How ‘Top Gun’ Brought Aviator Style Into The Mainstream

The Infamous Flight Jacket

No piece from the film – except perhaps Maverick’s aviators – is more closely tied to its costume design than the pilot jacket. Its leather body, fur collar and squadron patches had been part of naval aviation for decades, but Top Gun introduced the jacket to a new audience. It soon found fans across menswear, hip-hop and Hollywood.

One brand had already built much of its identity around the flight jacket before the film arrived: Avirex. Founded in New York in 1975, the company began by recreating American military styles such as the A-2 and G-1 from original patterns. From the beginning it seems that Avirex wasn’t interested in simple reproductions or jackets that looked like those found in a military surplus store; instead, the brand used higher-quality leather, larger insignia and graphic back panels to give its versions a distinct look.

“Heritage gives a brand credibility, but relevance has to be earned continuously,” says Mia Dell’Osso-Caputo, Avirex creative director. “The flight jacket has endured because it combines function, craftsmanship and cultural significance. Our responsibility is to honor that legacy while interpreting it for today’s consumer.”

That put Avirex in an ideal position when Top Gun premiered in 1986. Audiences wanted Maverick’s G-1, and the brand was already offering jackets with the same military roots and far more personality than most versions on the market. The film brought the style to a much wider audience, while Avirex had already begun establishing it as fashion.

Cockpit USA grew out of that same business. Originally operating as Avirex’s catalogue and retail arm, The Cockpit had already developed a civilian flight jacket inspired by the Navy’s Fighter Weapons School before Top Gun premiered. Paramount later approached the company to produce licensed jackets through the catalogue, making it one of the first places fans could buy the look for themselves.

When the Avirex trademark was sold in 2008, the original company continued under the Cockpit USA name. Decades later, Cockpit USA supplied jackets for Top Gun: Maverick, extending a company history with the franchise that now spans both films. Across both names, the business helped turn Maverick’s G-1 from a piece of costume design into something men could buy and wear for themselves.

Perfecting Aviation Style

If you are looking to channel a little Maverick this summer and into the transitional months ahead, adding a flight jacket to your wardrobe is easier than you’d think. Given the bold look of a patched Avirex A-2, keeping everything else simple helps balance the outfit and stays close to the style established in Top Gun – think white t-shirt, neutral-colored chinos or a straight-fit denim jean.

For some guys, though, a flight jacket might be a bit too bold for your wardrobes. Luckily, many brands on the market have used this as a jumping-off point to inspire their own collections. Brands like Billy Reid, Officine Générale and Sandro each offer more contemporary interpretations, with softer leather, less bulk and details that reflect the personality of the individual brand. Schott, popular for its moto-style jackets, has an A-1 style that is popular among menswear and military enthusiasts alike. As with any of these options, choice largely depends on how faithful you want to be to the jackets of the film and your personal budget (to this effect, Express’s faux-suede flight jacket is a great wallet-friendly option).

If we’re still too deep into Summer to be thinking of outerwear, you can still bring in a little of Maverick’s style through your choice of accessories. Aviator sunglasses are the easiest way to incorporate a bit of Cruise’s swagger into your closet, particularly from brands such as Randolph USA and Ray-Ban, which stay close to the frames worn in the film. If you’re looking for a more contemporary option, CHIMI, Barton Perreira, Garrett Leight and RAEN all offer reinterpretations and modern upgrades to the otherwise classic style.

For a finishing touch, consider a pilot watch to complete your look. IWC’s assortment of pilot watches, particularly their TOP GUN collection, draws directly from naval aviation, while brands like Porsche Design were used by the wardrobe department for Cruise himself in the latest Top Gun film. For everyday options with a more budget-friendly price tag, Vaer’s C5 Recon Field Solar and British brand Farer’s pilot series are great places to start.

Forty Years Later

Forty years after Top Gun opened, its influence can still be found across menswear. From the flight jacket to aviator sunglasses, the movie’s mark on menswear put a focus back on military style, and has continuously been reinterpreted throughout the years. With a third film now in the works, we’re sure to continue seeing the pared-down, stylized wardrobe of Maverick, Iceman, and Rooster be the inspiration for men’s style.