Style: The Flight Suit

We have long been fans of the jumpsuit, also called flight suits, boiler suits, or coveralls, especially when paired with vintage motorcycles and classic cars. Everyone from Dickies workwear to Ralph Lauren, and now the Banana Republic has sold a version of the iconic garment. Born out of the factories of the industrial revolution the suits quickly migrated to become standard issues for mechanics, racing drivers, or just motorists looking to keep their street clothes clean on the mostly dirt roads of the early days of the automobile. 

Banana Republic Heritage Flight Suit

World War I would see the first official flight suit, designed by Australian aviator Sydney Cotton, these suits were called Sidcot Suits. Later flight suits would be developed to combat the G-forces that pilots would face in the jet age, but aircraft mechanics still could be seen wearing green, tan, or blue coveralls as they worked on fighter jets. In the late 60s and into the 70s, stylized versions of the jumpsuit became fashionable, think Elvis, with bellbottoms and big pockets. But while they never become a mainstream garment for most men, they never really go away, Ralph Lauren even sold a pair of blue workers’ coveralls with paint splatter for $695 so you could at least look like you work for a living. But these clean vintage-inspired flight suits would be perfect for your next trip to Goodwood or drive in your classic Austin Healey. 

Banana Republic Heritage Flight Suit

The beauty of a jumpsuit is you can dress it up or down, throw on a shirt and tie, and wear it to the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, or throw on a tee-shirt and enjoy the fashion freedom that a uniform provides. Banana Republic is offering two versions of their flight suit, the upmarket Heritage Flightsuit which comes in Faded Khaki for $200.00, and the Explorer Flight Suit in Camo Green and Navy for $119. 

Banana Republic Explorer Flight Suit

Of course, you could also always jump on eBay and look for original vintage flight suits which range between $25-$100, just don’t expect most of those to have a tailored fit.