I had one of these for years (Alpha). I bought it in the late 70's, from an army surplus store in the UK. It was an issued jacket and had the stitch marks where the badges had been removed. The shell of the jacket was a heavier nylon than the ones you get now, built to last! Also it had a "date of issue" on the pocket patch, which was July 1972. I had the jacket for years, but sold it on as it was too small for me. A great jacket, for sure.
I love your channel man. Discovered you randomly and I watch all your videos. Keep up the good work. You’re helping me discover a lot of a awesome vintage styles.
thank you so much anyway. Thanks to your advice I was able to buy an original model from the 80s, size large. Now I finally have a sleeve that falls decently, but is not too big on the shoulders, and is not excessively large. This jacket is an icon, a beautiful shade of green, and is extremely versatile.
Great video Derek. I love the MA-1 jacket but there are remarkably few (English language) videos about it on RUclips. If you don’t mind, I would like to offer a couple of observations about your comments on the MA-1’s label/tag. Early MA-1’s did not have the label in the front pocket. In fact, the early labels were very similar to the labels found on A-2 flight jackets. They were black with the size, the manufacturer’s name and other information embroidered using a golden-yellow thread. The label was positioned just below the hanger loop in the back of the jacket. Printing the labels must have been more economical than machine embroidering them - hence the change to printed labels which were sewn inside the pocket. I believe that the printed label came in at the same time as the orange lining. The early MA-1’s with the black embroidered labels, tended to have light grey linings. Also, the line of information that you believe may include the issue date, actually doesn’t! The ‘MIL-J-82790J (USAF)’ is the code for the military specification of the jacket. So, within the Air Force materiel system that is the code you would use to order more such jackets. Actually, the code inside your jacket strikes me as rather odd. In the Japanese published book: ‘Suit up! The Flight Jacket’ the editor, Kesaharu Imai, includes a table of the various specifications of the MA-1. The earliest model was the MIL-J-8279. After that, every change in specification included a letter added to the end of the specification code. So, the second pattern was the MIL-J-8279A, the third was MIL-J-8279B etc. Imai San indicates that MIL-J-8279F was the last ‘flight status’ model. But the code on your label ends with ‘0J’. I can’t cast any light on what that means unless it was produced by Alpha Industries for a civilian chain store??
Thanks! Great info on these. I've never found an original, original with the black tag so that makes perfect sense. Maybe this is a non-military version, but I'm not positive on that yet but Suit Up probably would know. I'll have research and see if I can figure it out. I wouldn't think they'd be allowed to to make a real tag for the civilian market? thanks again for all this great info!
I have a Navy G-1 as I was issued one in 86 enlisted aircrew, but started Collecting Jackets from 84 at my first duty. I collected one with the embroidered cold thread (G-1 leather) and it had a Nat stock number of 62. The real sheep skin furry collar was aged to a golden color so I sewed it on my 86 issue and the goatskin is still in good condition but cuffs are torn now. Gonna tackle them once I can get my 28K73 timed out in fall after putting it off for 1/2 years after buying it from Europe.
I have a purple ma1 with the same label inside the front pocket, bought it from amazon japan quite recently, Ive seen it listed as core spec 2000 in most places. I dont know why I am typing this tho
I have an N2B with code MIL-J-6278G from Spiewak&Sons, so is it a military issued jacket or a civilian jacket? Looking forward to your answer, Thank you very much!
i've had a few alphas and flight jackets over 42 years, still have my first.... 80's punky skinhead. i've just bought a tanker jacket, and never realized they were so similar. i'm guessing tankers jackets were the design influence.
Not sure what flight jacket model my uncle has but I remembered seeing both nylon and leather jackets. He was a US Air National Guard pilot and served during the Iraq war during late 80’s to early 90’s. I’m asking my mom to look into those boxes in the garage now 😅. But, for sure, he threw away most of his Dessert Battle Dress Uniform (DBDU) before moving from HI to WA after his retirement.
