Buzz Rickson's Men's Type L-2 "REED PRODUCTS, INC." Reproduction Flight Jacket, Olive Drab Nylon, Uninsulated Light-Zone Construction, Made in Japan (BR15125)
Sale price
¥76,900 JPY
Free Shipping Worldwide
Buzz Rickson's Men's Type L-2 "REED PRODUCTS, INC." Reproduction Flight Jacket, Olive Drab Nylon, Uninsulated Light-Zone Construction, Made in Japan (BR15125)
Buzz Rickson
This men's Type L-2 light-zone flight jacket is made in Japan by Buzz Rickson's, Toyo Enterprises' label specializing in detailed reproductions and interpretations of vintage American military clothing. This model reproduces an early first-generation Type L-2 manufactured by REED PRODUCTS, INC. and recreates the Olive Drab nylon version that preceded the later Air Force Blue L-2A and Sage Green L-2B. Unlike an MA-1, it contains no insulating fill, giving it a lighter, lower-bulk construction that makes it suitable as a light outer jacket during transitional weather, particularly in spring and fall.
Size and Fit Guide:
Gender: Men.
The jacket has a classic, somewhat boxy flight-jacket fit, with generous room through the body and a relatively short body length. A wool rib-knit waistband at the hem draws the jacket in moderately around the waist. Combined with the roomier body, this creates the rounded silhouette associated with the Type L-2. Because the jacket uses uninsulated light-zone construction, it has less overall bulk than an MA-1 with substantial insulating fill, making it easier to layer over T-shirts, shirts, or sweatshirts.
Because fit may vary depending on body type and personal preference, please use the actual garment measurements below as your primary reference. For the most accurate comparison, we recommend measuring a similar short-bodied flight jacket that fits you well. All measurements are taken by hand with a measuring tape, so slight variations may occur between individual garments and depending on the measuring method.
Our model is wearing a tagged size M. He is 5'9" (175 cm) tall, weighs 128 lbs. (58 kg), and has a 35.8" (91 cm) chest.
The following measurements show the garment itself, not your body measurements.
Please compare them with a similar jacket from your wardrobe to get a better sense of the fit.
In inches
Tagged Size 36
Width: 21.3" / Length: 23.2"
Sleeve: 32.7" (23.6") / Shoulder: 17.7"
Tagged Size 38
Width: 22.4" / Length: 24.0"
Sleeve: 34.3" (24.8") / Shoulder: 18.9"
Tagged Size 40
Width: 23.6" / Length: 25.2"
Sleeve: 35.4" (25.6") / Shoulder: 19.7"
Tagged Size 42
Width: 24.8" / Length: 25.2"
Sleeve: 36.2" (26.0") / Shoulder: 20.5"
Tagged Size 44
Width: 26.0" / Length: 25.6"
Sleeve: 37.0" (26.0") / Shoulder: 21.7"
In centimeters
Tagged Size 36
Width: 54cm / Length: 59cm
Sleeve: 83cm (60cm) / Shoulder: 45cm
Tagged Size 38
Width: 57cm / Length: 61cm
Sleeve: 87cm (63cm) / Shoulder: 48cm
Tagged Size 40
Width: 60cm / Length: 64cm
Sleeve: 90cm (65cm) / Shoulder: 50cm
Tagged Size 42
Width: 63cm / Length: 64cm
Sleeve: 92cm (66cm) / Shoulder: 52cm
Tagged Size 44
Width: 66cm / Length: 65cm
Sleeve: 94cm (66cm) / Shoulder: 55cm
[How We Measure the Actual Garment]
Width (Chest Width / Half Chest): Lay the garment flat and measure straight across from side to side, approximately 3cm (about 1.2 in.) below the underarms.
Length (Body Length): Measured from the base of the back collar, where the collar joins the body, straight down to the bottom of the hem.
Sleeve (Center-Back Sleeve Length): The first sleeve measurement is taken from the center back at the base of the collar seam, across the shoulder, and down to the end of the cuff.
Sleeve in Parentheses (Sleeve Length from Shoulder Seam): The sleeve measurement shown in parentheses is taken from the top of the shoulder seam straight down to the end of the cuff.
Shoulder (Shoulder Width): Measured straight across the back from the outer edge of one shoulder seam to the outer edge of the other.
Made in Japan.
Brand new with tags, in unused condition.
