The 18775 contract, issued to Aero Clothing Co. of Beacon, New York in May 1942, is widely regarded as the definitive production run of the WWII US Army Air Forces A-2 flight jacket. Real Simons has reproduced this iconic leather bomber jacket to exact original specifications, using AA-grade Polish horsehide and genuine Japanese-reissued WALDES zippers.
The A-2 flight jacket is universally recognized as the most influential leather bomber jacket in menswear history. Issued exclusively to U.S. Army Air Forces pilots and aircrews during World War II, it established the design template for every leather bomber jacket that followed, and remains a benchmark of timeless military style 80 years after its introduction.
Among vintage collectors and reproduction specialists, one production run is consistently cited as the gold standard: the 18775 A-2 flight jacket manufactured by Aero Clothing Co. under contract W535AC-28819 42-18775-P in May 1942. At Real Simons, we studied multiple original wartime specimens and cross-referenced official military contract documents to recreate this jacket down to the last stitch.
The History of the 18775 A-2 Flight Jacket
In May 1942, six months after the U.S. entered World War II, the Army Air Forces awarded a major production contract for 50,000 A-2 flight jackets to the Aero Clothing Company of Beacon, New York. The official contract number was W535AC-28819 42-18775-P.
By 1942, the A-2 design had been refined through three years of real-world combat feedback. The 18775 run consolidated all proven improvements into a single, finalized wartime specification:
- Rectangular patch pockets (replacing earlier pointed designs for faster in-cockpit access)
- Oversized back panels for improved mobility inside cramped bomber aircraft
- Dense, wind-resistant full-grain seal brown horsehide shell
- Brick-red lambswool ribbed cuffs and waistband to trap heat at high altitude
- Mustard-yellow cotton lining
- Distinctive brown-and-green contrast stitching
Historical note for collectors: This original Aero Clothing Company of Beacon, New York has no corporate connection to the modern Aero Leather Apparel brand based in Scotland. The original New York manufacturer held dozens of Army Air Forces contracts from the late 1930s onward, with the 18775 run as its final major A-2 production. The company ceased operations shortly after the end of the war.
Why the 18775 Contract Is the Gold Standard for Vintage Leather Bomber Jackets
The 18775 run is the most sought-after vintage leather bomber jacket among collectors today because it achieves a near-perfect balance of rugged functionality and understated design. It was never engineered as a fashion item — it was engineered as working flight gear.
Its iconic boxy, short-bodied blouson silhouette was designed explicitly for cockpit use:
- A generous chest allowance gives pilots full range of motion to reach aircraft controls
- Snug ribbed cuffs and waistband block frigid high-altitude wind without restricting movement
- Simple snap-closure pockets keep maps, gloves and small items secure without fumbling
Most critically, every original military A-2 flight jacket was constructed from thick full-grain horsehide — a material selected for its natural wind resistance, exceptional durability and ability to develop a rich, personalized patina with age. Eighty years later, surviving 18775 jackets still bear the unique marks of their original owners: squadron patches, hand-painted nose art and a deep worn-in finish that cannot be artificially replicated.
Our Reproduction: The 18775 A-2 Flight Jacket by Real Simons
At Real Simons, we did not set out to make an "A-2 style jacket." We set out to make the definitive 18775-specification A-2 flight jacket — the most authentic version of the world’s most famous leather bomber jacket available at an accessible price.
After studying multiple original wartime specimens and cross-referencing declassified government contract documents, we recreated every detail with obsessive precision. The result is our 18775 A-2 Horsehide Leather Bomber Jacket.
👉 Shop the 18775 A-2 Flight Jacket：A-2 Flight Jacket Horsehide 18775
Seal Brown Horsehide: The Core of the Jacket
We custom-tanned our horsehide to match the exact shade and hand feel of 1940s military-spec seal brown. Key material specifications:
- Hide source: AA-grade Polish horse hides, selected for tight grain and minimal natural blemishes
- Tanning process: Vegetable-retanned with enhanced fatliquoring for a dense yet pliable hand feel
- Natural characteristics: Subtle grain variations, visible pores and minor surface marks — all hallmarks of genuine full-grain leather
- Patina behavior: Softens, burnishes and develops a deep personalized patina with regular wear, identical to original WWII jackets
This natural variation is not a defect. It is the defining characteristic of a real, high-quality leather bomber jacket that will grow more unique with every year of wear.
