The critically acclaimed 2020 Tom Hanks film "GREYHOUND" depicts warfare in the North Atlantic against German U-Boats in World War II.  Tom Hanks is a very dedicated actor who holds great personal admiration and respect for the WWII veterans, and as such he is very driven to achieve high levels of authenticity.  The production company for "GREYHOUND" hired our founder as a consultant because they were interested in the epitome of historical accuracy, and they primarily purchased our Buzz Rickson's U. S. Navy items because these items are world renowned as the last word in quality and authenticity.  If you see "GREYHOUND," our founder is credited on screen as a consultant and you will see nearly every minute of the film depicting the primary cast, including Tom Hanks, wearing Buzz Rickson's USN winter Deck Jackets, Pea Coats, and work shirts that were supplied in quantity, but we also supplied some quantity of this superb sweater.

The WWII U.S. Navy sweater was worn by sailors of all ranks in cold weather. With its trim cut, medium-weight knit and Navy Blue color, this simple, classic design is versatile enough to be worn with any number of clothing combinations, and looks fabulous with your favorite denim jeans or khaki chino trousers.

Naturally, our reproduction is made to the correct military specifications of the original sweaters of 1944 and is constructed from 100% worsted wool. The collar and cuffs, as per the original, have a different weave than the body of the garment and they are attached separately. We have even reproduced the famous Naval Clothing Factory label, which has been made on vintage shuttle looms and appears with a printed-on-cotton label designating the sweater size sewn just below it.

Available in sizes 36 - 48.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from England

The C-2 Vest (sweater) is an all-time favorite of our founder, who deems its design, utility, construction, and function as genius, as well as indispensable with almost every jacket in one's wardrobe.

Developed in 1934 for the Air Corps and intended specifically to be worn under flying jackets and flying suits, the C-2 was both fabricated and designed to provide a very hugging fit; the narrow, tapered sleeves and hugging body help the C-2 to act as a second skin.  The intention was to provide for an additional 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit of useful life to any given outer garment, and with minimal bulk and interference when worn with any number of layers protecting from the cold.  The A-2 Flying Jacket was the main companion intended for wear with the C-2, as the A-2 was designated a Summer Flying Jacket and, with its lightweight poplin lining, really nothing more than a leather wind breaker.  

When the C-2 is worn with the classic A-2 Flying Jacket, the benefits are immediate and immense, truly allowing for use of the A-2 into colder temperatures without feeling chilled.  It has been said that to get the most use out of an A-2 Flying Jacket, one must be prepared to sweat and freeze:  the C-2 Winter Flying Vest can extend the useful life of the A-2 significantly into colder weather and substantially help to eliminate the "freezing" part associated with getting the most life from the A-2.  Additionally, thanks to the tapered sleeves (very snug from elbow to cuff), easy donning and removal of any jacket style is readily afforded with a TRUE C-2 Winter Flying Vest.  

Another substantive benefit of the C-2 is the full-zipper closure.  Many individuals find they want to remove their sweater once inside warmer surroundings, then having to reverse the process when heading back outside:  with most sweaters, this means pulling the sweater over one's head or slowly fidgeting with buttons, but the easy-glide zipper of the C-2 makes immediate removal and replacement effortless!

The C-2 is not just for use with the A-2 Flying Jacket:  the design, function, utility and overall fit makes it the perfect companion for any jacket, whether leather or textile in fabrication, and military or civilian in design!  Although attempted by other brands past and present, the various iterations of the C-2 have all fallen short in one or all of the following ways:  incorrect or less-than-precise fit (such as sizing small, medium, large, etc., or sizes that cover ranges, such as 42-44 vs. sizing that is size specific, such as 38, 40, 42), yarn size that is too thick (creates bulk and sloppy fit), yarns that are too fuzzy and soft (will not hold up to years of use), incorrect zipper types, sewing/assembly, and various other atrocities. 

Buzz Rickson's has, in their typical precision, crafted the ultimate C-2 Winter Flying Vest (sweater).  Please note these authentic, high-quality features that make this the ONLY C-2 to own:

• Copy of original maker’s label design produced on a vintage shuttle loom.

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave Olive Drab worsted-wool yarns to match AAF spec.  The yarns are not at all bulky or thick, and they have that crisp "bite" found on the vintage C-2 sweaters; these yarns are decidedly not at all soft or fuzzy, thus providing years, and years of use without premature wear and excess pilling.

• Taping of neck seam and zipper closure sides with contrasting HBT cotton fabric.

• Correct design of fit, with tapered arms and hugging body construction; in conjunction with the correct weight of wool yarns, the use of this C-2 with most any jacket will be a dream.

• One pocket on lower left side.

• Correct lockstitch throughout assembly.

• Authentic copy of a brass Conmar zipper custom made at great expense and outfitted with cool-looking, contrasting tan-colored zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton, and correctly reinforced with real bar tacking (not mere look-a-like stitching) at the base.

• Correct cotton hanging loop cross-stitched directly through the sweater neck area.

• Assembly with contrasting-color, all-cotton thread on vintage sewing machines.

When worn as originally intended, we can comfortably fit chest measures up to 46" - 48".  Please do NOT attempt to guess your size and please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

The A-1 sweater was designated as a Mechanic’s item even though it proved to be very popular with aircrew, largely due to its pullover design and great warmth (the lighter type C-2 zipper-front cardigan being the official aircrew knit garment). As per usual, this very, very rare item of WWII wearing apparel has been copied to a super-high standard of quality and authenticity. Particularly noteworthy is the intricate rib-and-rack weave found on the cuffs and waistband of the original examples that has been expertly copied on our sweater, along with the heavy-weight wool construction. Made from 100% worsted-wool yarns in the original light olive drab color, this is the perfect sweater to wear with your USAAF flying jacket, especially the A-2 or, better yet, fully outfitted as a master aviation crew chief mechanic with our D-1 Jacket. However, the practical design, great warmth and smart looks and color (earth tone) of this sweater cannot be overstated - it looks absolutely unique and fabulous worn just by itself with khakis or jeans and a thin black or white turtleneck layered underneath. You'll be amazed at how good you look in this sweater and how warm and versatile it is for nearly any climate, look or application. A classic in every way, and one not to be found elsewhere!

Available in sizes 36 – 48.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from England

This sweater was standard issue to all aircrew personnel in the Royal Air Force during WWII, forever associated with Spitfires, Hurricanes and Lancasters. Classically worn under the sheepskin flying jacket or tunic, RAF aircrew favored the roll-neck sweater as one of the better items of issue clothing that could be worn as extra insulation under the sheepskin flying suit. So practical and comfortable was this garment for combat flying, even some USAAF personnel traded with RAF aircrew to obtain one for wear under their flying kit.

We have copied this highly desirable garment to our usual high degree of authenticity. Like the original examples, our sweater is made in England from 100% pure English wool in Ecru (unbleached white). It is knitted to exactly the correct spec:  two diamond-shaped cotton reinforcements are sewn inside where the collar joins the shoulder (just as on the original), a proper Air Ministry spec. label with king’s crown is woven in red thread on a white backing, and the rear portion of the knitted bottom skirt band contains a series of individual knots, with the number of knots designating the size of the sweater - a detail found only on an original sweater and ours!

This is the perfect companion to any of our RAF jacket styles or, as many RAF veterans will attest, just a good-looking classic sweater that can be worn with one’s gentleman’s attire or on its own.

Available in sizes 36 - 48.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from England