Description

As technology extended both the distances aircraft could travel and the height that could be obtained there became an urgent need for suitable flight clothing that was not only warm and relatively water proof, but was not as bulky as some of the earlier options. Inspiration for the coat we now know as “The Barnstormer” came from Royal Flying Corp’s full-length leather flying coat, manufactured by companies such as Burberrys and Gamages.

As became the general rule, American leather companies developed the idea to produce a better, more serviceable and easier to wear version. The American versions first appeared in the Sears catalogues of the 1920s and 1930s. The flying leather necks, the cropdusters, the cargo and mail pilots of the 1930’s all faced long hauls in bitter weather conditions with only their flying coats to keep the elements at bay.

Their first choice was a Double Breasted Horsehide leather coat, chosen for its warmth, strength and durability…the same hallmarks that are found in the Aero Barnstormer. Although never an “issue” item, many US manufacturers produced virtually identical versions right through to the late 1930s, using horsehide exterior while the linings varied from the heavy horse blanket material to the more luxurious, lighter weight yet warmer, alpaca wool imported from Peru.

The “Barnstormer”, as this jacket has universally become to be known since we first coined the name for our version in 1986 to honour of the exploits of the flying circus and stunt pilots of the 1930s.

Sizing

This jacket is a 1920s inspired design, but while many designs of this era were very slim fitting, this style was intended as an ‘overcoat’ and so has a more relaxed fit than designs typical of that era.

If you plan on layering with heavy sweaters underneath then we’d recommend selecting your usual size, but if you plan to wear light sweaters/shirts you can usually ‘size down’ one size for a more fitted look.

Additionally, this jacket has a detachable belt at the natural waist which can be tightened/loosened to achieve a more relaxed/fitted look around the waist.

For further general sizing information, please see our sizing FAQ section. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for there, please get in touch.

Don’t worry, all sizing information displayed here is only a guide. Every order placed is checked over by a member of our production team who will confirm your size selection against your measurements or recommend any necessary changes that need to be made. If you have any specific queries, you can note these in the special instructions box on the ‘measurements’ page when placing your order.