- All measurements are taken by hand with the garment laid flat, using a measuring tape.
- Please note that slight variations in measurements may occur due to individual garment differences and the measuring method.
- Actual color may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting conditions and individual screen settings.
Historical Background of the Type L-2 Series
The L-2 series, comprising the L-2, L-2A, and L-2B, was developed as a family of light-zone flight jackets, also commonly categorized as bomber jackets, for U.S. military aviation. As the era of piston-engine aircraft came to an end and enclosed-cockpit jet aircraft entered service, flight clothing also evolved. Nylon flight jackets emerged as a lighter and more flexible alternative to leather while still providing moderate protection against cooler conditions.
During World War II, the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) faced an acute shortage of hides and sought to address problems associated with the A-2 leather flight jacket, including its high cost and the difficulty of mass production. Nylon, developed by DuPont in 1939, was adopted as an alternative material. On May 21, 1945, the Type L-2, Specification MIL-J-5391, was completed as a successor to the A-2. The use of nylon and the move away from the fold-down leather collar established a basic design that would influence later flight jackets.
The original Type L-2 used an Olive Drab body color. Its basic specifications were largely carried forward into the improved Type L-2A, Specification MIL-J-5391A, which was adopted in the early 1950s during the Korean War. After the USAAF became the independent United States Air Force (USAF), the L-2A adopted Air Force Blue, the symbolic color of the new service, as its defining visual characteristic.
Air Force Blue was subsequently judged unsuitable during the Korean War because of visibility and related concerns. In the mid-1950s, the color was changed to the newly specified Sage Green, leading to the final version known as the L-2B. The L-2 series remained in service for an extended period until the CWU-36/P was adopted in the 1970s.
REED PRODUCTS, INC. First-Generation Type L-2 Reproduction
This model is a modern reproduction based on a REED PRODUCTS, INC. configuration of the first-generation Type L-2. It reproduces the early Type L-2 with its Olive Drab nylon outer shell rather than the later L-2A or L-2B.
The Olive Drab shell, uninsulated light-zone construction, wool/nylon lining, wool rib-knit trim, shoulder epaulets, angled flap pockets, left-sleeve utility pocket, horsehide oxygen tab, CROWN zippers, U.S. Air Force markings, and reproduction contractor label are combined to recreate the construction and appearance of this early Type L-2 configuration.
100% Nylon Olive Drab Outer Shell
The outer shell is made from 100% nylon in Olive Drab. The woven nylon has a smooth, tightly textured surface and does not have the surface fuzz associated with cotton or wool fabrics.
Instead of a strong gloss, the nylon develops a restrained sheen depending on the angle of view and the way light strikes the fabric. Highlights and shadows change along the folds and contours of the shell, allowing the surface appearance to vary as the jacket moves.
The fabric is relatively lightweight and flexible while retaining enough body to help the jacket hold its shape. The Olive Drab nylon shell is a defining visual feature of the original Type L-2 and distinguishes it from the Air Force Blue L-2A and Sage Green L-2B that followed.
50% Wool / 50% Nylon Lining
The lining is made from a 50% wool / 50% nylon blend. The nylon component gives the lining a relatively smooth surface, reducing friction against inner layers and making the jacket easier to put on and remove.
The wool component provides moderate warmth within the uninsulated construction. The lining therefore contributes warmth without functioning as a separate layer of thick insulating fill.
Uninsulated Light-Zone Construction
Unlike an MA-1, the Type L-2 does not contain a thick layer of insulating fill between the outer shell and lining. Its construction is based on the nylon outer shell and wool/nylon lining without added batting.
Eliminating thick insulating material reduces the jacket's overall thickness and weight and reflects its original design as a lightweight flight jacket for comparatively mild flying conditions. The absence of thick fill also allows the shell and lining to move together without the pronounced volume associated with an insulated intermediate-zone flight jacket.
For modern casual wear, this construction makes the jacket practical as a light outer layer during transitional seasons, particularly spring and fall. It can be worn over a T-shirt or shirt or layered over a sweatshirt according to the temperature, selected size, and preferred fit.
Reproduction CROWN Automatic-Lock Front Zipper
The center front uses a CROWN zipper revived for modern production by Toyo Enterprise. A horsehide leather pull tab is attached to the slider, providing a larger and easier-to-grip surface so the zipper can be operated more easily while gloves are worn.