I have a alpha industries ma1 flight jacket large size it cost me £160 but was a bit on the large size so I decided to try a medium fit jacket but tried a different make so I checked the internet for suppliers and came across a company called military first and decided I would try there medium size jacket it fitted perfectly and only cost £58 . The jacket is well made and there is no noticeable difference in quality of there products
Great review. I've been wearing AI flight jackets since the late 70's. Can't even count how many i had since then. Now i have 15 AI flight jackets but my all time favorites are the MA-1 & CWU 45 P. The MA-1 in your video is an early 80's model.
The trick is to get the early ones. 58 per cent wool and 42 cotton. Polyester is not as warm and heavy. Have to stick with the early ones. Bronson is 60 per cent wool and 40 per cent cotton so I think it's going to be great. Otherwise I wouldn't order it.
Thanks for this info, it does look like mine is a civilian version, but probably an early one since it doesn’t have their brand zips. Off on the hunt now for a real one!
Alpha industries doesn't supply the military anymore for quite a while now. The three stripes you mentioned was the older AI logo prior to the one now. MA-1 was decommissioned from USAF & USN in the early 70's and was replaced with the CWU45/P. The MA-1 shown in Derek's video is an early 80's version and not a military issue MA-1. I had a couple of original military issue MA-1's in OD color but honestly they are quite worn out and unless you're a collector I recommend you purchase yourself a nice new AI MA-1 and you'll be good for years to come.💪🏼💯👍🏻
Good evening, iconic jacket and nice video with useful information. I purchased the size m but unfortunately, like you, I have problems with the sleeve length, which is very short. I'm a few centimeters taller, and thin. I read that you tried the L, do you say that the L would fit me worse? A thousand thanks ;)
Thank you for watching, as to fit, you, like me are stuck between either a fitting jacket with short sleeves or a looser fit with the correct length. These are not form fitting jackets anyway, so if you have a little extra in the body and just the correct sleeve, then go for the large. You'll be happier with the fit than a jacket you won't wear because the sleeves are too short.
These are great jackets but the sizes all vary , I have a size large and fits ok but I can’t get a hoodie underneath should I choose so I had the luck to buy a xxl to give me extra room & to be honest it’s only a inch or so bigger from a large . Great video & very informative thank you
@@133taxi Your comment confirms a suspicion I had, the xl could be right for me, especially because of the sleeves, but since I'm very thin, and even the M fit me well from the shoulders, I would lose out on something else.
I've never cleaned one actually. Just wipe off the front with a wet towel. I really don't know if washing will hurt it. If it's old and the wool lining then probably should dry clean. if it's modern with poly, then I assume a wash would be fine.
It has to do with most people being right handed. In the UK you still had people dressing you left over from Victorian times and they would be facing the wearer of the jacket. The US never had that. It’s a bit of a pain, but that is why. It is a left over from days gone by.
It's a civillian one, not military issue. The Alpha "three bars" symbol with "TM" on the pocket label are the givaway. These are military quality and specification, but were produced by Alpha to be sold new by military suplus stores to the public. It probably dates from the mid to late eighties. The Alpha branded zippers (made by YKK) are found on the more modern, foreign made "fashion" versions. The modern jackets are fashion junk!
@@derekdoeschannel Great quality, near-ientical to military spec, US made, nothing to be ashamed of. The coolest flight jackets - in my unhumble opinion - are the aramid CWU-45 and 36, especially if found with stitched-on shoulder rank insignia and all the Velcro patches for unit and operational insignia. Have you "does" either of those jackets yet?
@@DAEfilms Easy to find and not expensive. One of the contracted manufacturers for aramid 45s and 36s, Isratex, has an "interesting" back story... Get an Isratex one and you'll have a fun story for the vid.
I don't. If you go too low you're not going to get a good one, but the really good ones are priced high. Probably do a search and who makes them and their prices and compair to whatever price works for you?
Newer ones are too "dad bod" cut now for fat bellies and obesity in Western men. Thankfully they also make a "Slim fit" jacket that fits incredibly well and is less bulky. Absolutely love it!
This is not a Military Jacket, it's a civillian one made by Alpha you can see it directly by the three lines, a Military one don't has the three lines and the civillian ones don't have a DLA / DSA / SPO-Contractnumber with the Manufacturing date... like the one in the Video
I'm 1.78 or 5'10. It would depend too on your weight but a small or Medium would work. You might to try one on to be sure though. Start with a small and see how it fits and move up if you need too.
