Love that bomber jacket. I've never understood why some bomber jackets these days are so long and slim fit, because originally they're supposed to be boxy fit!
Alpha Industries still manufactures the original fit for their jackets and coats, it’s called “Heritage”. They just also happen to produce other, more “modern” fits, for those who don’t like the puffy silhouette.
Neat history lesson James, jacket looks rad. Always had a hard time getting into bomber jackets, precisely because of how they would try to "modernise" the fit, so I've just never had a proper boxy fit one. My only hang up is the funnel neck, always prefer a point collar to tbh.
I think there's something to be said for anything with a degree of legacy, a story to tell; be that the original history, the origin, the aspects that move you. [getting it for the price you did was fab as well]. Definitely a conversation starter in a coffee shop, or a day out .. and that's aces. I must admit I love things like that in general. I've fallen way into the films of Stuart Gordon, as well as 60's Spaghetti Westerns. The history of Barber Beats landed on my doorstep and a video on here called 'The Controversial Music Genre of Barber Beats' by Pad Chennington was a fab primer for what's been another ace rabbit hole.
Thank you for making such a detailed video! If I was still looking for a new flight jacket I would find it so helpful to see close-up footage of it, it being worn, and your feelings on wearing it everyday. I am a huge fan of aviation (so much so that I became a student pilot and volunteer warbird crew). I have been interested in vintage military pilot clothing for years and have an unreasonably massive collection of jackets and flight suits, but last year I bought my first Buzz Rickson's slim fit black MA-1 from Self Edge (I paid a LOT for it but I consider such quality worth it, but even better if you find a used one for less!). Even though I'll always love the authenticity of the original wide fit, I was attracted to the idea of having both a sharp slim fit and the original quality and details complete with the oxygen mask tab and headset wire snaps. (fun fact: I wanted to try piloting a Diamond DA-20 in my slim fit BR jacket, but I took it off before getting in the plane because I would have felt too restricted. goes to show how functional the wide fit actually is! But for everyday wear the slim fit looks really nice.) My BR MA-1 is so warm compared to any other jacket that it is actually functional for where I live (Midwest USA). But when it got warmer I could not wear it anymore... so I got a Buzz Rickson's black L-2B for warmer weather! (These are not insulated). I have worn the L-2B almost every single day of late summer, autumn and mild winter- I am just obsessed with how it looks. I also have 2 vintage blue Air Force jackets I got at Army Navy Sales in Chicago, a vintage B-15 made by Alpha Industries in the USA ($100) and an MA-1 made by Greenbrier Industries, also USA ($60). Both of these jackets have the oxygen mask tab, headset wire snaps and USAF stencil on the left shoulder. I honestly love them just as much as my Buzz Rickson jackets but for those who can afford it and are interested, I think it is important to support companies like Buzz Rickson's who are dedicated to providing the best quality possible in a time when most clothes are horribly, cheaply made.
dreamed of a buzz ricksons since reading william gibson's "pattern recognition". also need uniqlo to bring back that straight fit selvedge... great looks in this vid
Cool jacket and nice video. I'm waiting for a MA2 bomber style. I'll check Buzz's website for that style. Collar or no collar, sometimes that matters depending on body shapes
Always like to discover brands I'd never heard of before. I'm a bit surprised about the newer Alpha jackets fitting longer than the older ones. I must have been lucky, maybe I got an old stock one since it was in the sale, and in an unusual colour that I hadn;t seen anywhere else - I'm only 5ft 5 and mine sits at the top of my hip bones. It's 'puffy' - not like the ones in the picture shown here. And It's also lasted very well for me. Pity about these new ones; I did think abut doubling up because I love mine so much, but I probably won't now. As ever, an illuminating video, & love those details on your jacket btw 👍
Yeah the older ones are perfect especially the made in USA ones. You must have got one of those! Sounds like a great pick up. Thanks for watching mate!
I have a lot of flight jackets, both original and good number of Buzz Rickson's. A bit too warm to wear them in the desert, even in winter but great stuff. These day's I'm a bit shy of the USAF logo on the sleeve as I don't want to attract "Thank you for your service". Nor to I care to explain that it's a repo jacket and has been obsolete since 1960 or so. Most would not know the difference. Nor do I want to appear as a "cosplayer". Former USAF flyer, nomex CWU- 36, CWU-45 era.
