"Tiger-Stripe” camouflage uniforms were developed in Southeast Asia in the early 1960’s and issued to military forces, most notably, special forces of the Army of the Republic of Viet-Nam (ARVN). When the U. S. Army began sending military advisors to assist the ARVN and its related government and other military forces, the U. S. Army had no camouflage uniforms of their own, thus they were given permission to wear the camouflage uniforms of the ARVN units to which they were attached or assigned.  The style of trousers seen here became known as the "Advisor" pattern due to its early association with these personnel.  

This “Advisor” pattern became the typical tiger-stripe camouflage uniform worn by U. S. forces, though the coloring of the camouflage and the shape and density of the camouflage pattern itself led to a multitude of varieties as identified by collectors today, one of the rarest and most desirable being the golden-hued pattern now called “Golden Tiger.”

“Advisor” jackets and trousers have been prominently featured in films depicting the war in Viet-Nam, the most notable include: “The Green Berets” with John Wayne, “The Deer Hunter” with Robert De Niro, and “Apocalypse Now” with Martin Sheen,” naming but a few.  Eventually, the exotic nature of the “Tiger” camouflage and its association with elite Special Forces and personnel of authority, power, and those having seen combat, spawned a huge demand for even more tiger-stripe camo. uniforms, as anyone seen wearing this camo. pattern in “Nam” was considered “hot stuff."  Today, vintage tiger-stripe camo. from the Viet-Nam war is very rare, highly collectible, and very costly to purchase, as well as being just plain cool looking, making a perfect summer-weight trouser for wear with tee shirts and sneakers.

Buzz Rickson’s, a brand highly respected worldwide for its pursuit of fanatical, penultimate authenticity, has recreated the “Advisor” trousers in the coveted “Golden Tiger” coloring. Never before has this camo. pattern been recreated to such an amazing degree of authenticity, including the employment of vintage shuttle looms to generate true selvage fabric as was used to fabricate the vintage sets in the 1960’s and early 1970’s, vintage-type dyes to craft the screen-printed colors and patterns of the camo. pattern, and vintage button dies to make genuine urea buttons that precisely match those typically encountered on the “Advisor” sets.  And to preclude you from looking like some “FNG” who just purchased a set of “Tiger” camo. while in Ben Hoa, Buzz Rickson’s “Golden Tiger” comes in a one-wash finish, giving it a very slightly faded vintage appearance that deftly matches the coloring and overall “been-there” look observed on vintage sets.

Please note these authentic features and details found only on a genuine Buzz Rickson’s “Golden Tiger” “Advisor” trousers of this pedigree:

• Two two-button bellows butt and leg pockets
• Compass/lighter pocket on leg
• Bar tack reinforcements on all major stress points
• Double-stitched seams throughout
• Two-button tab at waist to allow for decreasing the waist size 
• Custom manufacturing of genuine urea buttons produced on vintage dies that precisely match the size and shape of those observed on vintage “Advisor” jackets
• Custom manufacturing of all-cotton twill selvage fabric produced on the original, narrow shuttle looms of the type employed to produce this fabric in the 1960’s and 1970’s
• Base color of the fabric dyed to a shade of golden sand, precisely matching vintage examples of “Golden Tiger”
• Screen printing of one of the most typical tiger-stripe patterns to a high level of precision using vintage-type dyes to re-create the rare, highly desired “Golden Tiger” color shade, then washed once for a “been-there” look of an “In-Country” veteran
• Exact copy of the original-style printed-on-cotton size label sewn on the inside jacket closure
• “U S” ink stamping with the size, thus denoting a distinction between trousers of the same size but in a different size grade from those for Asian forces

Sizes available: Sm. - XL, fitting up to 38.5" waist measure. Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s products are imported from Japan

The U. S. Navy’s original Pea Coat was the 1910 model, fabricated from heavy, 36-ounce melton wool, outfitted with black urea buttons displaying an anchor surrounded by 13 stars, and both side-entry and flap-covered pockets.  Due to the lower pockets with pocket flaps, the coat design was longer in length than the Pea Coats of the late 1930's and subsequent years most individuals are familiar with.  Additionally, the interior of the coat was lined with wool flannel and not the rayon of the WWII Pea Coats.  A large-sized collar was incorporated in the design to block strong ocean winds and corduroy-lined pockets helped thwart the numbing effect on hands from the biting winter seas.  This was the same basic jacket design that went to war over 100 years ago with the U. S. Navy in WWI.

