Buzz Rickson'sBuzz Rickson's Jacket, Suits, Flying, Winter, Type WEP Jacket Olive

The J-WFS (Jacket – Flying Winter Suits), better known as the WEP jacket, was developed for US Navy pilots as a lightweight flight jacket designed to provide warmth and freedom of movement in the cockpit. Produced across four distinct models, the jacket evolved over time, with each version reflecting changes in military specification and design. The example reproduced here by Buzz Rickson’s is the final C-Type model, produced and issued between 1967 and 1973, during the height of the Vietnam War. While the earlier versions were made in a distinctive leaf green shade, the C-Type adopted an olive green finish, giving it the look most closely associated with the period. Its defining detail is the distinctive V-shaped knitted cuffs, setting it apart from the earlier models. As always, construction is faithful to the original military specification, combining an olive plain-weave nylon outer shell with a full cotton-canvas lining and a nylon-and-polyester pile interlining for added warmth. A wool rib-knit collar and cuffs, gathered fabric-covered waistband and action back provide a comfortable fit and greater freedom of movement through the shoulders. Practical details include two large flap-covered front patch pockets, a utility pocket on the left upper sleeve and an internal wind flap. The front fastening features a SCOVILL-marked brass zipper finished with a horsehide pull tab. As ever, Buzz Rickson’s attention to detail is what makes this reproduction stand out, from the materials and construction to the smaller hardware details. A distinctive piece of American naval aviation history, the WEP jacket combines a functional military design with a character that works just as well today. - Plain weave nylon outer shell (100% Nylon) - Cotton canvas lining (100% Cotton) - Inter Lining: Insulation Polyester Pile (70% Nylon / 30％ Polyester) - knit Parts: 100% Wool - Fastener: Mil Specs Brass - Button: Mil Specs urea - Snap: Mil Specs Brass - Label: Buzz Rickson Mfg.Co., Inc. - Made in Japan