Landing Leathers Men's A-2 Air Force Genuine Leather Bomber Jacket

Having grown up a WW2 history buff, I was always a fan of the iconic A2 leather flight jacket. This version is not an authentic A2, but it is close enough in form and function. The leather is soft and comfortable with no stiffness; it seems to be of a very good quality for the price point. There was absolutely no strange smell when I opened the box, or after a month of wear. The cuffs and the hem are ribbed, just like the original A2. And the zipper is of good quality. The front pocket placement and flap shape are reminiscent of the original A2, and like the original A2, the flaps have snap button closures. Like the original A2, the front pockets also function as hand warmers. The collars seem to be slightly wider than the original A2, but it is barely noticeable, and like the original A2, the collars can be fastened to the jacket with snap buttons. The interior of the jacket has only one pocket, unlike the original A2 which has two. The lining is a soft, cotton blend emblazoned with a large US Flag. I am just over 5ft 11in tall, and weigh around 180lbs, my shoulders are fairly broad, and a size Large fits me just about perfectly. This style jacket is supposed to sit right at your waist, which is one of the reasons I like it, and the size Large sits at my waist exactly where it should; sleeve length is also perfect for my height. If my shoulders were less wide, and if I preferred wearing only a tee-shirt underneath, it is possible that a size medium would fit me, though sleeve length could possibly be an issue if I sized down. But I like to layer my clothes, especially during the winter months, and I can wear a button shirt with a sweater over top while wearing this jacket, and it is still comfortable to wear, as in roomy without appearing too baggy or loose. All in all I am incredibly pleased with this purchase. The fit is great, the materials are high quality, and the jacket looks fantastic; I've received compliments just about every time I've worn it.

...but this time I really wanted to let those interested in A2 jackets like this one why I like the jacket so much. I've owned other, more expensive A2 jackets, including a Cooper government issue Air Force jacket, and another from another popular manufacturer. Let me tell you why I prefer this one better. 1) I actually LIKE the sleeve and waist elastics better on this jacket. They tend to pill a bit but that's what also seems to make them more pliable and break in around my wrists and waist much more comfortably while still being just as sturdy as my other jackets' elastics. These may LOOK like they're wearing out faster, but they're not, they're just more "lived in" looking. 2) The inside of the sleeves are made of a different material than the inside of the body of the jacket, designed specifically to keep the warmth but make it easier to slide it on when wearing a long sleeve shirt or sweater under the jacket. My Cooper is quite hard to try on and off because of the friction in the sleeves unless I'm wearing a tee shirt only. 3) The leather is VERY nice, smells nice, soft but not fragile, and breaks in better around my body than my other A2's. 4) It is both lighter yet warmer than my other A2's. 5) Just a more immediately usable and wearable jacket from the start. Very user friendly. Feels like an old friend already. In all, I really like this jacket better than the more expensive ones I have. It is overall better designed for usability and everyday wear. I think he government should issue this one to our military as it's such a great jacket. I had an XL of this same one years ago, but lost a bunch of weight and reordered this one in a Large Tall which seems to maintain the length of the XL but brings in the waist and chest which fits me better now than my old one. (P.S. For you try A2 collectors this is NOT a spec WWII style super form fitting jacket. One of my other two is like that, and though I love the "idea" of that jacket, this one is the one I'd want with me if I needed to see any sort of physical action out there.) Anthony Ferraioli, M.D. author, You, Your Marriage, Your Kids

