The story of the Private White V.C. Flight Jacket begins at 30,000 feet.
Born in the cockpit of WWII fighter planes, the original G-1 jackets were built for battle in the sky. Crafted from sheepskin and heavyweight leather, these garments shielded U.S. Navy and Marine Corps pilots from freezing winds and high-altitude drafts. Rugged, formidable, and unmistakably cool, they quickly became more than uniform, they became icons.
Over the decades, the Flight Jacket made its descent from military essential to cultural legend. Worn by screen rebels like Steve McQueen in The Great Escape and Tom Cruise’s Maverick in Top Gun, it came to symbolise freedom, independence, and fearless spirit, both in the air and on the ground.
In true Private White V.C. style, we’ve reimagined this storied garment through a modern British lens. Our version honours the past while meeting the needs of today’s wearer, engineered for versatility, designed for movement, and built to endure.
Available in a rich 100% doeskin wool woven just outside Manchester, the jacket offers weather resistance, breathability, and natural warmth without the stiffness of traditional leathers. Inside, it’s insulated with 100% wool wadding, a naturally breathable alternative to synthetic padding that provides warmth without bulk.
The doeskin wool, sourced from the historic Mallalieus of Delph, is a testament to regional craftsmanship. Spun, dyed, woven, and finished within 25 miles of our Manchester factory, the fabric features a tight weave and soft nap that balances softness and strength. The result is a bomber jacket that feels light on the shoulders but heavy in heritage. Mallalieus’ vertical operation allows full control over every stage of production, from fibre to finish, and their age-old machinery, including a rare decatizing press, imparts a permanent softness and lustre that sets this cloth apart.
Military DNA runs through every detail. The real shearing collar is both a visual nod to vintage aircrew jackets and a source of comfort in biting wind. Swiss-made RIRI zip in our signature polished copper offer military-grade reliability and functionality, while the two-way fastening allows ease of movement in the air or on the ground. Discreet internal zip pockets keep valuables close, safe, and dry, a detail any pilot or traveller would appreciate.
The silhouette itself is cropped and close-fitting, echoing the original cut designed for cramped cockpits and rapid movement. But it has been subtly refined for life beyond the airfield. It slips comfortably over knitwear or tailoring and transitions seamlessly between urban commutes and off-duty adventure.
Like every Private White V.C. garment, the Flight Jacket is hand-cut, sewn, and checked in our red-bricked Manchester factory. It’s a continuation of our belief in local making, honest materials, and garments built with purpose. Each jacket embodies over a century of military inspiration and manufacturing tradition, a piece of living history made modern.
Whether worn against the wind on an airstrip or on a walk through the Peak District, the Flight Jacket is equal parts protection, precision, and personality.
From archive to airstrip to everyday adventure, this is the sharpest bomber Britain has ever made.
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