Why were Navy jackets longer in the body than AAF jackets?

[Jake431]

The title pretty much says it all. If this has been covered before, I apologize, but a cursory examination of the threads did not reveal it. I've always liked vintage Navy jackets because I don't need to order a repro with added torso length. But the question I have is why were Navy jackets made longer? The reason AAF jackets were cut short makes sense (sitting in the cockpit without it riding up), so why were Navy jackets so different?

 

[OperationCoffee]

A wild assed guess- because the navy worried about water getting in. I have never even noticed navy jackets being longer

 

[Jake431]

All the M-422A's I've had - one original, one repro, which is admittedly not many - plus the ones I've tried on - had much longer bodies than either reproduction or original A-2's I've had, or tried on.

 

[Skyhawk]

It's the design mostly. The waist bands are taller. Also the jacket has a bi-swing back with a belt strip on the bottom. Those design elements would not work well with a shorter length.

 

[ZuZu]

The title pretty much says it all. If this has been covered before, I apologize, but a cursory examination of the threads did not reveal it. I've always liked vintage Navy jackets because I don't need to order a repro with added torso length. But the question I have is why were Navy jackets made longer? The reason AAF jackets were cut short makes sense (sitting in the cockpit without it riding up), so why were Navy jackets so different?

It sorta ended in the 50s- some makers started making shorter G-1s and by the 1960s the G-1 was shorter.

 

[Jake431]

I know all this related to design and when it ended; what I've never heard is anyone have an explanation for why. Why did the Navy say "we should make a flight jacket that seems too long to be worn comfortably zipped sitting down flying a plane" - obviously they didn't say this, they made a deliberate choice, and I am hoping to learn what that choice was made for.

 

[CBI]

this is a good question - I wish I knew. I prefer the longer torso, I think it looks better, a more proportioned look.

 

[Erwin]

All the M-422A's I've had - one original, one repro, which is admittedly not many - plus the ones I've tried on - had much longer bodies

What was the difference in comparison between the length of WW2 and the early 60s jackets in the same size?

The shorter jackets are very comfy, but usually, for a fitter body type - these don't look good on a fatter person. The best option is to own and use both types, longer and shorter

I assume that the change in design was related to the reduced amount of used leather per jacket. When you make a few K saving a few inches makes a big difference - what for any business is always a great thing. I assume also, that a shorter jacket is more comfy when put on the flight suit.

 

[bseal]

My uneducated guess is G-forces would lengthen the spinal column a bit and one would need longer apparel (and maybe a cape with an animal themed costume) to accommodate such.

And I am so wrong.

https://mayfieldclinic.com/mc_hope/story_robert-gforce.htm

 

[bseal]

A more sensible response could be that its predecessor, the leather 37J1, was a longer cut and they simply followed suit.

 

[Silver Surfer]

who knows? it may have been something as obscure as issued naval pilot trousers had lower pockets, and thus, no need for shorter length jackets,, as against high pocket aaf trousers that would require shorter jackets to gain access to the trouser pockets. except to the m or g series inside snap pocket the pockets on both the navy and aaf jackets were basically useless for anything above and beyond carrying smokes and a lighter.

 

[Erwin]

bseal@, thanks for the accidental reminder about one of my favorite cartoons from my childhood

 

[Lowden025]

Never thought about the question before. Good one.