As aviation developed in unheated open cockpits, the need for warm clothing quickly became apparent, as did the need for multiple pockets with closures of buttons, snaps, or zippers to prevent loss of articles during maneuvers. Various types of flight jackets and pants coverings were developed, and, during World War 1, leather two-piece outfits were common among pilots to ward off the chill caused by prop wash and the cold of low-oxygen high altitude flying. Leather quickly became the preferred material due to its durability and the protection it offered against flying debris such as insect strikes during climb-outs and landings, and oil thrown off by the simple rotary and inline motors of the time.
It will investigate the practice, impact and influence of prominent aviators, such as, Octave Chanute, Louis Bleriot, Wright brother, Glen Curtiss, Billy Mitchell, Wiley Post, Charles Lindbergh, Santos Dumont, Richard Byrd, Rusco Turner etc., as flying dress has altered/modified according to the type of the aircraft and pilot’s function.
Also, the attire of early aviators, within the dynamics of eyewear (e.g., helmets, hats, headsets, hearing apparatus etc.), headwear (e.g., goggles, glasses, masks, breathing apparatus, oxygen masks etc.), body wear (e.g., neckwear: balaclavas/collars, jackets, vests, trousers, jodhpurs, knickerbockers etc.), leg wear (e.g., boots, shoes etc.) and underwear. It will also briefly explain the societal and class structure, societal attitudes, social demeanor and social convention in the European context, for the purpose of understanding the existing society and its perception on aviation as well as factors and elements which influenced and impacted upon aviation dress.