the outerwear to shine. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t put effort to level up your outfit to rock a smart casual look. Choose a darker ma1 jacket and pair it with a button down shirt, dark wash jeans, or chinos and a pair of low top sneakers for a smart casual look.
Conclusion
Ma1 bomber jackets have come a long way from being exclusively military wear, to a timeless fashion statement that's hard to knock out of its place. The outerwear is just as versatile as other versions of bomber jackets, which means you can dress them as you please to suit the occasion. Ma1 bomber jackets for the UK also form great winter jackets due to their functional properties and stylish outlook. All in all, if you haven’t opted for a ma1jacket yet, you are missing out; big time.