Top Gun's Jacket Makers: Cockpit USA's Underrated Leather Jackets

[@elliotthall5543]

If you're in military aviation you've known about these guys for decades. Cockpit makes the real deal. One of mine is 37 years old.

[@Stridewise]

badass!

[@XOriente]

The “too big” wind flap actually has a purpose: Navy regulations stipulate that if you are wearing a flight jacket in uniform, you must have it zipped up ¾ of the way up. The flap extends ¾ of the way up the placket to be an indicator if one is wearing one’s jacket correctly.

[@jamesdelgado2009]

Still wearing my Aero Leather, front quarter, horsehide jacket after 25 years. One of the best leather jacket makers out there IMHO.

[@richardcostello360]

Between them and Aero.....hands down no contest best flight jackets

[@victoryveshinojosa]

I've always understood the extra strip of leather behind the zipper to be a wind guard. I'd keep it on for the chilly NYC winters!

[@ivermec-tin666]

Victor, precisely. Prewar cockpits were largely open air in reconnaissance and training craft. Even in WW2, cockpits were unconditioned and unpressurized. Layering was expected, and the aviator's scarf was not a prop.

[@ChipsAplentyBand]

Yes, both flight jackets and (often) straight-zipped motorcycle jackets include the wind guard strip attached to the side of the main zipper path. Wind/cold air will otherwise penetrate the closed zipper teeth and chill the wearer or even inflate the jacket/cause it to 'billow.' The wind flap puts a barrier behind the main zipper path to help prevent this. It's a side-benefit, but a benefit nonetheless, that a windflap will also help prevent the zipper teeth from catching on shirt material as the jacket is zipped up. My personal inclination is to buy a well-designed and well-made leather jacket with exactly the features I want, including a wind flap (or none), or epaulets, epaulet stars, and a belt/half-belt (or none), rather than later removing these features from a jacket that already has them. Besides the risk of damaging the jacket's shell or seams/thread--and weakening the seams of a protective motorcycle jacket is a functionally bad idea--removal of such features may also reduce the jacket's resale value later, and may make it look worse because the features were an intended part of its design. The 'quick' removal of epaulets, half-belts, and belt loops from jackets using scissors can look especially sloppy (for those who care about that). Your local leather shop/leather tailor can probably remove such features more adeptly if you really want them gone. Every feature on traditional biker jackets intended for riding serves a desirable functional purpose, including those pesky waist belts/buckles/loops on motorcycle jackets (which also help prevent rushing wind from 'billowing' the jacket or chilling the wearer on the highway) but the biker jacket and flight jacket styles are popular just for their looks/style as streetwear too.

[@Stridewise]

I'm so stupid, it also does that yes

[@ChipsAplentyBand]

@@Stridewise No stupidity at all. Happy New Year to you--Don

[@organicwest]

My stepfather's mother made the actual WWII bomber jackets. No one knew until after she had passed, when they found a note from an airman thanking her for keeping him warm on missions over Europe. Apparently the women who worked in the factories put notes in the pockets to the airmen going to the war.

[@Stridewise]

It must be so gratifying making clothes that work SO well, particularly for such harsh conditions

[@jerrypomroy2375]

I just scored a G-1 off Poshmark for $55 that looks to be in excellent condition. The only kickers are that it’s a made by Cockpit USA for Bill’s Khakis, doesn’t have the shearling collar & has what appears to be a cotton liner on the body with nylon lined sleeves. It’s listed as a size Large as opposed to Cockpit’s more precise measurements. I’m a 43” chest with a rather broad back, so fingers crossed for fit.

[@strengthandbulkMadness]

There used to be a Cockpit store on Houston and B’way back in the 80s. All the leather stores in NYC started closing early 2000s. Department stores like Macy’s and Sears used to have a leather jacket section. Not sure what happened.

[@Stridewise]

The internet happened!!! Though I guess I'm part of that lol but hey I'm trying to push clicks in their direction

[@strengthandbulkMadness]

@@Stridewise true but people still shop in stores. The rise of PU leather played a role too. Then after PU leather slowed down, real leather jackets were forgotten by the average consumer.