Hey James great video you are a man of style and you have now gave me the correct info that i needed so I am now going to order one in medium just like yours . thx for posting take care bud Regards D ps you are spot on with Alpha Ind jackets , wtf are they doing ????
what a lovely jacket! i got two Alpha Industries from the 90s made in USA picked them up 50 quid each and they are so warm and puffy and great if a little short even in XL. So not sure what the sizing is on those Buss Rickson's are as everything is a little smaller and bit risky getting imported from japan to find out it too small, but I'm thinking about it. thanks for the video!
All authentic flight jackets are intended to be worn with high rise trousers, because high rise was the norm until very recently. If you love flight jackets I would try some high rise trousers or jeans
I think I am going to pick up their BR14920 "slender" MA1. Apparently it is a repro of a model the US military sold to the private sector which has a more slim fit.
Great video, James! Did you get the Buzz Rickson's LION UNIFORM INC MA-1? The one that appears on Buzz Rickson's site as 'MA-1 Slender'? I was wondering if you could assist me on the sizing: I'm 180cm, 71kg, athletic build, should I get a Medium or a Large? Thanks :)
No I don’t believe this is the slender version. Sounds like you’re a bit heavier and taller than me so I’d try a large! Just keep in mind it is very short
Lol brother I’m 5’6 and 200 lbs. even if I wasn’t a gym rat my natural proportions are Neanderthal. I need the width of a larger and the sleeves of a medium. Think this jacket would be good for me?
I thrifted a bomber from rothco for like 30$, it retails for 65 and is super warm and insulated. Definitely a good affordable option if you don't care about it being a 1:1 high quality replica.
Lovely jacket, unfortunately finding an XL on eBay is $500-900, I'm a little uncomfortable at the moment paying that much. I appreciate the Buzz Rickson craftsmanship, it's a beautifully made and cool jacket. Maybe I'll start with an Alpha Industry, but thank you for putting out this informative video.
@@JamesLeung I live in their 40s/50s style sweats and chinos. Recently picked up some Vietnam era combats too and loving those. I go to American Classics in London to buy, I find sizing is quirky so prefer to try on rather than buy online. Hope you manage to obtain more pieces.. I fancy one of their tanker jackets as an MA1 alternative. Cheers Eddie
What’s your size? I just bought a few different Black William Gibson models to find my perfect size. One of them I can’t return and I think it may fit you. Hit me.
Military clothing always has little details that are just useful, even if not for the original purpose. Just wish it had more flattering cuts and wasn't too overtly military.
I was also looking at the alpha industries one until i saw a guy in my local pub this christmas just past. I've always thought bomber jackets have a little puff to them but this alpha industries one that i saw looked flat. so i decided to leave it.
Wow I had no idea how much the Alpha Industries bombers had changed. The modern design looks terrible, same cut as asos or Primark... Bagging one of these for £150 is nuts, sounds like you had a stroke of luck there
The US military stopped issuing MA-1 jackets in the late 80's or early 90's at which point the jacket was replaced with a fire resistant jacket made of Nomex. Alpha Industries continued to make the MA-1 in the US for several years after the military contract expired then they switched their entire US production to the new Nomex jackets at which point production of the MA-1 jacket was outsourced. Today most MA-1 style jackets are pure rubbish. I'm sure this Japanese made jacket is high quality, but the price is bonkers. This company also makes reproduction M-65 jacket liners for $380! INSANE! I remember buying genuine M-65 jacket liners at the local surplus store for $10.
i wear a vintage early 70s ma1 and i can confirm the quality has indeed g one downhill, wool isn't a thing for it sadly. Contemporary non-ricksons are quite shit though, and even early alpha industries (St. Army) is seriously below the quality of even the 70s original.
I wish we stop lumping Harry and James together as one entity. The meme has been overdone to death and the other dude is insufferable to listen to and looks awful in his outfits. James videos are detailed and well explained and I think he would prefer his own identity and recognition of his own work.
Buying a story I get to continue adding to for $100 makes more sense to me. You got an amazing deal, or companies are screwing us on their prices when we buy it local. Probably the latter.
Love that bomber jacket. I've never understood why some bomber jackets these days are so long and slim fit, because originally they're supposed to be boxy fit!
Exactly! I was having a hard time finding one that fits like the classic. Thanks for watching 😊
As a history buff, this stuff is right up my alley. Looks clean and love the cropped look.
Love to hear it! Thanks for watching
That jacket looks beautiful. I’ve been on the same search for the perfect bomber and 100% agree with you about the Alpha Industries jackets.
Thank you mate!! I’ve been looking for years, finally happy!
Alpha Industries still manufactures the original fit for their jackets and coats, it’s called “Heritage”. They just also happen to produce other, more “modern” fits, for those who don’t like the puffy silhouette.