This CROWN zipper incorporates an Automatic Lock Aluminum Spring Puller Zipper mechanism. The slider uses CROWN's proprietary spring cam-lock operating system. When the pull tab is released, the internal spring automatically engages the lock and holds the slider in position.
This mechanism helps prevent the slider from working downward and opening due to vibration or tension on the fabric during wear. It does not, however, guarantee against unintended opening under every condition.
To open or close the zipper, the pull tab is raised to release the spring tension and disengage the lock, allowing the slider to move. Toyo Enterprise recreated this functionally distinctive slider by combining original period components with newly produced reproduction components, bringing the CROWN zipper back into modern production.
Snap-Fastened Bottom Front Zipper Flap
A flap made from the same Olive Drab nylon as the outer shell is positioned at the bottom of the front zipper. The flap is secured with a snap button.
When the zipper is closed, the flap extends across the lower end of the front opening. It covers the insertion area at the base of the zipper from the outside and helps protect this component.
Angled Lower Front Flap Pockets
Two pockets with angled openings are positioned at the lower left and right sides of the front body. Each pocket opening is covered by a separate shaped flap.
The flaps can be secured with snap buttons. By covering and fastening across the pocket openings, they help prevent stored items from falling out unintentionally.
Snap-Fastened Shoulder Epaulets
Both shoulders are fitted with epaulets made from the same Olive Drab nylon as the outer shell. Each epaulet is secured with a snap button.
These shoulder tabs are among the exterior details that characterize the early Type L-2 and distinguish its upper-body construction from flight jackets without shoulder epaulets.
Left-Sleeve Utility Pocket and Four Pen Slots
A zippered utility pocket is positioned on the upper left sleeve. The main storage compartment uses the same type of CROWN zipper as the front closure, and its slider is fitted with a horsehide leather pull tab.
The exterior of the pocket has four narrow, individually divided slots for pens or pencils. Each slot keeps a writing instrument in a separate channel rather than placing all four within one undivided compartment.
This left-sleeve utility pocket is also commonly called a cigarette pocket and is a characteristic detail of U.S. military nylon flight jackets.
Printed U.S. Air Force Marking on the Left Sleeve
Above the left-sleeve utility pocket is a marking combining a U.S. Air Force emblem with the words "U.S. AIR FORCE."
The design is not applied as a separate embroidered patch. Instead, it is printed directly onto the nylon outer shell, allowing the marking to remain integrated with the surface of the sleeve.
Horsehide Oxygen Tab
A horsehide oxygen tab is attached vertically to the left chest beside the main front zipper. It reproduces a functional detail found on early flight jackets that was used to secure oxygen-mask-related equipment during flight.
The use of leather at this point also reflects the transitional construction of early nylon flight jackets, in which selected functional components continued to use leather even though nylon had replaced leather as the principal outer-shell material.
100% Wool Rib-Knit Collar
The neckline is finished with a rib-knit collar made from 100% wool. The flexible, elastic knit follows the neck without unnecessarily restricting movement through the neck and shoulders.
The rib-knit structure also helps reduce open space around the neckline and limits air entering through the collar opening. Unlike the fold-down leather collar of an A-2, this knitted collar forms a soft, flexible connection between the neck opening and the upper body of the jacket.
Graduated-Gauge 100% Wool Rib-Knit Cuffs
The cuffs are made from 100% wool rib knit. From the seam where each cuff joins the nylon sleeve toward the wrist opening, the knit changes from a lower gauge to a higher gauge.
The stitches therefore become finer toward the wrist, creating a moderately close fit. This change in knit density allows the cuff to transition from the fuller nylon sleeve toward the narrower wrist opening.
The rib-knit cuffs fit around the wrists, helping reduce air entering through the sleeve openings while keeping the sleeves in position.
100% Wool Rib-Knit Waistband
The bottom of the jacket is finished with a rib-knit waistband made from 100% wool. The elastic rib structure draws the relatively roomy body inward around the waist.
The relationship between the fuller nylon body and the narrower rib-knit waistband creates the rounded lower-body shape associated with the Type L-2 while retaining the jacket's relatively short body length.