I had one of these for years (Alpha). I bought it in the late 70's, from an army surplus store in the UK. It was an issued jacket and had the stitch marks where the badges had been removed. The shell of the jacket was a heavier nylon than the ones you get now, built to last! Also it had a "date of issue" on the pocket patch, which was July 1972. I had the jacket for years, but sold it on as it was too small for me. A great jacket, for sure.
Sounds like you had one of the best. Mid 60's to mid 70's seem to have been the ideal ones to own.
Sounds like you were geared up for a riot at a Cockney Rejects gig.
I have the Skyline 1961 I think that was the first year of orange rescue liner.
I had one also from that year and it had the orange liner also.
@@derekdoeschannel I've had a back to the future Skyline 1961 Omg.
I love your channel man. Discovered you randomly and I watch all your videos. Keep up the good work. You’re helping me discover a lot of a awesome vintage styles.
Thank you so much!
Yes, “00” indicates the trademark in 2000 however, those zippers are YKK but they are stamped with Alpha’s logo.
good info!
They stopped issuing once they had the CWU-45/P so I think that was 1974 or so.
thank you so much anyway. Thanks to your advice I was able to buy an original model from the 80s, size large. Now I finally have a sleeve that falls decently, but is not too big on the shoulders, and is not excessively large. This jacket is an icon, a beautiful shade of green, and is extremely versatile.
Fantastic! It sounds perfect.
Great video Derek. I love the MA-1 jacket but there are remarkably few (English language) videos about it on RUclips. If you don’t mind, I would like to offer a couple of observations about your comments on the MA-1’s label/tag. Early MA-1’s did not have the label in the front pocket. In fact, the early labels were very similar to the labels found on A-2 flight jackets. They were black with the size, the manufacturer’s name and other information embroidered using a golden-yellow thread. The label was positioned just below the hanger loop in the back of the jacket. Printing the labels must have been more economical than machine embroidering them - hence the change to printed labels which were sewn inside the pocket. I believe that the printed label came in at the same time as the orange lining. The early MA-1’s with the black embroidered labels, tended to have light grey linings. Also, the line of information that you believe may include the issue date, actually doesn’t! The ‘MIL-J-82790J (USAF)’ is the code for the military specification of the jacket. So, within the Air Force materiel system that is the code you would use to order more such jackets. Actually, the code inside your jacket strikes me as rather odd. In the Japanese published book: ‘Suit up! The Flight Jacket’ the editor, Kesaharu Imai, includes a table of the various specifications of the MA-1. The earliest model was the MIL-J-8279. After that, every change in specification included a letter added to the end of the specification code. So, the second pattern was the MIL-J-8279A, the third was MIL-J-8279B etc. Imai San indicates that MIL-J-8279F was the last ‘flight status’ model. But the code on your label ends with ‘0J’. I can’t cast any light on what that means unless it was produced by Alpha Industries for a civilian chain store??
Thanks! Great info on these. I've never found an original, original with the black tag so that makes perfect sense. Maybe this is a non-military version, but I'm not positive on that yet but Suit Up probably would know. I'll have research and see if I can figure it out. I wouldn't think they'd be allowed to to make a real tag for the civilian market? thanks again for all this great info!
I have a Navy G-1 as I was issued one in 86 enlisted aircrew, but started Collecting Jackets from 84 at my first duty.
I collected one with the embroidered cold thread (G-1 leather) and it had a Nat stock number of 62.
The real sheep skin furry collar was aged to a golden color so I sewed it on my 86 issue and the goatskin is still in good condition but cuffs are torn now. Gonna tackle them once I can get my 28K73 timed out in fall after putting it off for 1/2 years after buying it from Europe.
very nice! I hope it goes well for you.@@scottstevens3045
I have a purple ma1 with the same label inside the front pocket, bought it from amazon japan quite recently, Ive seen it listed as core spec 2000 in most places. I dont know why I am typing this tho
I have an N2B with code MIL-J-6278G from Spiewak&Sons, so is it a military issued jacket or a civilian jacket? Looking forward to your answer, Thank you very much!
i've had a few alphas and flight jackets over 42 years, still have my first.... 80's punky skinhead. i've just bought a tanker jacket, and never realized they were so similar. i'm guessing tankers jackets were the design influence.
