Great Escape A-2 Flight Jacket
Description
The REAL SIMONS Rough Wear 16159 A-2 Flight Jacket is a museum-grade reproduction of the iconic WWII U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) leather flight jacket, made famous by Steve McQueen in The Great Escape. Based on the legendary 1940 Rough Wear contract No. W535AC 16159, this jacket is a true piece of aviation history, recreated with period-correct materials and obsessive attention to every detail.
As the very first A-2 contract issued to Rough Wear Clothing Co., the 16159 is a cornerstone of vintage flight jacket collecting. Our reproduction stays true to the original WWII specifications, including the distinctive Talon M-39 zipper, period hardware, and the iconic "Reissued A-2" patina, making it the most authentic tribute to this legendary jacket.
Details
Outer Shell: Premium Leather & Patina
Material: High-quality full-grain leather, selected to match the weight and hand of WWII-era horsehide.
Patina & Finish: Our deep brown version is crafted to replicate the "Reissued A-2" look, with a rich overdyed finish that will develop a unique tea-core patina with wear, just like the original refurbished jackets.
🔹 Hardware & Fasteners (Period-Correct to the 16159)
Zipper: Talon M-39 No. 5 Nickel-Plated Zipper with the iconic square pull tab and "J" shaped top stop, identical to the 16159’s original specification.
Collar & Pocket Snaps: Two distinct sets of period-correct snaps (collar vs. pockets, non-interchangeable), sourced from Japan for authenticity.
Collar Hooks: Alloy nickel-plated collar hooks with fixed pins and hollow cross posts, matching the WWII military design.
🔹 Interior & Lining Details
Lining: Full orange cotton sateen lining, identical to the USAAF standard issue.
Markings:
- USAAF logo stamp and AN inspection stamp, matching the marks found on refurbished "Reissued A-2s."
- Virgil Hilts name and serial number printed inside, identical to the movie jacket.
- "WESTERN COSTUME CO." Label: A reproduction of the simple label sewn into the lining of the Great Escape movie prop jacket.
🔹 Signature Rough Wear Construction
Pocket Design: Faithful reproduction of the 16159’s distinctive pocket flaps with sharp angles and rounded bottoms, a hallmark of Rough Wear’s manufacturing style.
Stitching & Construction: Heavy-duty stitching throughout, built to last for decades, just like the original military jackets.
Cuffs & Waistband: Original-style ribbed knit cuffs and waistband, matching the period specifications
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Size guide
All measurements are taken with the jacket laid flat.
Slight differences may occur due to manual measuring.
Please contact customer service if you need further assistance to place an order.
Model reference: 178 cm (5'10") / 73 kg (160 lbs) — wearing size L.
The model featured is Asian; European customers may wish to consider purchasing one size larger.
| Size | Shoulder | Chest | Sleeve | Armhole | Hem | Back Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 43CM | 106CM | 64CM | 20CM | 76CM | 58.5CM |
| M | 44CM | 110CM | 65CM | 21CM | 80CM | 60CM |
| L | 45CM | 114CM | 66CM | 22CM | 84CM | 61.5CM |
| XL | 46CM | 118CM | 67CM | 23CM | 88CM | 63CM |
| 2XL | 47CM | 122CM | 68CM | 24CM | 92CM | 64.5CM |
| 3XL | 48CM | 126CM | 68CM | 25CM | 96CM | 64.5CM |
Rough Wear 16159 & The Great Escape Legacy
The Birth of a Classic: Rough Wear 16159
The A-2 flight jacket was the standard issue leather jacket for USAAF pilots during World War II, designed for durability and comfort in the cockpits of high-altitude bombers and fighters.
Contract No. W535AC 16159: Issued to Rough Wear Clothing Co. in November 1940, this was the company’s first A-2 contract. A total of 9,700 jackets were produced, making it one of the earliest and most coveted A-2 specifications.
Key Features of the 16159:
- Talon M-39 Zipper: The original WWII zipper of choice, identified by its square pull tab and distinctive "J" shaped top stop.
- Distinctive Pocket Design: Flap pockets with sharp, angular corners and rounded bottoms, a signature Rough Wear manufacturing style.
Construction: Built to strict military standards, with heavy-duty stitching and premium horsehide leather.
Made Famous by Steve McQueen in The Great Escape
The 1963 classic film The Great Escape cemented the A-2’s place in pop culture history. Steve McQueen, playing USAAF pilot Virgil Hilts, wore a vintage A-2 jacket that has become one of the most iconic pieces of movie memorabilia.
- The Legendary Jacket: McQueen’s A-2 is widely believed to be a Rough Wear 16159, sourced from a vintage shop before filming. The jacket was customized for the movie, adding Virgil Hilts’ name tag, rank insignia, and unit patches.
Our Reproduction: We’ve recreated every detail of McQueen’s on-screen jacket, including the hand-brushed silver rank insignia, the period-correct name tag, and the iconic "WESTERN COSTUME CO." label found in the lining of the movie prop.
Great Escape USAAF A-2 Flight Jacket Reproduction Details
Creating a faithful reproduction of the 16159 A-2 requires more than just copying a pattern—it demands deep historical research, reverse engineering of original hardware, and an understanding of the nuances that make each contract unique.
At REAL SIMONS, we’ve spent years studying vintage 16159 examples, military technical manuals, and the famous Great Escape jacket to ensure our reproduction is indistinguishable from the original. From the shape of the pocket flaps to the patina of the leather, every detail is crafted to meet or exceed the standards of the highest-tier Japanese reproductions.
Leather use and maintenance knowledge
Leather products are consumables.
- Proper maintenance can extend their service life.When wearing it daily, you should pay attention to protecting the leather surface to prevent scratches by hard or sharp objects, and avoid contact with oil, acidic and alkaline substancesLeather products are strictly prohibited from washing, tumbling and drying, and long-term exposure to the sun.
- If they are wet by rain or moisture, you can use a soft dry cloth to gently wipe off the surface water stains and dry them in a cool and ventilated place. Do not wear before it is completely dryLeather should not be rubbed with water or gasoline, as water will make the leather hard and gasoline will volatilize the oil in the leather and cause it to crackNatural fur/fur collar will have slight curls after long-term wearing or washing.
- Detergents may cause hair loss at some edges, so dry cleaning is recommendedColorless maintenance oil should be applied before changing seasons and storage to prevent leather aging and cracking.
- Before application, a small area should be tested on a hidden part to prevent discoloration caused by chemical reactions between maintenance oil and leatherStore in a hanging position and do not fold or press heavily to prevent wrinkles on leather/furMothballs for mildew and insects should not come into direct contact with leather
