Goatskin Flight Jacket

This is the original Banana Republic Flight Jacket, dating from 1982 to 1985 when the Leather Flight Jacket replaced it. It’s distinguished by it’s dark brown almost black color, dark mouton snap-on collar, and buttons on the pockets.

From the 1982 catalogue that introduced it: “Over the years we’ve examined, tested and lived with virtually every quality flight jacket offered in this country and abroad. What we’ve decided to do this year is combine all the best features of all the best jackets, thereby making it economical for us to feature one very special jacket at one very special price. Our Goatskin Flight Jacket first and foremost is inspired by the original, which was designed for U.S. Navy pilots in the 1940’s. Like the original, ours is cut one at a time, with the finest grade skins, matched impeccably by hand. Every detail in Douglas MAcArthur’s jacket is in ours as well: genuine mouton (sheered sheep fur) collar, resilient imported goatskin, gussets for unrestricted arm movement, bi-swing back, inside map pocket, satin lining, weather collar tab, no-snag zipper guard. Here’s what we’ve added: a more modern fit (A little shorter in the body, with the jacket falling just below the belt line), a richer chocolate brown color, grommets for extra ventilation under the arms, and most importantly, side-entry pockets. What inspired the design originally was a need to provide flyers with a tough, warm cockpit jacket that weighed little and was not bulky. Forty years later, no other jacket does it quiet as well, and ours-the most authentic, the most detailed, for a reasonable price.-would take a gold medal in any competition. Any time you’re ready, Calvin Klein.”