The Herrington Company has been offering interesting products since 1980 and their catalogs are always fun to peruse. They are not known for U.S. Made products but just recently they have contracted a company in the USA, Cockpit USA, to re-create some popular jackets from World War II. This is the introduction to the jackets by the owner, Lee Herrington.
I had this jacket hand-made in the United States exclusively for Herrington customers because it recalls a time in our history when America’s might was unquestioned — and saved the world from the scourge of Nazism. I’d like to believe we can return to those days of American preeminence if we could reproduce some of the spirit and courage the men who wore these jackets embodied!
WWII Authentic G-1 Flight Jacket — The G-1 flight jacket became standard issue gear for all Navy and Marine Corps pilots in the late 1930’s during WWII, and remains uniform-issue today for Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard flight personnel. Pilots needed a jacket that provided warmth in unheated cockpits at high altitudes — but at the same time allowed freedom of movement in such a cramped space. A pilot’s G-1 jacket was as much a symbol of pride as their wings, and many would sew patches depicting their squadron, missions, kills, and rank. We approached Cockpit USA, the current supplier of leather jackets for the Air Force, to reproduce the original WWII G-1 Flight Jacket to exacting military specifications — and they had to be made right here in the USA! Of course we added a few updates — hidden side entry hand warmer pockets, a detachable fur collar, and a looser fit than a typical military cut. And instead of standard goatskin or lambskin, we used luxurious calfskin of the highest grade because of its rich texture and pebbled grain look. Authentic WWII design elements include bi-swing back, knit cuffs and waistband, top entry pockets, front wind flap, under arm grommets for ventilation, two inside chest pockets and fully embroidered lining including pilot’s battle map, which would lead a downed pilot back to the Allied side.
Next: The A-2 flight jacket became standard issue gear for all U.S. Army Air Forces pilots upon completion of basic flight training starting in 1931, and continued to be standard issue until April 1943. U.S. Army pilots needed a jacket that provided warmth in barely heated cockpits at high altitudes — but at the same time allowed freedom of movement in such a cramped space. This stunning reproduction is made right here in America by Cockpit USA, the current supplier of leather jackets to the Air Force. Of course they added a few convenient updates, hidden side entry hand warmer pockets, and a looser fit than the typical military cut. And instead of standard-issue horsehide, they use specially tanned lambskin of the highest grade with an ‘Antique’ design to give the jacket a worn patina. Authentic WWII design elements include bi-swing back, knit cuffs and waistband, top entry pockets, front wind flap, under arm grommets for ventilation, two inside chest pockets and fully embroidered lining. Made in the USA
The third military jacket:
This Tanker Jacket was designed during WWII as a practical solution for Army tank crews in Europe. Provides perfect three season warmth thanks to the wool blanket interior lining. Outer shell is crafted from 100% cotton and boasts shoulder pleats and a bi-swing back for ease of movement. Slim fitting; please select one size up from sizing guide for a more full-bodied fit. Made in the USA.
The last jacket is not a military jacket, but this is the first time that Herrington has carried a Bills Khakis product (Made in USA). This one is a quilted jacket, see the following description:
While in college in the 1980’s, Bill Thomas came across an original pair of WWII khakis at an Army surplus store. Rather than the ubiquitous ‘khakis’ that populated campus (and sold everywhere), these were roomy, deep pocketed, and stitched with thick all-cotton twill. Very simply, they were the best khakis he had ever found. Perhaps more importantly, he realized, they represented a forgotten piece of Americana. The importance of that moment resonated with Bill, and in 1990 he launched Bills Khakis, founded on one simple premise — “A truly great pair of khakis is almost impossible to find”. Over the years, Bills has grown beyond just khakis, but the quality, enduring style, and commitment to American made craftsmanship remains unchanged.
Bills Quilted Sedona Twill Jacket — Part jacket, part overshirt — perfect for crisp, cool autumn days and nights. Genuine leather collar, with a flannel-lined quilted interior. 9.3 oz., 100% brushed cotton twill, machine washable.