B-10 FLIGHT JACKET/ FACTORY LEGACY/WHITE FUR COLLAR

B-10 FLIGHT JACKET/(STAGG COAT Factory, White Label Edition)

The B-10 Flight Jacket was designed as a lightweight replacement for earlier leather flight jackets. Early in World War II, the U.S. military heavily used leather flight jackets, such as the A-2 and B-3. However, these jackets were heavy, difficult to clean, and became even heavier in damp conditions. To address these issues, the U.S. Army began developing a new type of jacket. The B-10 jacket's outer shell was typically made of cotton or nylon, with an inner lining filled with wool or other synthetic materials. This made the jacket lighter than its leather counterparts, easier to maintain, and provided excellent warmth.

The development philosophy of the B-10 Flight Jacket was to offer a more practical and easier-to-maintain option for aviators. Its design prioritized the comfort and warmth needs of pilots in flight. Simple and functional, without excessive decoration, it emphasized utility. The B-10 was widely used during WWII, particularly in the European theater. Introduced in the mid-war period, it likely saw action in major operations such as the Normandy Landings and Operation Dragoon.

This year, GIZEMO presents the classic WWII B-10 Flight Jacket as part of its Factory Legacy series. In our view, "authentic reproduction" goes beyond simply replicating the original contractor's name or changing labels. It represents a more rigorous and thorough approach to restoration—capturing not just the form, but the very essence of the original.

For this authentic reproduction of the B-10, we have refined numerous details:

· The sateen fabric has been adjusted to be softer, and the olive green hue has been recalibrated to closely match the original wartime texture.
· The pattern has been meticulously modified: sleeve length reduced, the hem slightly tapered and extended.
· The pocket flap shape has been corrected, and the epaulet shape and stitching revised.
· The zipper uses an original-style brass CONMAR #5, notable for its unique shape.
· The wool rib-knit cuffs and hem have been highly replicated. We spent a year refining the wool ribbing to find the perfect balance between authenticity and elasticity, recreating the distinctive raised texture of the period.
· The arm insignia patch has been omitted.
· The bottom hem is slightly tapered, and the placket rib-knit section has been lengthened.
· From the finished product, these subtle refinements are precisely executed, approaching what we consider perfection.
· The embroidered label replicates the STAGG COAT factory, adhering to the authentic reproduction standard. The white STAGG COAT label was particularly distinctive for its time.