There are many Secrets of Indiana Jones Jacket. Inspired by jackets worn by Alan Ladd and Charlton Heston, the jacket was designed to make Indy tough but fragile. A professor of Archaeology who is soft but intellectual. Above all the color is brown, warm, inviting and approachable.
The Jacket
Originally conceived by Neil Cooper, the Indiana Jones jacket is a hybrid. Basically it combines two iconic military leather jackets, the A-2 and the G-1. Removing the cuffs and waistband from the A-2, adding the bi-swing back and side adjusters and the Indy jacket is born.
The Movies
Created for the Raiders of the Lost Ark, the jacket continued in the three sequels, The Temple of Doom, The Last Crusade, and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Slight variations in the jacket were made in each subsequent movie from the length of the body, the type of pockets and the look of the leather.
The Look and Feel
The Costume Designer, Deborah Nadoolman Landis, had desired specific functions for the jacket. She wanted Indy to be able to zip up the jacket, look very trim and be able to use his whip with the jacket closed. Consequently it had to be very flexible. What is the secret? Mineral Oil and sandpaper. By rubbing the leather with mineral oil all night long, and then applying sandpaper, the flexibility and aging of the jacket was created. Mineral Oil can be found at most hardware and drug stores. Now you know the Secrets of Indiana Jones Jacket.
US Wings
A full selection of Indy-style jackets can be found at www.uswings.com. Available in several styles and leathers including, Cape Buffalo, Vintage Cowhide, Goatskin, and Striated Lamb.