Once again, Buzz Rickson’s brand has resurrected a bygone treasure from the ground up, utilizing the vintage looms and know-how to craft fabrics not typically seen today, then deftly sewing the pieces together with vintage Union Special sewing machines to provide a finished product that comes as close to the vintage garment as is practical today.  What we end up with is a Pea Coat that transcends fashion by light years and bolts straight to the heart of classic style through the very functionality of the original design that has been so deftly reproduced.

You see, the glut of fashion Pea Coats found in catalogs and shopping malls the world over all have one big thing in common that separates them from a true Pea Coat of the Good Old Days:  fashion Pea Coats aren’t designed to do anything more than look like a Pea Coat!  Pick up any Pea Coat marketed today and feel the flimsy, sportcoat-grade poly-wool fabric, the knap of which pills into unsightly little balls with the first sign of hard use, condemning the coat to the trash within a few short seasons and never having kept anyone warm at latitudes further north than Miami. 

This Buzz Rickson’s Pea Coat is no light-weight fashionista statement; it’s made from 36-ounce melton wool and lined with wool flannel, both of which minimize loss of body heat and will wear as ferociously as did the Pea Coats that won WWI.  This is top-quality vintage craftsmanship irreplaceable at any price – this is Buzz Rickson’s.  Please take note of these authentic features:

• Exact copy of original U. S. Naval Clothing Factory contract label design woven on rayon

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, heavy-weight, 36-ounce, melton-wool outer shell in navy blue and produced on vintage looms

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, wool-flannel lining with two pockets

• Cotton-thread construction

• Two external hand-warmer pockets lined in the original-spec. heavy-weight corduroy

• Original-spec.10-button front featuring the pre-WWII buttons displaying an anchor surrounded by 13 stars

• Custom manufacture of the correct, rayon-acetate twill to line the sleeves for a durable, smooth application and removal of the coat

• Lower pockets lined in the same original-spec. heavy-weight corduroy as the upper, slash pockets

• Large wind-blocking collar with throat latch

Even-numbered sizes 34-46.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan.

The USAF L-2B Flying Jacket had a long service life and went through numerous changes to the original spec. 7448, and the spec. most associated with the Vietnam War was 7448H.  Some of the most notable features of the 7448H spec. include the orange lining, two-way zipper for reverse wearing with orange side out, USAF spec. contractor label on printed cloth and located in the left pocket, and deletion of the following:  snap-down epaulets, snap-down tab covering zipper bottom, nylon tab on chest for attaching the oxygen mask clip, and pocket flaps.  The heavier 2/2 twill and wool-and-rayon blend lining were both retained from previous spec.

The L-2B was intended for wear in climates between 42 degrees and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, thus ideally suited for spring, summer and fall.  The warmth-to-weight ratio, comfort, and overall good looks made this design extremely popular with all of those who could get their hands on one, and it was not uncommon for jackets to go "missing" and to be found on the backs of service personnel not authorized for issuance or wearing of the L-2B.

Buzz Rickson has reproduced the L-2B Flight Jacket (Spec. 7448H) in exacting detail.  Buzz Rickson’s heavy-weight nylon twill fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy flight satin used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAF flight jackets.  In fact, the only other flight jackets in the world today made from this nylon are those vintage examples of the USAF!  Please take note of these authentic features:

• Exact copy of the printed contractor label in the left pocket

• Custom manufacturing of the correct 2/2 weave and weight USAF Sage Green nylon twill outer shell to precisely match USAF specs., and treated to repel water

• Custom manufacturing of the correct 64% rayon 36% wool double-faced inner lining in high-visibility orange; jacket is reversible from sage green to orange

• Exact copy of a two-way Conmar main zipper in black-oxide finish, with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric in a contrasting tan shade

• Correct USAF-spec. leather pull tabs on zippers

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply 100% worsted-wool knit collar, cuffs and waist skirt in the USAF Sage Green

• Zippered pocket on left sleeve outfitted with four pen/pencil slots and two anti-puncture pencil caps made of USAF-spec. brass

Sizes:  XS  – XXL.  The fit is generous.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan

This style is a one-time offering this year, last produced in 2012.  This version we offer is made exclusively for the USA and Europe, having no name plate and wings on the left breast as does the production version for Japan.