Tanker jackets are great. Two versions if they're WWII. Yes very similar but not silky smooth like a modern MA-1.
Not sure what flight jacket model my uncle has but I remembered seeing both nylon and leather jackets. He was a US Air National Guard pilot and served during the Iraq war during late 80’s to early 90’s. I’m asking my mom to look into those boxes in the garage now 😅. But, for sure, he threw away most of his Dessert Battle Dress Uniform (DBDU) before moving from HI to WA after his retirement.
I hope you find his old gear! Great to have and hopefully you’re the same size.
zippers on mine are Conmar since it's 1961'
I have a alpha industries ma1 flight jacket large size it cost me £160 but was a bit on the large size so I decided to try a medium fit jacket but tried a different make so I checked the internet for suppliers and came across a company called military first and decided I would try there medium size jacket it fitted perfectly and only cost £58 . The jacket is well made and there is no noticeable difference in quality of there products
Thanks, I’ll check them out!
I just bought a 1961 Skyline. That is the pinnacle of MA-1s.
Also the year I was born. So works for me. lol.
Orange lining too.
awesome pick up!
Just received my MA-1 from Bronson Mfg, really like it and it was a decent price.
Fantastic. I’m glad you like it.
punks always wore those jackets but in black or maroon colored. i had the OD like you have at one point.
Black was the color of choice.
Still do,Alpha slim fit one's are the go to nowadays. Baggy flight's are a thing of the past. Oi!
Great review. I've been wearing AI flight jackets since the late 70's. Can't even count how many i had since then.
Now i have 15 AI flight jackets but my all time favorites are the MA-1 & CWU 45 P.
The MA-1 in your video is an early 80's model.
Thanks and Thanks!
@@derekdoeschannel You're welcome.
Just Like the One Steve McQueen Wore In His Last Movie "The Hunter" May He R.I.P.
I forgot he wore one in that
@@derekdoeschannel Touche' (smile)
Got few of them - Different styles. Is a shame the new ones are no longer US made
I totally agree!
The trick is to get the early ones. 58 per cent wool and 42 cotton. Polyester is not as warm and heavy. Have to stick with the early ones. Bronson is 60 per cent wool and 40 per cent cotton so I think it's going to be great. Otherwise I wouldn't order it.
Bronson is 60 per cent wool and 40 per cent polyester. Sorry I got that wrong.
I love the old ones with wool, in any military jacket
Very informative video , thank you
Thank you!
Just to add onto another comment, if an MA-1 from alpha industries has the three lines on the tag, it means it is a civilian production version.
Thanks for this info, it does look like mine is a civilian version, but probably an early one since it doesn’t have their brand zips. Off on the hunt now for a real one!
Alpha industries doesn't supply the military anymore for quite a while now.
The three stripes you mentioned was the older AI logo prior to the one now.
MA-1 was decommissioned from USAF & USN in the early 70's and was replaced with the CWU45/P.
The MA-1 shown in Derek's video is an early 80's version and not a military issue MA-1.
I had a couple of original military issue MA-1's in OD color but honestly they are quite worn out and unless you're a collector I recommend you purchase yourself a nice new AI MA-1 and you'll be good for years to come.💪🏼💯👍🏻
Yours fits like a dream👍
Thanks!
Good evening, iconic jacket and nice video with useful information. I purchased the size m but unfortunately, like you, I have problems with the sleeve length, which is very short. I'm a few centimeters taller, and thin. I read that you tried the L, do you say that the L would fit me worse? A thousand thanks ;)
Thank you for watching, as to fit, you, like me are stuck between either a fitting jacket with short sleeves or a looser fit with the correct length. These are not form fitting jackets anyway, so if you have a little extra in the body and just the correct sleeve, then go for the large. You'll be happier with the fit than a jacket you won't wear because the sleeves are too short.
These are great jackets but the sizes all vary , I have a size large and fits ok but I can’t get a hoodie underneath should I choose so I had the luck to buy a xxl to give me extra room & to be honest it’s only a inch or so bigger from a large . Great video & very informative thank you
@@133taxi Your comment confirms a suspicion I had, the xl could be right for me, especially because of the sleeves, but since I'm very thin, and even the M fit me well from the shoulders, I would lose out on something else.
