Buzz Rickson’s MA-1 MIL-J-8279 Detail and size, cold protection, etc.
MA-1 is a flight jacket that represents the United States Air Force. In recent years, many shops have released MA-1 with silhouettes and materials changed according to the times, so I think everyone knows the basic shape. I was wearing Alpha’s one when the boom happened once in the 90’s. Since that time, each company has reprinted and released the actual MA-1 used at the time, but the price was high and it was a flower of Takamine as a student at that time. I recently got a copy of the old MA-1 reissued MA-1. I also got the black MA-1 from the William Gibson collection. Be sure to compare it with that.
What is Buzz Rickson’s ?
Buzz Rickson’s is a military brand of Toyo Enterprise Co., Ltd., a company that has faithfully reproduced military wear for over 20 years. In addition to MA-1 this time, we are reprinting military jackets of leather and cotton models, and recently we have also released MA-1 with double name with Beams and others. The reproducibility has been amazing for 20 years and the price is so high that I couldn’t afford to buy it, but I was able to get it at a good price with second-hand clothes. I am very happy to get the item I yearned for.
MA-1 MIL-J-8279
The MA-1 is a jacket used by the US Air Force from the 1950s to the 1970s. As it is worn in the aircraft, it has a simple appearance that is easy to move and does not get caught in aeronautical equipment. It has been given a military standard number of MIL-J-8279, has undergone minor improvements, and there are eight types with minor differences from MIL-J-8279 to MIL-J-8279G. What I got this time is the MA-1 1st of MIL-J-8279, a reproduction model from the late 50’s to the early 60’s.
MIL-J-8279 Features
Here are some features of MIL-J-8279.
The tip of the storm flap is angular.
The MA-1 has a storm flap on the back of the front zipper that prevents wind from entering through the zipper. MIL-J-8279 has a square top. The shape here is rounded from MIL-J-8279A. So, you can quickly see that the MA-1 with a square storm flap top is the 1st model.
The reason for the change was that there was an accident when the pilot escaped and at high altitude the outside temperature was low, causing this part to freeze and hurt his neck.
Oxygen tab
There is a square tab on the left front. This is used to clip the oxygen mask hose. Due to the development of oxygen mask equipment, this tab will be abolished in the middle of MIL-J-8279B.
ICS code loop
The buttoned loops under the sides are for looping through the cables of the onboard communication device. Like Oxygen Tab, due to the development of communication equipment, it will be abolished from the middle of MIL-J-8279B.
No pocket flaps
There is no flap in the pocket. The flap comes to come from MIL-J-8279E.
Inner gray color
Up to MIL-J-8279C, the inner is gray color. The inner color has changed from MIL-J-8279D to orange, making it a reversible specification. This is to make it easier for the pilot to find by wearing the orange face up in the event of a distress.
Wool pile lining
Interlining up to MIL-J-8279D is wool pile. It’s like a blanket with wool embedded in a cotton base. For this reason, the faithful reproduction of the MA-1 is quite heavy, despite its appearance. But it’s very warm because you’re wearing this heavy blanket.
Cigarette pocket
The pocket on the upper left arm is one of the MA-1’s most characteristic details. A pen holder is also included. It’s also attached to the recent MA-1 type jacket. The actual and reprinted items are subtly angled. I find this pocket useful as a key compartment.
A feeling of size of Buzz Rickson ’s MA-1
This time I got the L size. The size chart on the Buzz Rickson’s homepage shows that the chest measurement is around 106 cm, the sleeve length is around 85, and the height is ~ 180 cm. My body type is 172 cm tall and weighs 80-kg. The MA-1 is originally worn on a flight suit, so I think it is a little larger than the size notation. So I was wondering if I could use the M size, but when I actually tried on the M size, it was just the size or a little smaller when I wore the standard thickness sweatshirt. Especially around the chest. So this time I chose L size.
When I wore a sweatshirt inside and closed the zipper, it was a little fit and it was a perfect fit. L size was just right.
I hope it will be helpful for those who are worried about size.
Cold protection of Buzz Rickson ’s MA-1
MA-1 supports intermediate zone, -10 ℃ to 10 ℃ temperature. If it is a reproduction model such as Buzz Rickson’s and the interlining is made of wool pile, there is no problem at this temperature. In Japan, there will be no problem between December and February.
However, when the wind blows, there is cold air ingress from the neck and hips and ribs on the sleeves. Since flight jackets are intended for use on airplanes, the protection against the cold in windy environments has not yet been considered.
I often wear it when riding a motorcycle, but since there is wind infiltration from the ribs as described above, it is not really suitable for motorcycles. If you ride a bike or if the wind is strong, use a muffler or gloves to prevent cold air from entering through the ribs.
Summary
I wrote the details, size and cold protection of the Buzz Rickson’s MA-1 MIL-J-8279 reproduction model. I’ve been longing for a long time, so I’m very satisfied with it. I will wear it for a long time. I would be very grateful if you could refer to those who are interested in MA-1 by Buzz Rickson ’s.
#MA-1 #buzz_rickson’s #MIL-J-8279
