MA1jakke

MA1jakke is the term used in some Nordic languages for the MA-1 flight jacket, a lightweight nylon bomber jacket originally issued to United States Air Force aircrews in the 1950s. The garment gained lasting prominence in military and civilian wear and remains a staple in both military surplus and fashion today.

Design and features: The MA-1 has a durable nylon shell, a rib-knit collar, cuffs, and waistband, and a front zipper closure. It typically includes two slash pockets at the hips and a zippered pocket on the left sleeve for small tools. The interior lining is a distinctive bright orange (safety orange) color, designed to help locate an aircrew member if they were forced to evacuate. Many variants retain the orange lining, while some modern reproductions offer alternative linings. The jacket is commonly finished in olive drab, sage green, or navy, and is usually supplied by brands under license from the original maker (e.g., Alpha Industries). The outer material is normally water-resistant nylon.

Variants and use: The MA-1 has inspired numerous variants and improvisations, including modifications to pockets and collar construction. In civilian fashion, it is a versatile, unisex outer layer used in streetwear and heritage wardrobes. In military and aviation history, it is recognized as a classic mid-20th-century flight jacket that influenced later bomber designs.

Cultural impact: The MA-1 jacket remains widely reproduced and referenced in music, film, and fashion, notable for its practical design and iconic orange lining.