This is a great "bomber-style" jacket at the price. First - the so-called bomber jacket was introduced for American fliers in the early 1930's. They had some distinctive features and were treasured items for those who received them. Apparently, original bomber jackets in good condition can cost upwards of $1000 today. Second - when you buy this jacket, it is important that you understand what you are getting (and not getting) so you will not be disappointed. What it is NOT - this is not an original, authentic US Airforce A2 bomber jacket. It is not correct in every detail. For instance, original specs called for a single piece leather back, for comfort and durability. This jacket has a three piece leather back (nothing wrong with that, it is the same as my fancy and very costly dressy leather jacket in my closet). It is leather, but the originals were specifically made from goat or horse leather (the type of leather is not specified in this jacket). The original jackets were cut very tight across the waist and shoulders and did not have dual entry pockets - a handwarmer pocket behind the patch pockets on the front (more recent genuine jackets, starting in the 1980's, had a fuller cut and dual entry pockets - this jacket features a fuller cut and dual entry pockets, like the more recent versions, and these features add to the comfort level). What it IS - this is a very well made jacket of soft but durable leather. I have had mine for about 3 weeks and am very pleased. A history buff may notice that it is not accurate in all details, but to everyone else this is a very cool looking "bomber jacket". The lining is soft but strong, and the jacket will keep you warm in weather down to about 45 degrees. It is not a ski jacket, it will probably not keep you warm in extreme cold (even the original was not intended to keep fliers warm at very high altitudes). The jacket is cut full enough to wear a thin sweater underneath. I find that it is true to size (I bought a medium, same size as my other leather jacket). The jacket even has a genuine YKK zipper, a quality detail. Like all fine leather, it had a strong leather smell when new, and is now fading away. Looking around online, you can certainly buy a bomber jacket more accurate in detail, but it will cost about $100 to $400 more. For me, that is irrelevant. If you spend the money, YOU will be the only one to notice the difference. All in all, I don't think you can find a better made, more typical looking bomber jacket than this one at this price. I believe you will be very satisfied. I know I am.

I was skeptical despite all the good reviews, but when I saw it on a Lightning deal, I decided to give it a shot. The overall design and fit/feel is very nice. I'm 5'-10", 190 lbs, and the Large fits great, including arms and shoulders. The lining is nice, and the fill makes the jacket pretty warm even in winter conditions. I wish it had 2 inside pockets instead of one, but no biggie. The leather does look and feel quite nice, and exceeded my expectations. It was softer than I expected. I have another, more expensive, leather jacket and while I think that one has better-looking leather, it's not by a lot. As for durability, we'll have to wait and see. The construction is very good and appears to be pretty rugged. No defects with stitching or anything else. Good zipper. Overall I'm pleased. At the stated retail price, I would not bother. At half that, I'd say fair deal. At the Lightning Deal price, I feel I got a very good deal.

Don't know what's up with the negative reviews, but this jacket is great. I was first impressed by the fact that it was packaged on a hanger. The hanger was plastic, but hey. The leather (cowhide) is just the right thickness, supple but substantial. The lining is a kind of light flannel weight and texture. The zipper is metal and substantial (remember metal zippers?) and a flap covers it on the front side for a finished look. As for the fit, this is nearly always an issue when buying clothes online. Even though I am a medium, I have a broad back. This means I have to take a large in this sort of thing. The fit around the chest was fine, as was the waist -- which has a snap along with the zipper -- and length. Sleeves were just a bit long, but I like that in this sort of jacket because I don't like the sleeves riding up every time I raise my arms, as with the steering wheel when driving. If I had ordered a medium, it would have been wrong just about everywhere. So if you're fat, I can't help you. If you're thin, you'd probably prefer a medium. But if you're neither one nor the other but rather a "catalog medium" and want a slightly longer sleeve (not one that's going to hang around your knees), I'd go with the large. I mean this price. Can you believe it? Years ago, during the Raiders of the Lost Ark mania, Disneyland had jackets something like this for over $300 but I didn't buy one because I just couldn't part with the $300 and I've regretted it ever since. This one is much like it though not "distressed" and a third of the price. What's not to like?