Developed in the late 1930's as a summer flying jacket that could be worn on its own or in combination with a one-piece flying suit and helmet made from the same hard-wearing, corded-cotton fabric dyed in a light shade of olive drab that could span bronze, khaki-like, pea green, and gray-green shades, the 37-J-1 was widely issued to USN and USMC airmen at the time, and it could still be seen being worn into the very early days of WWII.  The popularity of the 37-J-1 among naval aviators rested with its practical, good-looking design and the hard-wearing cotton fabric that was specifically developed for flying clothing; this is the same fabric that went into mass production in WWII for use in USN foul-weather suits from which the coveted "deck jackets" became omnipresent and and highly sought after.  The 37-J-1 also featured prominently in the 1941 film "Dive Bomber", which starred Errol Flynn and Fred MacMurray.  This was filmed in Technicolor and features a bounty of rare naval aircraft, uniforms, and flying gear; this is a must-see for all fans of naval aviation in the months just prior to WWII.

Today, the 37-J-1 is very much a collector's dream, being nearly impossible to source in nice condition and commanding some serious premiums if one is even fortunate enough to have the chance to make such a purchase.  Buzz Rickson's brand is known for producing the hardwearing, corded-cotton fabric to amazing likeness in their various WWII USN "deck jackets," and now using this same fabric they have performed an absolutely superb job at recreating the 37-J-1 to clone-like standards.  Please note these authentic features found only on the vintage original 37-J1 Flying Jackets and this Buzz Rickson's masterpiece:

• Exact copy of original USN contract label design woven on vintage shuttle looms

• Exact duplication of the original property mark “USN” stenciled in black above the left pocket

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, heavy, corded-cotton outer shell to precisely match USN specs. and dyed a light shade of khaki-like Olive Drab

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, lightweight, broadcloth-cotton lining d dyed a gray-green shade of light olive drab

• Exact copy of genuine urea buttons made on vintage dyes; urea is the only button type specified at the time

• Cotton-thread construction

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply, worsted-wool knit cuffs, collar, and waistband in gray-green Olive Drab

• Lacquered-metal grommet vents located in armpits

• Two-button closure on convertible collar

• Two external pockets with central gusset, button flap, and soft-cotton lining on pocket front

• Incredibly authentic reproduction of the early Hookless zipper with all-metal base riveted at zipper bottom for extra strength at this area of great stress

• Zipper pull fob made from jacket fabric and riveted in place

Sizes:  36-44.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan

This is a Buzz Rickson's Special-Edition souvenir shirt from 1944-45.  Buzz Rickson's does not typically make Hawaiian-style shirts, but when they do we find them to be welcome editions to the Sun Surf styles, which come from the same parent company.  

This souvenir shirt comically depicts service life in cartoon form in the Pacific Theater of Operations for a USAAF 20th Air Force repair unit between 1944-45, spanning stints on Oahu, Cuba, Panama Canal, Guam and the massive B-29 bomber base on Tinian.  The artwork includes many comic lines, barking sergeants, 20th Air Force insignia, B-29 and B-25 bombers, P-51 fighters, jeeps, dirigibles, ships, surprised fish, and, of course, naked sunbathing nurses.  Printed in the original style on a super-dense cotton featuring one invisible chest pocket, genuine-urea buttons, and a vintage-style label woven on rayon, this shirt deftly copies all features of an original example.

As with all Special Editions, once gone, these will not be offered again.  

Laundry recommendations include washing in cool water and line drying to preserve color and minimize shrinkage.

Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

This is our favorite sheepskin jacket from Eastman Leather Clothing and we cannot say enough good about it.  If you want a timeless classic for winter that can be worn anywhere at any age, and which will only look better from years of  hard use, this is that intangible purchase that defies adequate description and which can just be simply said to be, upon the first try-on in front of the mirror - "Worth every penny!"

Originally designed in the early 1930's by parachute pioneer Leslie Leroy Irvin, this RAF sheepskin flight jacket was the only type issued to RAF aircrews, evolving through numerous spec. changes throughout its production life before being withdrawn from production in 1944. Though contracted to many firms to produce, including the Irvin Parachute Co., the original designer's last name has always identified this flight jacket.  After 1941, the critical material shortages and expenses placed on England compelled its army, air and naval ministries to modify many items of gear and clothing in an effort to stay in the war as cheaply and efficiently as possible.  The RAF Aircrew Jacket faced such modifications, causing the flight jacket to increasingly be manufactured from more and more separate panels of sheepskin (yielding more visible seams) to get more use from leftover pelts that would otherwise be thrown out if the pre-1941 design were adhered to.  Over the course of the war years, the jacket continued to gain more panel splices and saw ever-increasing use of lower-grade sheepskin, making the earlier flight jackets quite desirable, even back at that time.  Other notable differences among these jackets is the sheepskin used in construction.  