[@stuartschwartz5341]

I have an A1 from them. There’s nobody else making this level of quality. I heartily agree and recommend.

[@richardcostello360]

Aero Scotland and Eastman make A1 and A2 flight jackets that FAR surpass cockpit

[@jerrypomroy2375]

I’ve had jackets with wind flaps in the past & I had a tailor add a snap to fold them to the inside & stash away when not needed & the jacket open. Those weren’t leather though, so I can’t say that’s an option for that jacket. But it worked great.

[@alui5362]

don't think that's a shirt protector. it's a flap to act as a wind break for wind going through the zipper. cuz it's a flight jacket and planes used to not have heating.

[@poozizzle]

I have a second hand Vanson motorcycle jacket.... Love it!

[@a-macduff]

Hey Nick, have you ever heard of Avi Leather jackets? They’re similar to Cockpit in that they create reproduction flight jackets. I love their style, and they’re affordable, relative to quality reproduction leather jacket prices.

[@warrenbfeagins]

I just ordered their naval short leather peacoat. It back ordered which takes longer to get, but for nearly 40% off, I'll wait. Stridewise stamp of approval is reassuring. Lol!! After being burned by another brand, THIS is what I'm looking for. Great review too!

[@andrewdavidwoolley7892]

Great review!!! Could you please consider doing one for Avi, A2 bronco leather jacket in horsehide???

[@alexreiser6325]

Been thinking about pulling the trigger on their A-2 for a while, your video is brilliantly timed and is the final push!

[@Stridewise]

Oh cool! Good luck Alex, hope you get it!

[@danteng12]

Thanks for the info. If I understand correctly, Cockpit USA leather jackets are not for athletic built guys (wide shoulders with small waist) except the one you have?

[@Stridewise]

yeah, they're roomy and short, which is how they used to be made

[@ralphmarkasher]

I have my issued Navy G1 that was made by Cockpit and an A2 I got from a friend who was a former USAF pilot.

[@RaulGarcia-fm7zo]

You should review “The Jacket Maker” jackets. Very curious what you think. They have a large selection at a very decent price. Their concept is is interesting. Would be very interesting to see you do an in-depth review of their jackets.

[@petersilecchio4417]

Very Cool Jacket. Thanks for the Great Review. Could you do a review on a Sheepskin B-3 Flight Jacket? Including Care of the Sheepskin. Thank You.

[@thechief043]

Never heard of this company. Thanks for sharing, Nick.

[@Stridewise]

You're the guy I was thinking of when I made this video!

[@Pipebomb12354]

If you are feeling that Indiana jones itch, you should try wested. There the og manufactures of the first 3 indy movies. Curious to see your perspective to there goods.

[@assadn5082]

Hi Nick thanks for that review. Would love to see one of Gustin's L1 leather jacket they are offering in some horween leather types. I haven't seen a review of that any where and a bit hesitant to pull the trigger on it. It looks like a really nice minimalist jacket which I've been looking for.

[@betznern]

I'm super tempted by the cxl 8. It looks very good, but it's hard to pull the trigger without much info out there.

[@assadn5082]

@@betznern I'm looking at both the #8 and the natural although I do admit that #8 is has more allure.

[@bobjohnson6321]

those gustin jackets are a slim fit and that horween leather they use is fantastic. the price is unrivaled for a horween leather jacket. i too considered joining a recent campaign but it seems like a few of them failed to fund. i had my eye on the brown dublin. i already have quite a few and i am happy with them outside of them being a bit snug.

[@tristansherbondy852]

Maaaaan, I think the giant zipper protector makes it look more modern and Very cool unzipped! Awesome jacket, man.

[@Stridewise]

Yeah maybe I complained too much hehe! Glad you like it Tristan!

[@muchasgracias6976]

Nice review of a cool jacket. For me I love the look and feel of big flaps on a cockpit, but each to his own I guess.