Neat history lesson James, jacket looks rad.
Always had a hard time getting into bomber jackets, precisely because of how they would try to "modernise" the fit, so I've just never had a proper boxy fit one.
My only hang up is the funnel neck, always prefer a point collar to tbh.
So glad you found what you love!
Bought one of these 3 years ago, and it's my most worn piece.
Love to hear it! Which version did you get?
@@JamesLeung Same as you, with the longer pull tab, just in a large.
I think there's something to be said for anything with a degree of legacy, a story to tell; be that the original history, the origin, the aspects that move you. [getting it for the price you did was fab as well]. Definitely a conversation starter in a coffee shop, or a day out .. and that's aces.
I must admit I love things like that in general. I've fallen way into the films of Stuart Gordon, as well as 60's Spaghetti Westerns. The history of Barber Beats landed on my doorstep and a video on here called 'The Controversial Music Genre of Barber Beats' by Pad Chennington was a fab primer for what's been another ace rabbit hole.
I want that jacket since I watched Tim Roger's review of Cyberpunk 2077
He has great taste!
Thank you for making such a detailed video! If I was still looking for a new flight jacket I would find it so helpful to see close-up footage of it, it being worn, and your feelings on wearing it everyday. I am a huge fan of aviation (so much so that I became a student pilot and volunteer warbird crew). I have been interested in vintage military pilot clothing for years and have an unreasonably massive collection of jackets and flight suits, but last year I bought my first Buzz Rickson's slim fit black MA-1 from Self Edge (I paid a LOT for it but I consider such quality worth it, but even better if you find a used one for less!). Even though I'll always love the authenticity of the original wide fit, I was attracted to the idea of having both a sharp slim fit and the original quality and details complete with the oxygen mask tab and headset wire snaps. (fun fact: I wanted to try piloting a Diamond DA-20 in my slim fit BR jacket, but I took it off before getting in the plane because I would have felt too restricted. goes to show how functional the wide fit actually is! But for everyday wear the slim fit looks really nice.) My BR MA-1 is so warm compared to any other jacket that it is actually functional for where I live (Midwest USA). But when it got warmer I could not wear it anymore... so I got a Buzz Rickson's black L-2B for warmer weather! (These are not insulated). I have worn the L-2B almost every single day of late summer, autumn and mild winter- I am just obsessed with how it looks. I also have 2 vintage blue Air Force jackets I got at Army Navy Sales in Chicago, a vintage B-15 made by Alpha Industries in the USA ($100) and an MA-1 made by Greenbrier Industries, also USA ($60). Both of these jackets have the oxygen mask tab, headset wire snaps and USAF stencil on the left shoulder. I honestly love them just as much as my Buzz Rickson jackets but for those who can afford it and are interested, I think it is important to support companies like Buzz Rickson's who are dedicated to providing the best quality possible in a time when most clothes are horribly, cheaply made.
Looks great, you will enjoy it for many years.
Thank you! 🙏
Beautiful. Great choice James. Ive never actually bout one but I've been very tempted more than once
Thank you! I’ve had my eye on one for a long time now. Glad I finally got it!
Love this so much, I was just looking at OG MA-1 to find something better. Seeing that fit on you has me searching grail. Awesome stuff
Love to hear it man! Let me know if you get one 🙌
dreamed of a buzz ricksons since reading william gibson's "pattern recognition". also need uniqlo to bring back that straight fit selvedge... great looks in this vid
They definitely need to bring it back! Thanks for watching
Cool jacket and nice video.
I'm waiting for a MA2 bomber style. I'll check Buzz's website for that style. Collar or no collar, sometimes that matters depending on body shapes
I’m not sure if they make those, worth having a look!
I got mine for less than 70 pounds second hand in a vintage store in Toyko! Very good condition, love the fit and the warmth.
Fanatic deal!! I love it so much
The very best version is the William Gibson collection Buzz Ricksons MA1. Perfection.
It look so nice! I wanted the green colour
Always like to discover brands I'd never heard of before. I'm a bit surprised about the newer Alpha jackets fitting longer than the older ones. I must have been lucky, maybe I got an old stock one since it was in the sale, and in an unusual colour that I hadn;t seen anywhere else - I'm only 5ft 5 and mine sits at the top of my hip bones. It's 'puffy' - not like the ones in the picture shown here. And It's also lasted very well for me. Pity about these new ones; I did think abut doubling up because I love mine so much, but I probably won't now.
As ever, an illuminating video, & love those details on your jacket btw 👍
Yeah the older ones are perfect especially the made in USA ones. You must have got one of those! Sounds like a great pick up. Thanks for watching mate!
