A Royal Air Force Sidcot Flying Suit liner jacket, estimated to date from the 1940s.
A truly exceptional acquisition.
The Sidcot Flying Suit was engineered for RAF flight operations and fitted with kapok liners during the Second World War. This example appears to be a 1941 Pattern specimen.
While the original design took the form of a full flying suit—essentially a one-piece garment—this piece has been customised into a jacket, likely during its service years.
The customisation, however, is executed with considerable sophistication. A Lightning brand fastener with bar stops secures the front, whilst the collar in fur pile, sleeve cuffs, and hemmed ribbing—details not found on the original—have been applied with careful attention to craft.
Such a jacket would sit comfortably within period production, and one might well accept it as original work. Whilst many military conversions of this era fall short of merit, this stands among the rare examples worthy of genuine recommendation.
Unusually for military textiles, the body is constructed from brown rayon—a material with subtle sheen and pleasant hand.
This is a short-length example, increasingly sought after in recent years. The clean proportions lend themselves to layering and make for a versatile addition to one's wardrobe.
Size marked as "3"
The true measurements suggest a golden size for Japanese proportions, accommodating a range of builds. It is meant to be worn as intended—fitted, not oversized.
Minor fraying is evident from use, yet significant soiling or damage is largely absent. For its age, the condition is considered good. There are no structural flaws that would inhibit wear.
It serves equally well as functional garment, collection piece, or reference for design study.
This is not something money reliably procures, nor can future availability be assured.
Though it emerged as a period modification, such a flying suit jacket is seldom encountered. Should you seek it, early consideration is advised.
