Every bomber jacket you’ve seen started with this one.
Before it was a fashion staple, the MA-1 was a flight jacket built for military pilots. Alpha Industries made the originals, and it still makes the MA-1 to nearly the same specs today. With fall here, it caught our eye, so our crew dug into what makes it the one to own. Here’s what we found.
What the MA-1 Is
A mid-weight nylon bomber with a knit collar, cuffs and waistband, cut close to the classic military pattern. It’s reversible, with the famous bright orange lining on the inside.
Standout Features
Water-resistant flight nylon
Shrugs off a drizzle on the way to work.
Reversible
Flip it inside out for the safety-orange lining.
The sleeve pocket
The MA-1 utility pocket with Alpha’s signature red ribbon.
Plenty of pockets
Two lower flap pockets and two interior welt pockets.
Fits true to size
Alpha says it runs true for a men’s core fit.
Who It’s For
Guys who want one jacket for fall that works with jeans, chinos or over a hoodie. If you’re a football fan, Alpha also makes NFL team versions with New Era.
What We Want to Find Out
How warm it really is
Mid-weight is great until the first hard frost.
How it fits over a hoodie
A classic cut can get snug.
Best for: guys who want one fall jacket that goes with everything
The perk: the original flight-jacket maker, still built close to the military spec
Caught our eye. A full crew review lands once we’ve worn one through a few cold mornings.
Some links in this post are affiliate links, so our crew may earn a small cut at no cost to you. Product details come from the brand.
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