[@randomguitarnote8887]

I have this jacket, bought it because I wanted ONE jacket to last me a long time. I really like it, however it has this “expensive/fancy” look to it because it is but thats not really my style, it also doesn’t quite match with the rest of my humble wardrobe 😂. I still enjoy wearing it though, it is very comfortable and pretty warm when the temperature drops.

[@jasonk12345]

i thought you were starting your vid with the timmy trumpet song a la edwin diaz lol. happy new year bud. thanks for all the great content in 2022.

[@Stridewise]

Same to you Jason, I appreciate the vote of confidence!

[@emoney2480]

Love my cockpit shearling bomber since 2018

[@pneumaticman5927]

I’ve got this beautiful Sigg tech leather jacket. I paid a bunch of money for a few years ago. But I bought it too damn big. Do you think these guys would do custom work, or do you know somebody who could properly refill it for me?

[@pneumaticman5927]

SIG Tac*

[@14s0cc3r14]

What is this jacket called? I missed it if he said it Edit: 5:00 Type 440!

[@clamum9648]

I'd like to get a nice leather jacket (my first) some day but man it's kinda overwhelming due to the options and brands available. I'm a slim guy and like slim, close fitting clothes so the jacket would absolutely have to fall in that category. Is it feasible to order a jacket online without being able to try it on in person? That seems pretty sketchy to me, especially for something so expensive. But I'm not sure there's many options in B&M stores around me.

[@ivermec-tin666]

This brand has a stellar reputation for QC and customer service. Call them and ask about the return/exchange policy, or go visit them if you are ever in Manhattan. IIRC, exchanges are not an issue unless the item was a custom order, or soiled. They sell direct.

[@pixxburgh420]

SchottNYC Has slim fitting jackets, and amazing customer service. Give them your measurements, they will find you a perfect fitting jacket. This company, CockpitUSA, also has a bunch of jackets that I want, but I've yet to buy anything from them.

[@Stridewise]

Yeah go for Schott. Check my video on the Cafe Racer, it's pretty slim!

[@davidmun1601]

My man, you lost me at Rocky 4 being the best. I am beginning to have doubts about your judgement skills 🤣. Happy New Year!

[@Stridewise]

It's the most _fun_. I might like Rocky Balboa more for the heart!

[@davidmun1601]

@@Stridewise Same here. Rocky Balboa is my favorite Rocky movie. Keep up the great content!

[@EDHBlvd]

Are those Saddle Tan Sullivan Gloves you are wearing? Gorgeous gloves.

[@Stridewise]

yes! good work haha

[@frank-f4l]

i just bought there new jacket called the battleworn a2 horsehide jacket it is all broken in nice jacket not made for everey one i like it keep up the good work

[@williamkazak469]

I have their A2 in goatskin. Very good quality.

[@nitina8564]

There are boots made in India by craft and glory, if possible to review those it'll be great. They are handmade and cost around $200. They are actually less than $200 but shipping to the US may bring the cost up i hope you order one from them and review it soon.

[@TheNeowars]

Have you personally owned one? Would love your review

[@kingofthekludge]

how many jackets do you own?

[@YoutubeDrummer]

Do a review on luca designs jackets

[@ActualKaktus]

Happy birthday, Rocky 😂

[@_bats_]

I kind of like these jackets, but I'm not sure I agree with the "any body type" comment. All of their leather jackets have those big lower flap pockets that I think are really unflattering on guys with more of a gut going on. Cool brand for sure, though.

[@Bayou987]

I love Rocky 4

[@Stridewise]

happybirthdaypaulie

[@Bayou987]

@@Stridewise 😂 was that in a robot voice or slurred Stallone?

[@WyattLoftin]

This is good. I love your videos on boots, but I wish jackets would get more attention on this channel.

[@Stridewise]

haha I was just thinking there are too many NON-boot videos on my channel, that's why I posted my latest! The next one is an incredibly long video about my favorite kind of jacket, stay tuned!

