The Great Flight Jacket Thread (wearing/buying Leather, NOMEX, WEP jackets/patches)

[NoMoreMrNiceGuy]

Appreciate you folks very much. Wanted to drop an update here first before going public on my websites. Navy Trademark office approved a new commercial license for us a few days ago. Website & web shop update & product listings are in progress and I will be ready to serve again by this weekend. Big thumbs up to the Navy trademark office for the upgrade and assistance to make this happen.
See you guys out there,
Gypsy

And new guys: Buy two just in case!

 

[Pcoola19]

Best NOMEX jacket I can find online to build a cruise jacket? Issued one from API is super stiff and I’ve seen nicer ones in the fleet

 

[Waveoff]

If you’ve seen nicer ones in the fleet, honestly I’d recommend just asking someone in your first squadron. The shiny nomex isn’t an issued item anymore I believe and your first command’s wardroom maybe has a source set aside or would do a group buy.

 

[nbedore23]

If you’ve seen nicer ones in the fleet, honestly I’d recommend just asking someone in your first squadron. The shiny nomex isn’t an issued item anymore I believe and your first command’s wardroom maybe has a source set aside or would do a group buy.

Yeah, standard issue before NIFE is the G1 and the green Massif jacket as of March 2025. Sadly, the CWU-36/45 isn't issued; it looks way better than the Massif jackets.

Also, does anyone have experience with purchasing a nicer G1? I've been eyeing the Eastman Leather Company G1, but I'm open to suggestions.

 

[robav8r]

Yeah, standard issue before NIFE is the G1 and the green Massif jacket as of March 2025. Sadly, the CWU-36/45 isn't issued; it looks way better than the Massif jackets.

Also, does anyone have experience with purchasing a nicer G1? I've been eyeing the Eastman Leather Company G1, but I'm open to suggestions.

Black Horse Leather, Osan ROK.

 

[Gatordev]

Sadly, the CWU-36/45 isn't issued; it looks way better than the Massif jackets.

People just want what they can't have. Everyone was clamoring for the Massif when it came out because it is such a better jacket then the -36.

Also, the CWU-45 wasn't issued at API, only the -36. You had to order a -45 (which was a much better jacket) in the fleet and hope Supply made it happen.

 

[Griz882]

If you can wear what you want, I’d go with a 1960/1970’s WEP jacket. Lots of space for patches and cruise embroidery. The Massif is, in my opinion, a very nice jacket.

 

[ChuckMK23]

The NAVAIR Massif is top of the game in terms of wind protection and warmth in an easy to maintain and clean garment. No sewing, plenty of Velcro real estate, useful pockets, etc. RIP CWU jackets. Send to Goodwill pile.

Crews have never had it so good in Navy land.