I have a lot of flight jackets, both original and good number of Buzz Rickson's. A bit too warm to wear them in the desert, even in winter but great stuff. These day's I'm a bit shy of the USAF logo on the sleeve as I don't want to attract "Thank you for your service". Nor to I care to explain that it's a repo jacket and has been obsolete since 1960 or so. Most would not know the difference. Nor do I want to appear as a "cosplayer". Former USAF flyer, nomex CWU- 36, CWU-45 era.
Im thinking about getting the jacket but the only thing that bothers me is the printed emblem arm design. Is there any way to remove it or fade it?
I got an alpha industries from the 70’s it’s boxy but really cropped at 5’7 it sits at my waist
That jacket slays! The fit, the style, everything about it is on point. You look hot wearing it.
Thank you! 🙏
Do you find the wool collar itchy ever, mine sometimes itches me.
Not so far!
Were you looking at the heritage version or the 1960s? The 500$ version seems closer to the BR
Buzz Rickson is absolutely the best on the market. I own a quite few of them including B15D . Best jackets I've ever had.
Great to hear!
That jacket looks great 👍🏻 I have a vintage original Alpha ma1 & yes they are nothing like Alpha turns out today . Great video 👍🏻
I really want the William Gibson edition of the jacket, fantastic story behind it
Yes I love that one!
Love the brown trousers where are they from?
Hey mate, just wondering any tips on cleaning. It is told Dry Clean Only, but maybe you tried gentle machine cycle?
definitely think Harry and James click upload button together
They have acknowledged this many times.
whilst having breakfast in bed?
How many times do you people have to say this lmao
Hey James great video you are a man of style and you have now gave me the correct info that i needed so I am now going to order one in medium just like yours . thx for posting take care bud Regards D ps you are spot on with Alpha Ind jackets , wtf are they doing ????
I just bought this jacket because of this video. thank you!
Nice! You’re going to love it
nice review of the excellent jacket. I have the RMC one
Lovely! I was looking at that one as well but it seems to be more rare.
what a lovely jacket! i got two Alpha Industries from the 90s made in USA picked them up 50 quid each and they are so warm and puffy and great if a little short even in XL. So not sure what the sizing is on those Buss Rickson's are as everything is a little smaller and bit risky getting imported from japan to find out it too small, but I'm thinking about it. thanks for the video!
Can’t go wrong with vintage Alpha Industries! Yes I would always size up one if you’re importing from Japan! Thanks for watching
All authentic flight jackets are intended to be worn with high rise trousers, because high rise was the norm until very recently. If you love flight jackets I would try some high rise trousers or jeans
Hey man, I am looking to buy on…saw one for decent price…. It’s a size M, I normally wear M, I am 5ft6 75kg, do you recon it will fit? Thanks man
Yeah, Buzz Ricksons are awesome, no discussion about that💪🏼👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Agreed! 🙏
Hey mate, where would you recommend buying thick crew neck knits, kinda like the one you are wearing in the video? cheers.
Mine is from wings of liberty but I’ve seen them in Weekday and COS. Also vintage military ones on eBay 👍
I think I am going to pick up their BR14920 "slender" MA1. Apparently it is a repro of a model the US military sold to the private sector which has a more slim fit.
what’s your opinion on the h&m heron bomber jacket?
It’s a little bit busy looking for me but the fit looks nice 👌
My Favorite Jackets Are A-2, B-3, G-1, MA-1, N-2B & M-3B. Very Chic. (smile)
Great video, James! Did you get the Buzz Rickson's LION UNIFORM INC MA-1? The one that appears on Buzz Rickson's site as 'MA-1 Slender'? I was wondering if you could assist me on the sizing: I'm 180cm, 71kg, athletic build, should I get a Medium or a Large? Thanks :)
No I don’t believe this is the slender version. Sounds like you’re a bit heavier and taller than me so I’d try a large! Just keep in mind it is very short
Lol brother I’m 5’6 and 200 lbs. even if I wasn’t a gym rat my natural proportions are Neanderthal. I need the width of a larger and the sleeves of a medium. Think this jacket would be good for me?
Yeah try a large or even XL. The sleeves kinda bunch up anyway and the length is short.
@ Thanks I’ll give it a try
Well done video, but finding a used one of these in XL is basically impossible.
I thrifted a bomber from rothco for like 30$, it retails for 65 and is super warm and insulated. Definitely a good affordable option if you don't care about it being a 1:1 high quality replica.
