Vintage Leather Jackets

The first mass-produced leather jackets were made for military pilots in World War I as a utilitarian part of their uniforms: Most planes had open-air cockpits at this time, so pilots needed something to keep them warm and comfortable at high altitudes. In 1917, the U.S. Army created its Aviation Clothing Board, which issued leather flight jackets featuring zipper closures covered with wind flaps, tall wraparound collars, and fitted cuffs....Continue Reading