Reproduction REED PRODUCTS, INC. Contractor Label
A reproduction contractor label based on the REED PRODUCTS, INC. configuration is sewn inside the back neck. The label reads "JACKET, FLYING, LIGHT," "TYPE L-2," "SPECIFICATION No. 3257-A," "ORDER NO. AF33(038)-7435," and "REED PRODUCTS, INC."
Rather than serving only as a conventional brand label, it reproduces the military format used to identify the garment designation, type, specification number, order number, and contractor.
Interior U.S. Air Force Marking
Directly below the contractor label, another U.S. Air Force emblem and "U.S. AIR FORCE" marking are applied directly to the lining.
This reproduces a period-style detail within the interior, where it is normally concealed while the jacket is worn.
Made in Japan
This Type L-2 reproduction is made in Japan with a 100% nylon Olive Drab outer shell, a 50% wool / 50% nylon lining, 100% wool rib-knit trim, and horsehide leather components.
Its construction combines uninsulated light-zone layering, CROWN zippers, snap-fastened shoulder epaulets and pocket flaps, a left-sleeve utility pocket with four pen slots, a horsehide oxygen tab, printed U.S. Air Force markings, graduated-gauge rib-knit cuffs, and a reproduction REED PRODUCTS, INC. contractor label.
These components reproduce the defining structure and exterior and interior details of the first-generation Type L-2 in a modern Japanese-made flight jacket.
Care Instructions
Do not wash at home.
Do not bleach.
Do not tumble dry.
Do not iron.
Do not dry clean.
Do not wet clean.
Please consult a professional cleaner regarding appropriate care.
Fully washing, tumble drying, or dry cleaning a Buzz Rickson's flight jacket may substantially alter its materials, rib-knit trim, leather parts, markings, and overall shape.
If the jacket becomes soiled, the provided care guidance recommends diluting a neutral detergent with water, dampening a cloth with the solution, and wiping the affected area. Even this method may cause uneven coloration or other changes, so test it carefully on an inconspicuous area before proceeding.
Always follow the care instructions attached to the actual product.
Important Notes
*Our online inventory is shared with our physical retail store. As a result, changes in store inventory may not always be reflected immediately on the website.
*Even after an order has been placed, an item may occasionally be sold out due to the timing of simultaneous purchases. We sincerely appreciate your understanding.
*All measurements are taken manually with the garment laid flat and measured using a tape measure.
*Slight measurement differences may occur because of individual garment variation and the measuring method.
*The actual color of the product may appear slightly different from the photographs depending on lighting conditions and the settings of your monitor or display.
Buzz Rickson
This men's Type L-2 light-zone flight jacket is made in Japan by Buzz Rickson's, Toyo Enterprises' label specializing in detailed reproductions and interpretations of vintage American military clothing. This model reproduces an early first-generation Type L-2 manufactured by REED PRODUCTS, INC. and recreates the Olive Drab nylon version that preceded the later Air Force Blue L-2A and Sage Green L-2B. Unlike an MA-1, it contains no insulating fill, giving it a lighter, lower-bulk construction that makes it suitable as a light outer jacket during transitional weather, particularly in spring and fall.
Size and Fit Guide:
Gender: Men.
The jacket has a classic, somewhat boxy flight-jacket fit, with generous room through the body and a relatively short body length. A wool rib-knit waistband at the hem draws the jacket in moderately around the waist. Combined with the roomier body, this creates the rounded silhouette associated with the Type L-2. Because the jacket uses uninsulated light-zone construction, it has less overall bulk than an MA-1 with substantial insulating fill, making it easier to layer over T-shirts, shirts, or sweatshirts.
Because fit may vary depending on body type and personal preference, please use the actual garment measurements below as your primary reference. For the most accurate comparison, we recommend measuring a similar short-bodied flight jacket that fits you well. All measurements are taken by hand with a measuring tape, so slight variations may occur between individual garments and depending on the measuring method.
Our model is wearing a tagged size M. He is 5'9" (175 cm) tall, weighs 128 lbs. (58 kg), and has a 35.8" (91 cm) chest.
The following measurements show the garment itself, not your body measurements.
Please compare them with a similar jacket from your wardrobe to get a better sense of the fit.