Is dry clean best recommended? or is it ok simply go with water wash?
I've never cleaned one actually. Just wipe off the front with a wet towel. I really don't know if washing will hurt it. If it's old and the wool lining then probably should dry clean. if it's modern with poly, then I assume a wash would be fine.
@@derekdoeschannel Thanks you^^ Glad to know these tips. Very helpful!
Hi can you please tell me why the jackets zip up on the opposite side to uk ? Cheers
It has to do with most people being right handed. In the UK you still had people dressing you left over from Victorian times and they would be facing the wearer of the jacket. The US never had that. It’s a bit of a pain, but that is why. It is a left over from days gone by.
@@derekdoeschannel thank you Derek for that 👍🏻 thought I bought a woman’s one lol 😂
I have a few Fjallraven fleeces and an Irvin and they use the left hand zipper. Feels weird but that's just what it is.
80s rocks
That it does!
Just ordered a Bronson MA-1 that should fill the bill.
It's a civillian one, not military issue. The Alpha "three bars" symbol with "TM" on the pocket label are the givaway. These are military quality and specification, but were produced by Alpha to be sold new by military suplus stores to the public. It probably dates from the mid to late eighties. The Alpha branded zippers (made by YKK) are found on the more modern, foreign made "fashion" versions. The modern jackets are fashion junk!
Thanks some others have also pointed that out. Still vintage, just not military issues. The search continues…
@@derekdoeschannel Great quality, near-ientical to military spec, US made, nothing to be ashamed of. The coolest flight jackets - in my unhumble opinion - are the aramid CWU-45 and 36, especially if found with stitched-on shoulder rank insignia and all the Velcro patches for unit and operational insignia. Have you "does" either of those jackets yet?
@@davidpalk5010once I get one I’ll do a video!
@@DAEfilms Easy to find and not expensive. One of the contracted manufacturers for aramid 45s and 36s, Isratex, has an "interesting" back story... Get an Isratex one and you'll have a fun story for the vid.
Recién me doy cuenta de su canal maestro to poseo una bomber jacket cwu 45p y son lo máximo
They are great jackets!
where do you think the best place to buy one of these for low price but good quality is?
I don't. If you go too low you're not going to get a good one, but the really good ones are priced high. Probably do a search and who makes them and their prices and compair to whatever price works for you?
holy shit a fellow american spurs fan. COYS and great video
Thanks! COYS! We might still have a chance this year.
Newer ones are too "dad bod" cut now for fat bellies and obesity in Western men. Thankfully they also make a "Slim fit" jacket that fits incredibly well and is less bulky. Absolutely love it!
Good to hear.
Great jacket. I only owned a couple of copies. I'd love a genuine one.
I have subscribed. Nick
Thanks! They are harder to find then they used to be for sure. Thank you for subscribing!
Short jacket but looks great.
This is not a Military Jacket, it's a civillian one made by Alpha you can see it directly by the three lines, a Military one don't has the three lines and the civillian ones don't have a DLA / DSA / SPO-Contractnumber with the Manufacturing date... like the one in the Video
Also original Military jackets don't have written made in USA on the tag
Thank you
whats your height?
5’10”
thank you so i know i'll need a medium i am 5 9 and a bit just a little shorter than u with average arm length@@derekdoeschannel
Real jacket is 58 per cent wool. Then 42 per cent cotton.
I’m on the hunt for one for me
How tall are you? Im 1.75 should I get a M o S?
I'm 1.78 or 5'10. It would depend too on your weight but a small or Medium would work. You might to try one on to be sure though. Start with a small and see how it fits and move up if you need too.
hello wich size should i get
i am 185cm
66kg
@@crnisin9507 probably a medium
Tu peux m adopter et me donner ton bombers
lol.
👍🏼
i cant find nice ma1 anywhere its either slim fit or just trash nice chanell btw
Thanks, Good ones are tough to find without spending bigger dollars.
You need a smaller size my man, thats far too big for you lol
Yes, I mentioned I use to be an X-Large but now I"m more a medium-large.