I'm 6'3, 270lbs-- rarely finding things that fit me well. This jacket was an exception, and fits great. The Pro's: *came packaged like a Christmas package-- wrapped in tissue paper, and encased in a nice plastic sleeve with hanger. Made for a really nice statement, after opening the box. *nice grade of leather, finish and color. The stitching is tough, solid and precise. No thread ends or loose stitches needing attention. *smooth comfortable lining-- one of my pet peeves is a coat or jacket with a fabric lining that grabs your shirt when you try to put it on. This lining is quilt like, and the jacket glides right on. *single, strong zipper--I'm not a fan of jackets with zippers that also have a series of snap closures, to close the jacket. This jacket has a nice pleat overlap that keeps the front closed flush over the zipper. It lays flat and nice. *nice collar--a snap under each side keeps the collar securely fastened, and not flapping around or curling on the ends. *elastic waist and wrists-- my other leather jackets have all had snap closure or open wrists. This one hugs you nicely, and no cold air blows up the sleeves. * weight--this is a midweight, not light-but not heavy. Just right actually. *pockets- the front two have simple snap closures, and the side ones are roomy and comfy. Cons: none. I'm a good sized dude, and this fits nice. My wife says it's flattering. This will easily be my favorite jacket, and if you buy one, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the quality--for its price.

Looks just like pics in the listing. Materials as described. Fits well. Very comfortable. Warm enough for late fall early spring in Michigan. Love it!

I have a lot (a LOT) of leather jackets in my collection, including an Air Force issued A-2 issued back in 1997, and this is definitely one of my favorites. Dollar for dollar, one of the best leather jackets I own (purchased on sale before Christmas, when it was just over 100 bucks for the L/R size). Since this jacket is touted as an A-2, here are the similarities and differences: The fit (for a L/R) is almost exactly the same as my issued 44R; the sleeves on this jacket seem just slightly short, but it's really only noticeable when fully extending your arms out or up. The color of this jacket is a slightly darker brown than the mil issue, but it's only really noticeable if they are hanging right next to each other. The rest of its looks (the cut, ribbing, cuffs, epaulets, etc.) seem very true to mil spec on the outside. The quality of leather on this jacket doesn't initially seem to be as rugged as the mil issue (mil issue is a thicker hide, and is also therefore a little heavier); but again, a true mil-issue brand-new A-2 just can't be found for the price of this jacket. This one, though, has features that I wish my mil-issue A-2 had: a nice "Air Force" tag and US flag (48-star; sorry, Alaska & Hawaii) on the liner; ironically, the jacket is made in China. This one also has side-entry lined pockets behind the snap-flap pockets (the mil spec only has top-entry, snap-flap pockets), and an interior pocket on the left side that the mil A-2 doesn't have (but should). Bottom line... this jacket is in many ways just as good or better than any "real" A-2 jacket that would be issued to an Air Force aviator. The leather hide quality doesn't seem as good (we'll see how durable it is over time), and I'd love for it to have been made in the USA. But, for this price, and when taking this jacket on it's own merits instead of an expectation of a 100% mil-spec exact replica, it's a great "A-2" that looks and feels classy, and a jacket you'll be proud to wear and show off!

This item was sent back It was the most hideous garment I have ever purchased Of course If I had of known by the way it was shown on Amazon, I would never have purchased it The Amazon to their refunded and wouldn’t except it’s return. I couldn’t give it away so it finished in the garbage.

jacket quality is fine but shoulders are massive and look so, I am a big guy anyway but the fit I shoudl have had would have been a size smaller. Bit peed off with the customs charge, this is down entirely to Amazon allowing this company to pass of as UK based (landingleathersuk.com?) but not too bad overall

It's a really well-made jacket, loads better than the one it replaced. Much stronger leather and a heavier lining. Very nice. If you go for this, be careful with the sizing - you won't want to have to send it back. I used the size chart in the vendor's photos, be careful to avoid the Amazon Size Guide. I'm 5'8" and 40" chest I ordered a Medium instead of a Large (like my old Aviatrix jacket). It fits fine though the shoulders are pretty broad. I took a bit of a punt ordering the jacket as reviews had said that it came from the US. There was nothing on the Amazon page to indicate this and the vendor even called themselves Landing Leathers UK. But sure enough, the jacket came from the States, took a week and a half or so to arrive and I had to pay a £20 customs charge. I was only miffed at this, rather than angry, as I'd seen warnings in several reviews.

It’s nice and warm now it’s getting colder

Well made garment using nice thick and soft leather. I would recommend this A-2 style jacket.