In inches
Tagged Size 36
Width: 21.3" / Length: 23.2"
Sleeve: 32.7" (23.6") / Shoulder: 17.7"
Tagged Size 38
Width: 22.4" / Length: 24.0"
Sleeve: 34.3" (24.8") / Shoulder: 18.9"
Tagged Size 40
Width: 23.6" / Length: 25.2"
Sleeve: 35.4" (25.6") / Shoulder: 19.7"
Tagged Size 42
Width: 24.8" / Length: 25.2"
Sleeve: 36.2" (26.0") / Shoulder: 20.5"
Tagged Size 44
Width: 26.0" / Length: 25.6"
Sleeve: 37.0" (26.0") / Shoulder: 21.7"
In centimeters
Tagged Size 36
Width: 54cm / Length: 59cm
Sleeve: 83cm (60cm) / Shoulder: 45cm
Tagged Size 38
Width: 57cm / Length: 61cm
Sleeve: 87cm (63cm) / Shoulder: 48cm
Tagged Size 40
Width: 60cm / Length: 64cm
Sleeve: 90cm (65cm) / Shoulder: 50cm
Tagged Size 42
Width: 63cm / Length: 64cm
Sleeve: 92cm (66cm) / Shoulder: 52cm
Tagged Size 44
Width: 66cm / Length: 65cm
Sleeve: 94cm (66cm) / Shoulder: 55cm
[How We Measure the Actual Garment]
Width (Chest Width / Half Chest): Lay the garment flat and measure straight across from side to side, approximately 3cm (about 1.2 in.) below the underarms.
Length (Body Length): Measured from the base of the back collar, where the collar joins the body, straight down to the bottom of the hem.
Sleeve (Center-Back Sleeve Length): The first sleeve measurement is taken from the center back at the base of the collar seam, across the shoulder, and down to the end of the cuff.
Sleeve in Parentheses (Sleeve Length from Shoulder Seam): The sleeve measurement shown in parentheses is taken from the top of the shoulder seam straight down to the end of the cuff.
Shoulder (Shoulder Width): Measured straight across the back from the outer edge of one shoulder seam to the outer edge of the other.
Made in Japan.
Brand new with tags, in unused condition.
- All measurements are taken by hand with the garment laid flat, using a measuring tape.
- Please note that slight variations in measurements may occur due to individual garment differences and the measuring method.
- Actual color may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting conditions and individual screen settings.
Historical Background of the Type L-2 Series
The L-2 series, comprising the L-2, L-2A, and L-2B, was developed as a family of light-zone flight jackets, also commonly categorized as bomber jackets, for U.S. military aviation. As the era of piston-engine aircraft came to an end and enclosed-cockpit jet aircraft entered service, flight clothing also evolved. Nylon flight jackets emerged as a lighter and more flexible alternative to leather while still providing moderate protection against cooler conditions.
During World War II, the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) faced an acute shortage of hides and sought to address problems associated with the A-2 leather flight jacket, including its high cost and the difficulty of mass production. Nylon, developed by DuPont in 1939, was adopted as an alternative material. On May 21, 1945, the Type L-2, Specification MIL-J-5391, was completed as a successor to the A-2. The use of nylon and the move away from the fold-down leather collar established a basic design that would influence later flight jackets.
The original Type L-2 used an Olive Drab body color. Its basic specifications were largely carried forward into the improved Type L-2A, Specification MIL-J-5391A, which was adopted in the early 1950s during the Korean War. After the USAAF became the independent United States Air Force (USAF), the L-2A adopted Air Force Blue, the symbolic color of the new service, as its defining visual characteristic.
Air Force Blue was subsequently judged unsuitable during the Korean War because of visibility and related concerns. In the mid-1950s, the color was changed to the newly specified Sage Green, leading to the final version known as the L-2B. The L-2 series remained in service for an extended period until the CWU-36/P was adopted in the 1970s.
REED PRODUCTS, INC. First-Generation Type L-2 Reproduction
This model is a modern reproduction based on a REED PRODUCTS, INC. configuration of the first-generation Type L-2. It reproduces the early Type L-2 with its Olive Drab nylon outer shell rather than the later L-2A or L-2B.
The Olive Drab shell, uninsulated light-zone construction, wool/nylon lining, wool rib-knit trim, shoulder epaulets, angled flap pockets, left-sleeve utility pocket, horsehide oxygen tab, CROWN zippers, U.S. Air Force markings, and reproduction contractor label are combined to recreate the construction and appearance of this early Type L-2 configuration.
