One year after the start of World War I, a problem emerged as open cockpit airplanes increased in number. Pilots flying these planes were exposed to extremely cold temperatures and needed coats to keep them warm. Goatskin and lambskin were both sampled to see which best protected the pilots from the elements. The British Flying Corpsman went as far as trying out long leather trench coats. The length of the coats caused problems though.
As time passed, pilots needed warmer jackets because the planes were flying at higher altitudes. After much trial and error, a leather jacket with fur and later Sheepskin lining the inside was used. The same specifications as the Cirrus Classic Shearling Flying Jacket were used in the design. Shearling jackets became known as the superior lightweight pilot jacket with wool applied to lambskin on the inside.
The suede on the outside provides excellent protection against the wind and the inside wool helps insulate the pilot’s body. The final version of the G-1 was created in the late 1930’s for the U.S. Navy. Goatskin is the main component for warmth, as the jacket is made with a comfortable wool collar. The G-1 jacket of today is tailor made to the owner and can include discreet inside pockets if desired.
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