The supreme leather jacket from Avilex! What is the appeal of the G-1, inspired by the leather jacket from ‘ Top Gun’?

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The supreme leather jacket from Avilex! What is the appeal of the G-1, inspired by the leather jacket from ' Top Gun'?

The G-1 TOP GUN” by Avilex, which became popular when the main character wore it in the American blockbuster movie “Top Gun,” is once again attracting attention in Japan following the release of the sequel in 2022. In this issue, we will introduce the masterpiece model that military fans love, touching on what the G-1 jacket is and how it came to be recognized as a fashion item!

What kind of jacket is the “G-1” in the first place?

Before focusing on the products of Avirex, let’s review what kind of item the base “G-1” is. At that time, it was not yet called G-1, but was managed by the MIL SPEC number. Later, it is said that the name “G-1” came to be used from 55J14 of the 1950s spec.

G-1 jacket by Avilex

The G-1 jacket was designed to be worn in the “Intermediate Zone,” a cold temperature range of -10°C to -10°C set by the U.S. military. The material used is tough goatskin, which is resistant to water and moisture, considering that it can be worn on the sea without problems. It also comes with deep action pleats on the back for smooth arm mobility and a large flap pocket for easy storage. The design, which is fully equipped with thermal protection and functionality, is almost the same as the modern G-1, and the basic style of the time is still carried on today, 70 years after its appearance.

Click here for the official Avilex website

The popularity of the G-1 was sparked by the release of the hit movie ‘ Top Gun

The reason why the flight jacket became a fashion item was largely due to the hit movie ‘ Top Gun,’ which was released in the U.S. in 1986. The “G-1 Top Gun” jacket picked up this time is based on the motif of the Avilex jacket involved in the production of the film, and became very popular when the main character wore the G-1 in the film, which is set at “Top Gun,” the world’s most elite pilot training institution located at a U.S. Naval air base. A sequel movie will be released in 2022, and the G-1 is once again the focus of attention.

AVIREX” has been delivering “authentic” flight jackets to the U.S. military.

AVIREX, which handles “G-1 TOP GUN,” was established in the U.S. in 1975 as a contractor for the U.S. Air Force, and is a brand with a long history of officially delivering a large number of highly functional military wear that can be called the pilots’ second skin. The founder, Jeff Kleiman, who was originally a lawyer, was fascinated by aircraft and started the company because he wanted to help aviators, the heroes in his mind. The brand name “Avilex” (=King of the Sky) was derived from the word “aviator” to honor aviators who were inspired by the sky. The brand is also known for providing costumes for popular movies such as “Indiana Jones” and “Memphis Belle” as well as “Top Gun.

Avilex is credited with popularizing not only the G-1 but also flight jackets in general.

As mentioned above, Avilex is the brand that introduced military uniforms to the world as fashion items. With the desire to “let as many people as possible know about flight jackets that have many functions,” the brand offers not only authentic models faithfully reproduced from the archives, but also many items for town use with a modern essence. Even though they are fashion items, they still follow the same commitment to military wear with a sense of history, and the details that set them apart from other brands are a sight to behold. The “G-1 TOP GUN” also reflects this philosophy, with two options available: a model that faithfully reproduces the model worn in the movie, and a more modern version.

Click here for the official Avilex website

The Avilex “G-1 Top Gun” is available in two models! What are the differences between them?

Currently, Avilex offers two types of ” G-1 Top Gun “. What is the difference between them? Here are the details of each model!

(1) The “Goat G-1 Top Gun” model is inspired by the model worn by the main character in the movie ‘ Top Gun

Based on the goatskin G-1 flight jacket, this best-selling model is inspired by the model worn by the main character in the movie “Top Gun. The iconic patches and other motifs that bring to mind the scene in the movie where the main character is wearing the jacket are of course also employed, making this an unforgettable piece for fans. The silhouette is tight and warm, just like a real flight jacket. Top Gun fans and Avilex fans are most likely to choose this one over the model introduced in (2) for its “authenticity.

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This jacket is made of tanning-tanned soft goat leather, which gives it a used look. It has a military vintage look that tickles men’s fancy.

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(2) A modern version of the ” G-1 Top Gun ” updated from a fashion youth perspective

The silhouette has been arranged to be more relaxed than the model above so that it can be more easily used in town. Antique lamb leather, which is softer and lighter than goatskin, is used for the material, providing stress-free comfort while maintaining the heavy look and feel.

Click here for more details about the jacket

On the side of the waist patch pockets, hand warmer pockets have been added, which are not present in the original model, to provide a functional way to keep hands warm.

Click here for more details on the jacket

This model has a back brad chit! Details that can talk crap tickle a man’s fancy.

The position, design, and color of the patch is slightly different from the original model, and there is a leather patch printed with a Brad Chitto (rescue patch )* that has a strong presence on the back. The lining is lined with a map pattern.

*A patch with a written statement for pilots stranded in a strange war zone due to a plane crash, etc., to prove their identity to local people who do not speak English and to ask for protection and rescue. Messages are written in various languages.

Click here for more details about the jacket.

Brown is also worn in that ”Kaiji”! Available in three rich color variations

In addition to black, brown, and a slightly lighter-toned black with a monotone lining, the lineup offers a different look from the original brown jacket. Incidentally, it is rumored that the G-1 jacket worn by the main character in the anime ‘ Kaiji’ may be this brown model. It is rumored that the G-1 jacket worn by the main character in the anime “Kaiji” may be this brown model.

Click here for details and purchase.

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