Sounds great!
Whats the sweater your wearing james
It’s from wings of liberty 👍
@@JamesLeung cheers
So sick ❤. What size did u go with?
I went with medium, it’s perfect!
How you guess your size buying from eBay
I asked the seller for the exact measurements 👍
Do you still have your Represent Bomber jacket?
Nah that’s long gone!
Lovely jacket, unfortunately finding an XL on eBay is $500-900, I'm a little uncomfortable at the moment paying that much. I appreciate the Buzz Rickson craftsmanship, it's a beautifully made and cool jacket. Maybe I'll start with an Alpha Industry, but thank you for putting out this informative video.
I was looking at the Bronson mfg ma-1 1950s. Seems comparable to buzz rocks on at half the price
Love Buzz Rickson’s 👍
Hope I can get more from them!
@@JamesLeung I live in their 40s/50s style sweats and chinos. Recently picked up some Vietnam era combats too and loving those. I go to American Classics in London to buy, I find sizing is quirky so prefer to try on rather than buy online. Hope you manage to obtain more pieces.. I fancy one of their tanker jackets as an MA1 alternative.
Cheers
Eddie
That’s a really nice outfit. Also are you taking suggestions for outfits to wear?
Thanks! Yes definitely 👍
@@JamesLeung How can I suggest them?
What’s your size? I just bought a few different Black William Gibson models to find my perfect size.
One of them I can’t return and I think it may fit you. Hit me.
5ft 10 and I went for medium
That UFC card yesterday was peak. Hope you watched it.
Watched the whole thing, crazy card!
I think the bomber jacket suits your body shape. You look pretty sick !
Thanks so much!!
Very good vidoe mate
Some nice jackets mate 👍
Thanks mate!
Nice fit 👍
Real McCoy also do stunning ones
Yes they look lovely!
Military clothing always has little details that are just useful, even if not for the original purpose. Just wish it had more flattering cuts and wasn't too overtly military.
Agreed!
My ideal bomber is the one made by hyein seo. Truly 10/10. But i'm too broke to buy it.
That one is hella nice!!
reminds me of the travis bickle outfit
I was also looking at the alpha industries one until i saw a guy in my local pub this christmas just past. I've always thought bomber jackets have a little puff to them but this alpha industries one that i saw looked flat. so i decided to leave it.
Yep they do look flat, it’s strange!
Wow I had no idea how much the Alpha Industries bombers had changed. The modern design looks terrible, same cut as asos or Primark...
Bagging one of these for £150 is nuts, sounds like you had a stroke of luck there
Yes that’s what I was thinking! I got very lucky, I always wait around for a bargain haha
The US military stopped issuing MA-1 jackets in the late 80's or early 90's at which point the jacket was replaced with a fire resistant jacket made of Nomex. Alpha Industries continued to make the MA-1 in the US for several years after the military contract expired then they switched their entire US production to the new Nomex jackets at which point production of the MA-1 jacket was outsourced. Today most MA-1 style jackets are pure rubbish. I'm sure this Japanese made jacket is high quality, but the price is bonkers. This company also makes reproduction M-65 jacket liners for $380! INSANE! I remember buying genuine M-65 jacket liners at the local surplus store for $10.
5'10" 140lb. Right. Been a while. 😎
This brand makes quality pieces but don’t seem to get much attention
Yeah true, maybe because it can be difficult to get hold of in the US/UK.
Shame about alpha industries, I've an older one of their parkas that fits a lot closer to the original design and it's great
Yeah, agreed its not for everyone.
can I get your height and weight?
5ft 10, 140lbs
No orange lining, I think that's also the signature of the jacket. Shame. Fantastic jacket, otherwise.
I believe orange lining came later (Vietnam war era)
@@JamesLeung You're right, but I prefer it.
i wear a vintage early 70s ma1 and i can confirm the quality has indeed g one downhill, wool isn't a thing for it sadly.
Contemporary non-ricksons are quite shit though, and even early alpha industries (St. Army) is seriously below the quality of even the 70s original.
Awesome Jacket BUT the Insane Price is totally Overboard !
Meanwhile Bronson…
I wish we stop lumping Harry and James together as one entity. The meme has been overdone to death and the other dude is insufferable to listen to and looks awful in his outfits. James videos are detailed and well explained and I think he would prefer his own identity and recognition of his own work.
Buying a story I get to continue adding to for $100 makes more sense to me.
You got an amazing deal, or companies are screwing us on their prices when we buy it local. Probably the latter.
I love that way of thinking! Yep you’re probably right! Thanks for watching