There are dozens of different breeds of sheep, and the difference between the characteristics and nature of them is wide:  they can range from soft and silky to tough and coarse, and from long and hair-like to short and nubbly.  Additionally, the coloring of the wool found on the original jackets can vary from tan, champagne, ginger, brown, and even black.  It can also be observed from original examples of RAF jackets, that some were made from a noticeably softer outer skin with slightly lower-depth wool. These were largely made from a Merino-type breed of sheepskin, and this skin is well known for its softness and high-quality texture, which is the version recreated here called The Fly Weight.

There were several manufacturers who produced RAF sheepskin flying jackets for the Air Ministry, and during the pre-war years they would often reveal their name and location on the garment label; it was only in later years into the war that the names and places were absent, as they learned this could lead to the producer becoming a target of the enemy due to it being a producer of war materiel.

This Fly-Weight model emulates the early style of RAF jacket commonly produced in the late 1930's, being made from a Merino skin that has been custom made to Eastman's exacting specifications to accurately recreate the appearance, feel, and texture of the originals, along with a classic commercial-style neck label that was typical of the 1930's.  Additionally, this outer skin has been specially produced to have a ‘crazed’, vintage-like appearance, and a fleece that has that typical nubbly texture that can been seen on original examples of this type. Other authentic details include:

• Lighter-shade sheep-wool color

• Aniline-dyed, vegetable-tanned leather for the seam trimming and one-piece pull-through zip thongs

• Specially selected hides tanned & dyed to match the jackets made in the early years, including a "crazed" vintage-like finish and soft pliability with a lower-depth wool (0.5") than is found on our other RAF jacket styles

• Leather pull tabs on zips

• Authentic zippers custom made to early Air Ministry design specs. including the slider box cup (a feature found only on these and original examples)

• All-cotton elasticized strap behind collar for quickly fastening this up

• Hand-sewn linen spec. label in typical 1930's "commercial" layout

One of the most impressive aspects of this product is not just it’s uncanny authenticity, but that it’s the most easy-wearing, soft, comfortable sheepskin flying jacket we offer - you will not want to take off - it's as if you're on Cloud Nine in The Fly Weight!  

Sizes available: 36-48 regular. Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on custom order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Made in England

Originally designed in 1931 by parachute pioneer Leslie Leroy Irvin, this RAF sheepskin flight jacket was the only type issued to RAF aircrews, evolving through numerous spec. changes throughout its production life before being withdrawn from production in 1944. Though contracted to many firms to produce, including the Irvin Parachute Co., the original designer's last name has always identified this flight jacket.  After 1941, the critical material shortages and expenses placed on England compelled its military, air and naval ministries to modify many items of gear and clothing in an effort to stay in the war as cheaply and efficiently as possible.  The RAF Aircrew Jacket faced such modifications, causing the flight jacket to increasingly be manufactured from more and more separate panels of sheepskin (yielding more visible seams) to get more use from leftover pelts that would otherwise be thrown out if the pre-1941 design were adhered to.  Over the course of the war years the jacket continued to gain more panel splices and saw ever-increasing use of lower-grade sheepskin, making the earlier flight jackets quite desirable even back at that time.  Today, all of the original RAF flight jackets are highly collectible, though a premium is typically paid for the very early garments made with the fewest sheepskin panels.