[@WyattLoftin]

@@Stridewise awesome! Saw your videos on the Grant Stone Kangaroo Ottawas. Love that video! Been thinking of getting a pair to complement similar jacket. At first I was thinking of getting a natural vegetable tanned fringe jacket from banana replublic, but am leaning towards the Thursday racer in the same color😅

[@Stridewise]

@@WyattLoftin such a good pairing. There’s a large freenote leather jacket on grailed for 700 rn, normally over a thousand

[@WyattLoftin]

@@Stridewise yah. I saw it. Unfortunately it’s a size too small for me, but I should be notified when they get more in. Very nice.

[@simonmandrakejones]

A bit expensive for my budget, but nice looking jackets.

[@kbrett2004]

cool jacket

[@centenoj85]

calidad y humildad

[@varun009]

I'd love to own one of their jackets but they're just too expensive. After a point, sheepskin is just sheepskin and it costs me 1/3rd the price to get myself a damn good one made in china/Pakistan. They usually market their b3s for 2-250$ but if you're willing to pay $300-$350, you can get everything you want down to the large wrist storm flaps.

[@MrRockyko]

What about there cafe racer jacket?

[@Stridewise]

that's their women's jacket though right? do they have a men's cafe racer?

[@MrRockyko]

No they used make a mens I’m trying to find info on it

[@Stridewise]

@@MrRockyko i don't know where it is!

[@MrRockyko]

@@Stridewise they probably don’t make it anymore I saw someone selling one like schott jacket nice thought you might now about them

[@MrRockyko]

Yes they don’t make it anymore it was nice

[@tw_judy]

cool review but those untucked button ups give me pain man

[@Stridewise]

Yeah I’m not one to tuck in a shirt but I see your point

[@tw_judy]

@@Stridewise Haha no judgement here. different strokes

[@johncarey3366]

Nothing compared to Irvines flying jackets in the UK and I'm from Ireland

[@Willysmb44]

Wow, you've either drank the Koolaide or you're a shareholder in Avirex. Sure, they were the first out there making these for the masses and focusing on the marketing before anyone else did. There are SO many better jackets which are less expensive. I guess I must ask if you know authenticity when you see it, and how you'd define it?

[@danziegner]

Really, better jackets? Name them. Cockpit used to be Avirex, they simply sold that name and rebranded.

[@richardcostello360]

​@danziegner hmmm there are many better brands out there......none are US made 😂

[@nvjenson]

Although their jackets are beautiful, when I visited about two weeks ago, I had a very underwhelming customer experience.

[@Stridewise]

Agree that element is just so so

[@altezahen_N]

Same for me. The lady over there is not very customer service oriented. I felt like I am bothering her.

[@brad1574]

You a are amazining

[@Chris-p9n8l]

Come on, boy! Eat more food, put some muscle on ya, boy! Ya need it real bad, boy!

[@youmustbethatninja]

These jackets are gonna become way more expensive after this video 😫😫

[@ExtraCheese666]

I cannot look at u an not see Kevin from shameless🤣

[@MrHappyDuckie]

Damn, thanks Nick, now I'm out a thousand bucks

[@Stridewise]

Oh dear, don't tell your partner about me I've got enough of them out for my blood

[@MrHappyDuckie]

@@Stridewise the only thing I wish were different was the actual patch on the Top Gun jacket - they swapped out the Taiwan/Japan operation patch that Maverick's dad had.

[@dahak972]

This company is horrible with customer service. Don’t buy one unless you try it on and see the quality in person.

[@RRCZ4A]

I love your content but can you please just slow your speech down a bit??

[@danziegner]

Underrated? A $700 leather jacket? Cockpit, has been around for decades.

[@Stridewise]

Yes, but they're not very well known. Compare to the foothold Schott and All Saints and even Aero and Satchel and Page have, Cockpit isn't well known

[@richardcostello360]

​@@StridewiseCockpit/Aviax is incredibly well known.....collectors have been avoiding these Mall Jackets since the 80's 😂 Aero Scotland is much more small scale with a price tag and tailoring to match

[@watchmyepics]

@@StridewiseI have an All-saints, it’s really nice but not GREAT it’s much thinner cheaper “fashion forward” leather from India. I just bought a cockpit jacket and it’s thick soft n like a tank. I’m just saying, I love my all saints jacket but I know what it is and what it isn’t and it IS NOT great quality