100% Nylon Olive Drab Outer Shell
The outer shell is made from 100% nylon in Olive Drab. The woven nylon has a smooth, tightly textured surface and does not have the surface fuzz associated with cotton or wool fabrics.
Instead of a strong gloss, the nylon develops a restrained sheen depending on the angle of view and the way light strikes the fabric. Highlights and shadows change along the folds and contours of the shell, allowing the surface appearance to vary as the jacket moves.
The fabric is relatively lightweight and flexible while retaining enough body to help the jacket hold its shape. The Olive Drab nylon shell is a defining visual feature of the original Type L-2 and distinguishes it from the Air Force Blue L-2A and Sage Green L-2B that followed.
50% Wool / 50% Nylon Lining
The lining is made from a 50% wool / 50% nylon blend. The nylon component gives the lining a relatively smooth surface, reducing friction against inner layers and making the jacket easier to put on and remove.
The wool component provides moderate warmth within the uninsulated construction. The lining therefore contributes warmth without functioning as a separate layer of thick insulating fill.
Uninsulated Light-Zone Construction
Unlike an MA-1, the Type L-2 does not contain a thick layer of insulating fill between the outer shell and lining. Its construction is based on the nylon outer shell and wool/nylon lining without added batting.
Eliminating thick insulating material reduces the jacket's overall thickness and weight and reflects its original design as a lightweight flight jacket for comparatively mild flying conditions. The absence of thick fill also allows the shell and lining to move together without the pronounced volume associated with an insulated intermediate-zone flight jacket.
For modern casual wear, this construction makes the jacket practical as a light outer layer during transitional seasons, particularly spring and fall. It can be worn over a T-shirt or shirt or layered over a sweatshirt according to the temperature, selected size, and preferred fit.
Reproduction CROWN Automatic-Lock Front Zipper
The center front uses a CROWN zipper revived for modern production by Toyo Enterprise. A horsehide leather pull tab is attached to the slider, providing a larger and easier-to-grip surface so the zipper can be operated more easily while gloves are worn.
This CROWN zipper incorporates an Automatic Lock Aluminum Spring Puller Zipper mechanism. The slider uses CROWN's proprietary spring cam-lock operating system. When the pull tab is released, the internal spring automatically engages the lock and holds the slider in position.
This mechanism helps prevent the slider from working downward and opening due to vibration or tension on the fabric during wear. It does not, however, guarantee against unintended opening under every condition.
To open or close the zipper, the pull tab is raised to release the spring tension and disengage the lock, allowing the slider to move. Toyo Enterprise recreated this functionally distinctive slider by combining original period components with newly produced reproduction components, bringing the CROWN zipper back into modern production.
Snap-Fastened Bottom Front Zipper Flap
A flap made from the same Olive Drab nylon as the outer shell is positioned at the bottom of the front zipper. The flap is secured with a snap button.
When the zipper is closed, the flap extends across the lower end of the front opening. It covers the insertion area at the base of the zipper from the outside and helps protect this component.
Angled Lower Front Flap Pockets
Two pockets with angled openings are positioned at the lower left and right sides of the front body. Each pocket opening is covered by a separate shaped flap.
The flaps can be secured with snap buttons. By covering and fastening across the pocket openings, they help prevent stored items from falling out unintentionally.
Snap-Fastened Shoulder Epaulets
Both shoulders are fitted with epaulets made from the same Olive Drab nylon as the outer shell. Each epaulet is secured with a snap button.
These shoulder tabs are among the exterior details that characterize the early Type L-2 and distinguish its upper-body construction from flight jackets without shoulder epaulets.
Left-Sleeve Utility Pocket and Four Pen Slots
A zippered utility pocket is positioned on the upper left sleeve. The main storage compartment uses the same type of CROWN zipper as the front closure, and its slider is fitted with a horsehide leather pull tab.
The exterior of the pocket has four narrow, individually divided slots for pens or pencils. Each slot keeps a writing instrument in a separate channel rather than placing all four within one undivided compartment.
This left-sleeve utility pocket is also commonly called a cigarette pocket and is a characteristic detail of U.S. military nylon flight jackets.
Printed U.S. Air Force Marking on the Left Sleeve
Above the left-sleeve utility pocket is a marking combining a U.S. Air Force emblem with the words "U.S. AIR FORCE."
