The History
of
Aviation Leathercraft
The History
of
Aviation Leathercraft
of
Aviation Leathercraft
www.flying-jacket.com
Simon Green
After the war had ended, Irvin stopped producing jackets. Fans maintained a buoyant second-hand market, but supplies eventually dwindled and the jackets became very scarce, which is what faced keen pilot Simon Green, when, in 1977, he simply had to have a “real” flying jacket.
Unable to find an Irvin jacket for himself he set about making one. After much research and with the help of Irvin GB Ltd and the RAF Hendon museum, a faithful reconstruction of the Irvin jacket was created.
Whilst the Irvin Company didn’t think it would be commercially viable for them to recommence production, they approved the jacket pattern and the use of the Irvin name. By late 1977 the production of Irvin jackets had recommenced and Aviation Leathercraft began.
"There is only one genuine Irvin flying jacket. Hand-crafted in Britain from the finest materials, it is an heirloom-quality garment, available exclusively from Aviation Leathercraft."
Leslie Leroy Irvin
Leslie Irvin invented the parachute “rip-cord” system and in 1919 Irvin started making parachutes for the U.S. government and opened a UK factory in 1926. As aviation advanced during the 1930s, aircrew were flying to altitudes where temperatures would easily be sub-zero, hence, the first Irvin flying jacket was born.
Steve McQueen & John Cooper
Irvin’s jacket was superb. Made from heavyweight sheepskin, its thick natural wool provided incredible insulation, was comparatively light and remarkably comfortable. The wide collar could be raised to provide excellent insulation around the neck, while a belt was fitted at the waist to prevent draughts.
Irvin and the UK Armed Forces
Some of the most prominent RAF Squadrons, the RAF itself and numerous professional services such as the Police, Fleet Air Arm and the Army Flying Corps have commissioned us to design and produce their flight jackets.
These are some of the most demanding and prestigious customers on the planet who expect each Aviation Leathercraft jacket to be made from the best materials, by the most highly skilled tailors and crafted without compromise. We continue the tradition of quality and attention to detail that gained Leslie Irvin his reputation.
Pictured: Sqn Ldr Tony Banfield ex OC BBMF and the Lancaster pilot, modeling Aviation Leathercraft's Irvin jacket in the 1980s.
There’s only one genuine Irvin
Moto-Lita Ltd (Aviation Leathercraft) is the proud owner of the Irvin trademark, which is sewn into each Irvin jacket on a woven label that serves as your guarantee of authenticity.
Our jackets are lovingly hand-crafted by some of the UK’s finest tailors, as they’ve always been. If it isn’t made by us, it’s not a real Irvin.
The Irvin look
Flying jackets transcend fashion trends and remain timelessly cool. To really nail the look, it needs to be an original Irvin.
From the feel of the soft premium sheepskin and the thick natural wool, to the quality zip and leather tags, each hand-crafted Irvin tells your story.