Hardware: Genuine WALDES Zippers & DOT Snaps
Hardware is where most affordable A-2 flight jacket reproductions cut corners — and where we have prioritized absolute authenticity.
Our 18775 A-2 uses Japanese-reissued WALDES zippers, the most widely respected vintage-style zipper in the reproduction market. Originally an American brand, WALDES dominated military zipper production throughout the 1930s and 1940s. After the original company closed, the trademark was acquired by a Japanese manufacturer that continues production on original vintage looms, producing only 4–5 meters of zipper tape per hour.
Paired with period-correct DOT snap buttons, the hardware on our 18775 A-2 bomber jacket is visually and functionally indistinguishable from original 1942 military-issue pieces.
Full construction specifications of the Real Simons 18775 A-2
- Knits: Custom first-shear lambswool ribbing in brick-red shade, reproduced directly from original 18775 contract samples
- Lining: Mustard-yellow cotton lining, matched to official military specification
- Stitching: Period-accurate brown and green contrast thread, matching the exact construction of the 1942 Aero contract
- Fit: True wartime boxy blouson silhouette — short body length, generous chest, oversized back panel for freedom of movement
- Thread: Heavy-duty COATS sewing thread for durability and period authenticity
Leather Care Guide: How to Make Your A-2 Bomber Jacket Last a Lifetime
A genuine horsehide leather bomber jacket is a lifetime investment. With proper care, it will look better in 20 years than it does the day you buy it.
Official care guidelines for the 18775 A-2 flight jacket:
- Do not wash, tumble dry, or expose to prolonged direct sunlight — this will cause the leather to dry out, crack and fade prematurely
- If caught in rain, gently blot surface moisture with a soft dry cloth and air dry in a cool, ventilated space. Never wear the jacket while it is damp
- Apply a neutral leather conditioner before seasonal storage to prevent drying and cracking. Always test on a hidden interior area first
- Store on a wide wooden hanger. Do not fold or compress heavily, as this will cause permanent creases
- Keep mothballs and other pest control products away from direct contact with the leather
The A-2 flight jacket has endured for 80 years because it was built honestly — to serve a clear purpose, from the best materials available, with no unnecessary frills. It did not become the world’s most famous leather bomber jacket by marketing accident. It earned that reputation through decades of real-world use.
That is the same philosophy we bring to every jacket we make at Real Simons. We do not chase fast fashion trends. We study history, source the best materials we can find, and build jackets that are meant to be worn, loved, and passed down.
If you have been searching for an authentic A-2 flight jacket reproduction that delivers museum-level historical accuracy without a collector-level price tag, we built this 18775 A-2 for you.
Shop the Real Simons 18775 A-2 Horsehide Leather Bomber Jacket →
https://realsimons.com/products/a2-flight-jacket-horsehide-18775
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 18775 A-2 flight jacket?
The 18775 A-2 is a production run of the US Army Air Forces Type A-2 flight jacket, manufactured by Aero Clothing Co. of Beacon, New York under contract W535AC-28819 42-18775-P in May 1942. It is widely considered the definitive wartime version of the A-2 bomber jacket.
What leather is used for the Real Simons 18775 A-2?
The Real Simons 18775 A-2 is crafted from custom-tanned AA-grade Polish full-grain horsehide in seal brown, matched to the exact shade and hand feel of original 1942 military-issue jackets. It develops a rich, personalized patina with regular wear.
What does the name Real Simons mean?
Simons comes from our founder's English name, Simon, read as "Simon's". Real is our core philosophy: doing real and authentic things. The brand is our founder's name and his standard, on every jacket.
Does the Real Simons A-2 use genuine WALDES zippers?
Yes. The Real Simons 18775 A-2 uses Japanese-reissued WALDES zippers, produced on original vintage looms to match the exact style of 1940s military-issue zippers. It also features period-correct DOT snap buttons.
How should an A-2 horsehide jacket be cared for?
Never wash or tumble dry a horsehide A-2 jacket. If wet, blot gently and air dry in a cool space. Apply neutral leather conditioner seasonally, and store on a wide wooden hanger away from direct sunlight and direct contact with mothballs.