The design is not applied as a separate embroidered patch. Instead, it is printed directly onto the nylon outer shell, allowing the marking to remain integrated with the surface of the sleeve.
Horsehide Oxygen Tab
A horsehide oxygen tab is attached vertically to the left chest beside the main front zipper. It reproduces a functional detail found on early flight jackets that was used to secure oxygen-mask-related equipment during flight.
The use of leather at this point also reflects the transitional construction of early nylon flight jackets, in which selected functional components continued to use leather even though nylon had replaced leather as the principal outer-shell material.
100% Wool Rib-Knit Collar
The neckline is finished with a rib-knit collar made from 100% wool. The flexible, elastic knit follows the neck without unnecessarily restricting movement through the neck and shoulders.
The rib-knit structure also helps reduce open space around the neckline and limits air entering through the collar opening. Unlike the fold-down leather collar of an A-2, this knitted collar forms a soft, flexible connection between the neck opening and the upper body of the jacket.
Graduated-Gauge 100% Wool Rib-Knit Cuffs
The cuffs are made from 100% wool rib knit. From the seam where each cuff joins the nylon sleeve toward the wrist opening, the knit changes from a lower gauge to a higher gauge.
The stitches therefore become finer toward the wrist, creating a moderately close fit. This change in knit density allows the cuff to transition from the fuller nylon sleeve toward the narrower wrist opening.
The rib-knit cuffs fit around the wrists, helping reduce air entering through the sleeve openings while keeping the sleeves in position.
100% Wool Rib-Knit Waistband
The bottom of the jacket is finished with a rib-knit waistband made from 100% wool. The elastic rib structure draws the relatively roomy body inward around the waist.
The relationship between the fuller nylon body and the narrower rib-knit waistband creates the rounded lower-body shape associated with the Type L-2 while retaining the jacket's relatively short body length.
Reproduction REED PRODUCTS, INC. Contractor Label
A reproduction contractor label based on the REED PRODUCTS, INC. configuration is sewn inside the back neck. The label reads "JACKET, FLYING, LIGHT," "TYPE L-2," "SPECIFICATION No. 3257-A," "ORDER NO. AF33(038)-7435," and "REED PRODUCTS, INC."
Rather than serving only as a conventional brand label, it reproduces the military format used to identify the garment designation, type, specification number, order number, and contractor.
Interior U.S. Air Force Marking
Directly below the contractor label, another U.S. Air Force emblem and "U.S. AIR FORCE" marking are applied directly to the lining.
This reproduces a period-style detail within the interior, where it is normally concealed while the jacket is worn.
Made in Japan
This Type L-2 reproduction is made in Japan with a 100% nylon Olive Drab outer shell, a 50% wool / 50% nylon lining, 100% wool rib-knit trim, and horsehide leather components.
Its construction combines uninsulated light-zone layering, CROWN zippers, snap-fastened shoulder epaulets and pocket flaps, a left-sleeve utility pocket with four pen slots, a horsehide oxygen tab, printed U.S. Air Force markings, graduated-gauge rib-knit cuffs, and a reproduction REED PRODUCTS, INC. contractor label.
These components reproduce the defining structure and exterior and interior details of the first-generation Type L-2 in a modern Japanese-made flight jacket.
Care Instructions
Do not wash at home.
Do not bleach.
Do not tumble dry.
Do not iron.
Do not dry clean.
Do not wet clean.
Please consult a professional cleaner regarding appropriate care.
Fully washing, tumble drying, or dry cleaning a Buzz Rickson's flight jacket may substantially alter its materials, rib-knit trim, leather parts, markings, and overall shape.
If the jacket becomes soiled, the provided care guidance recommends diluting a neutral detergent with water, dampening a cloth with the solution, and wiping the affected area. Even this method may cause uneven coloration or other changes, so test it carefully on an inconspicuous area before proceeding.
Always follow the care instructions attached to the actual product.
Important Notes
*Our online inventory is shared with our physical retail store. As a result, changes in store inventory may not always be reflected immediately on the website.
*Even after an order has been placed, an item may occasionally be sold out due to the timing of simultaneous purchases. We sincerely appreciate your understanding.
*All measurements are taken manually with the garment laid flat and measured using a tape measure.
*Slight measurement differences may occur because of individual garment variation and the measuring method.
*The actual color of the product may appear slightly different from the photographs depending on lighting conditions and the settings of your monitor or display.
