Style: The Banana Republic Flight Suit

I finally had an excuse to hire our local chain stitcher to customize my Banana Republic Flight Suit for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive, which is more than a car meet—it’s a lifestyle for those inspired by the spirit of classic motoring and refined taste, it celebrates the art of driving and dressing well.

This past Sunday, I hosted a group of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive, it was the first time this event has ever been hosted in the Brazos Valley, and we had some very unique cars gather at The Stella Hotel before taking a winding route through the backroads of Texas wine country where we would have a wine pairing lunch and a tour of a local vineyard’s winemaking process.

But I will have a story recapping the drive later, this story is about menswear and one of my favorite new pieces the Banana Republic Explorer Flight Suit, which is now sold out but can be found on eBay and several other resale sites still for around $100. Even though all the versions of the Banana Republic Heritage and Explorer flight suits sold out, you don’t ever really see anyone wearing them. But for the right occasion, the flight suit is one of the most fun garments you can pull out of your wardrobe.

Origins and Evolution Of The Flight Suit

In the early 20th century, aviators contended with open cockpits and harsh weather conditions, necessitating specialized attire. Pioneering pilots often wore layered clothing, such as tweed suits and wool-lined jackets, to combat the cold at high altitudes. For instance, during his historic 1909 English Channel flight, Louis Blériot donned a tweed suit layered with a wool-lined khaki jacket and a blue cotton boiler suit.

As aviation technology advanced, so did flight apparel. World War I introduced the Sidcot suit, a multi-layered garment featuring fur, airproof silk, and Burberry material, providing pilots with essential warmth and protection. The interwar period saw the development of the A-2 flight jacket, crafted from horsehide leather with a silk lining, which became standard issue for the U.S. Air Corps. By the 1960s, the introduction of Nomex, a flame-resistant material, significantly improved flight suit safety and durability.

The Gentlemen’s Drive was the perfect opportunity to wear the Banana Republic flight suit, a classic recreation of those early military uniforms. Plus, I needed to show off the custom chain stitching that was done by a local artist, Ashley Morehead, featuring The Gentleman Racer emblazoned in red on the back and Mike on the front chest. I think most guys like the idea of wearing a jumpsuit, but it certainly does make you stand out even at an event like the Gentleman’s Drive, with the right styling it can be a lot of fun, so don’t be afraid of the jumpsuit.

Flight Suits in Fashion

The utilitarian design and distinctive silhouette of flight suits have periodically influenced fashion trends. In the 1980s, jumpsuits reminiscent of flight suits gained popularity, reflecting a broader cultural fascination with military aesthetics. This trend has resurfaced in recent years, with fashion houses incorporating flight suit elements into their designs. For example, during Milan Fashion Week Men’s Autumn/Winter 2023, designers showcased rugged, inventive designs that echoed flight suits’ practical yet stylish nature.

The Banana Republic Flight Suit

Banana Republic has embraced this trend by introducing the Heritage Flight Suit, a garment that melds the classic features of traditional flight suits with contemporary fashion sensibilities—crafted from durable materials and featuring multiple pockets, the Banana Republic Flight Suit offers both functionality and style, making it a versatile addition to modern wardrobes. This adaptation signifies the flight suit’s journey from the cockpit to the catwalk, highlighting its enduring appeal and versatility.

The transformation of the flight suit from essential aviation gear to a fashion staple underscores the dynamic interplay between functionality and style. As brands like Banana Republic and Ralph Lauren continue to reinterpret classic designs, the flight suit remains a testament to the enduring influence of aviation on fashion.

What I Wore for The Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive:

• Banana Republic Explorer Flight Suit
• Chambray Shirt from JwR’s Clothing
• Vintage Red, White, and Blue Woven Tie
• Vintage L.L. Bean Flat Cap
• Robert Wayne Blue Suade Greyson Desert Boots
• Persol 649 Sunglasses
• Watch Rolex Explorer
• The Explorers Club Member Pin