Aero Leather Clothing

Aero Leather Clothing is a family-run company in the Scottish Borders that makes leather jackets, including reproductions of historic military flight jackets. The business began in 1981 and focuses on clothing styles from the decades before 1960. Its range includes jackets based on those worn by the RAF, US Navy and US Army Air Forces. Every Aero leather jacket is made by hand at the company's premises in Scotland.

Military Flight Jackets

Aero makes reproductions of flight jackets from the 20th century. Its collection includes styles associated with British and American military aviation.

The company aims to recreate the materials, construction and appearance of older flying jackets. These designs came from a period when leather outerwear had a practical role in aviation.

Many original jackets from this era are now collector's items. Some are difficult to find, while others are too valuable or fragile for regular use. Aero makes new versions of older designs so people can wear these styles without relying on surviving vintage clothing.

The range also includes jackets designed by Aero itself, using clothing styles from the same period as a starting point.

Handmade in Scotland

Aero produces its leather jackets at its own premises in Scotland. The manufacturing process involves a team of leather specialists who work on each jacket by hand.

Before cutting begins, the team checks the leather hides. Individual panels are then cut by hand, with attention to the colour, grain, weight and other features of the material.

The company follows traditional methods of jacket construction. Its approach reflects the way leather clothing was made during the first half of the 20th century.

Leather and Custom Options

Aero uses several kinds of leather across its jacket collection. The company began working with Connolly Steerhide in the early 1980s. This leather was also used for upholstery by Rolls Royce, Aston Martin and Bentley.

Its current leather range includes Chromexcel front quarter horsehide, Italian vegetable-tanned horsehide, goatskin and steerhide. Aero has also introduced Italian Vicenza Horsehide and Badalassi Steerhide.

Customers can choose from different leather and lining combinations when ordering custom jackets. Other customisation options are also available.

Clothing Beyond Flight Jackets

Although leather jackets remain its main product, Aero has developed a wider range of clothing and accessories to go with them.

The company also plans to add clothing from Japan, Europe and the USA, along with selected original vintage garments. These include collector's pieces from the 1930s and 1940s.

For pilots and aviation enthusiasts, Aero offers a way to wear clothing connected to the history of military flying. Its handmade reproductions bring older aviation jacket designs into everyday use.