The RAF flight jacket depicted here is the type worn by the RAF Fighter Command pilots who saved England during the greatest air battle of all time – “The Battle of Britain.” The RAF pre-1941 pattern Aircrew Jacket, although very similar to the post-1941 jacket we offer, still bears some noteworthy differences.  As already mentioned, the pre-1941 pattern flight jacket differs mostly from the later ’42 pattern in its larger-panel, fewer-seam construction. As you can see from the images there are no chest seams to the front or back, nor are there any cross seams in the sleeves.  This, as Britain's Air Ministry found out during the war, is a much more costly way to make the flight jacket - the larger panels making conservative use of the sheepskin pelts very difficult.  The pre-1941 pattern uses around 30% more material than the '42 pattern, hence the cost difference, even today. Other differences include: a lighter-shade sheepskin color, high-quality aniline-dyed leather for the seam trimming and one-piece pull-through zip thongs.  The following original details are also incorporated in this pre-1941 pattern flight jacket: specially selected hides tanned & dyed to match the luxurious jackets made in the early years; no-pocket construction (hand-warmer pockets never appeared on the original RAF flight jackets); leather pull tabs on genuine brass zips; authentic zippers on all-cotton tape, custom made to wartime design including the slider box cup (a feature found only on ours and original examples); ventilated arm pit gussets; all-cotton elasticized strap behind collar for quickly fastening this up; hand-sewn linen spec. label and more...

Never before reproduced to this degree of quality and authenticity, our pre-1941 pattern “Battle of Britain” flight jacket will now, undoubtedly, satisfy all those who have been looking for the quintessential RAF flight jacket forever associated with those gallant "Few" of RAF Fighter Command who sacrificed themselves to save England in the summer of 1940.  Tally-ho!

Sizes available: 36-48 regular. Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on custom order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from England

Originally designed in 1931 by parachute pioneer Leslie Leroy Irvin, this RAF sheepskin flight jacket was the only flight jacket type issued to RAF aircrews, evolving through numerous spec. changes throughout its production life before being withdrawn from production in 1944.  Though contracted to many firms to produce, including the Irvin Airchute Co., the original designer's last name, Irvin, is commonly used to identify this flight jacket style regardless of manufacturer.  After 1941, the critical material shortages and expenses placed on England compelled its military, air and naval ministries to modify many items of gear and clothing in an effort to stay in the war as cheaply and efficiently as possible.  The RAF Aircrew Jacket faced such modifications, causing the flight jacket to increasingly be manufactured from more and more separate panels of sheepskin (yielding more visible seams) to get more use from leftover pelts that would otherwise be thrown out if the pre-1942 design was adhered to.   Over the course of the war years the RAF flight jacket continued to gain more panel splices and saw ever-increasing use of lower-grade sheepskin, making the earlier flight jackets quite desirable even back at that time.  Today, all of the original RAF flight jackets are highly collectible, though a premium is typically paid for the very early garments made with the fewest sheepskin panels.

We offer this copy typifying the 1942 production run when fine-quality flight jackets were still being made with a minimum of sheepskin panels. Paramount prerequisites of quality and authenticity have been strictly adhered to throughout, resulting in an RAF flight jacket of unparalleled accuracy.  Original details include: specially selected hides tanned & dyed to match the best-made, 1942-produced flight jacket; no-pocket construction (hand-warmer pockets never appeared on the original RAF jackets); heavy double-sided leather pull tabs on genuine brass zips; reproduction zippers on all-cotton tape (zippers are custom made to wartime design including the slider box cup - a feature found only on ours and original examples); ventilated arm pit gussets; all-cotton elasticized strap behind collar for quickly fastening this up; hand-sewn linen spec. label and more... This is the definitive copy of the RAF 1942-pattern Aircrew jacket. Take your flight into Royal Air Force history with this unmistakable classic!

Sizes available: 36-48 regular.  Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on special order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from England

This is a fully revamped design of this same glove style offered by Eastman Leather since 1999, but now made with Eastman's all-new, fully vegetable-tanned, fully aniline-dyed horse hide that is the most impressive they have ever offered.

This original glove type was the USAAF fighter pilots’ glove of choice. Ruggedly handsome and made from a sumptuous, fully aniline-dyed, fully vegetable-tanned unlined horse hide, the 1942-pattern gloves were available to all officers on flying status, as well as paratroopers (to protect their hands from parachute-riser burn).  This is one of the most rare and desirable gloves styles to see action in WWII, now lovingly recreated and available in the same premium horse hide Eastman imports from a top Italian tannery as used to craft Eastman jackets; previously, the horse hide used on this glove style was not the same as that used to craft Eastman jackets.

Whether flying, driving or for sport or dress use, these remain a classic accessory - then and now!

Sizes available: 8 (XS), 8 1/2 (Sm), 9 (Med), 9 1/2 (Lg) & 10 (XL).  Please see  BODY MEASURING for instructions on how to measure your hand to enable you to purchase the correct glove size.

Imported from England