There are few garments in history as instantly recognizable—or as evocative—as the pilot jacket. Whether you picture a WWII bomber crew bracing against the cold at 25,000 feet or a modern-day aviatrix stepping onto a windswept ramp at dawn, the silhouette is unmistakable: rugged, purposeful, and effortlessly stylish. And while fashion trends cycle endlessly, the pilot jacket remains a rare constant, bridging the gap between utility and allure.
At Scarlett & Co., we’ve been studying this heritage, taking notes from the legends, and shaping it into something new for the next generation of pilots. Because aviation fashion deserves a revival—one that honors the past without getting stuck in it.
Where the Bomber Jacket Began
Long before the bomber jacket strutted down runways or appeared in film, it was a piece of survival equipment. In the early 1900s, open-cockpit aircraft exposed pilots to brutal temperatures. The U.S. Army Signal Corps issued heavy leather jackets lined with fur to keep aviators alive at altitude. These early garments were bulky and stiff, but they did the job.
The real transformation happened in the 1930s with the introduction of the A-2 flight jacket, the one most people picture today when they think “bomber jacket.” Crafted from horsehide or goatskin and trimmed with a snap-down collar and ribbed cuffs, the A-2 was functional but undeniably sharp. Crews personalized them with painted nose art featuring everything from fierce animals to pin-up girls to squadron emblems. A pilot’s jacket wasn’t just gear; it was identity.
Meanwhile, over in the cold belly of WWII bombers, aircrews wore the B-3 shearling jacket—thick, substantial, and nearly iconic enough to be its own character in aviation history. At 20 below zero in a B-17, the B-3 was more necessity than luxury.
With the dawn of the jet age, leather gave way to nylon. The MA-1, introduced in the 1950s, became the new standard—lighter, warmer, and optimized for cramped cockpits. That classic “sage green with an orange lining” combo? It wasn’t fashion. The orange lining was meant to turn the entire jacket into a rescue signal if a pilot went down behind enemy lines.
The Mystery (and Power) of the Flight Jacket “X”
If you look at vintage bomber jackets long enough, you’ll begin noticing something curious: the “X.” Some jackets were stitched, seamed, or patterned in subtle X-shapes on the back or chest. Aviation historians debate the exact origin, but the symbolism remains powerful.
The X often served as:
- A reinforcement point across the upper back where stress was highest.
- A visual reference to harness straps, which also form a cross shape when tightened.
- A design echo of military insignia, which often included crossed swords, wings, or propellers.
- A subconscious nod to precision, because the X marks centerline, balance, and stability.
In fashion, the X conveys symmetry, motion, and tension—qualities that align perfectly with aviation itself. At Scarlett & Co., we’re leaning into this motif, using it as both a tribute to heritage and a modern design signature. The X becomes a conversation piece, a structural feature, and a recognizable emblem of the brand.
Scarlett & Co.: Breathing New Life Into an Old Classic
Pilot jackets have never gone out of style, but they haven’t evolved nearly as much as the people wearing them. Today’s aviatrix isn’t flying in an open cockpit. She’s juggling instruction flights, cross-country trips, conferences, family life, entrepreneurship, and—in your case—commanding both aircraft and a PhD-level understanding of human behavior. The clothes should reflect that.
Scarlett & Co. is building a line that:
- Retains the attitude of classic aviation gear
- Fits the female form instead of drowning it
- Offers functionality for real-world pilots
- Brings vintage elements into a modern, fashionable world
Think structured shoulders inspired by the A-2, but with a refined fit. Think the warmth of a B-3 without the bulk. Think the sleek, iconic simplicity of the MA-1, but optimized for movement and durability. Think jackets designed not just to look good in a hangar photo, but to actually move with you as you climb into a cockpit.
Progress is moving fast behind the scenes. Materials are being sourced, patterns are being drafted, and prototypes are beginning to reflect exactly the vision we had at the launch of Scarlett & Co. The history is informing the future, and that future looks decidedly bold.
Aviation Has Always Influenced Fashion
It’s easy to forget how much modern fashion owes to pilots. The zipper on your jeans? Popularized in aviation gear. The modern wristwatch? Taken from pocket watches and adapted for pilots during WWI. The bomber jacket is just one of many examples where necessity shaped style, and where danger forged design.
Scarlett & Co. is joining that lineage—taking functional heritage and transforming it into clothing that honors women who fly and women who dream of flight. The spirit of aviation has always been adventurous, rebellious, and forward-looking. It makes sense that its clothing should be too.
As we continue refining what will soon become the flagship pieces of our line, the goal remains simple: create garments worthy of the sky. Garments that carry the legacy of the A-2 and the B-3, but speak directly to the modern woman stepping confidently onto the ramp.
Pilot jackets have always told a story. Now, they’re about to tell yours.