Robert Talbott x Cockpit USA

Robert Talbott Partners With U.S. Air Force Jacket Supplier Cockpit USA on Crafted in the USA Outerwear Capsule

Drawing on five decades of aviation expertise, Cockpit USA brings its military heritage, Hollywood connections, and American craftsmanship to two Robert Talbott designs.

Robert Talbott has partnered with Cockpit USA, the official supplier of the A-2 leather pilot jacket to the U.S. Air Force, on a limited Crafted in The USA outerwear capsule inspired by two icons of American style.

Robert Talbott Partners With U.S. Air Force Jacket Supplier Cockpit USA on Crafted in the USA Outerwear Capsule

Founded in 1975, Cockpit USA has spent five decades producing authentic aviation apparel for the U.S. military and beyond. Its jackets have been supplied to the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, NASA and other government agencies, while its designs have made their way into popular culture, including the wardrobe of Top Gun: Maverick (Affiliate link). Now, that military heritage and cultural influence meet Robert Talbott’s contemporary approach to American luxury menswear.

The collaboration includes two jackets manufactured in the United States: the lambskin Maverick A1-Style Leather Jacket and the wool-and-leather Captain Varsity Jacket.

The Maverick A1-Style Leather Jacket

The partnership brings together two distinct but complementary expressions of American craftsmanship. Cockpit USA contributes decades of archival knowledge, authentic construction and domestic manufacturing expertise, while Robert Talbott brings the softness, restraint and versatility that have defined its California approach to menswear since 1950.

Both companies begin with familiar forms and believe their relevance depends on how well they are made-not how dramatically they are reinvented. Cockpit USA preserves the authority of the original jackets; Robert Talbott places them within a modern luxury wardrobe, where they can move naturally between denim and tailoring.

The Maverick A1-Style Leather Jacket

The Maverick A1-Style Leather Jacket draws from the button-front jackets worn by U.S. Air Corps pilots flying open-cockpit aircraft during the 1920s.

Cut and sewn in the United States from exceptionally soft lambskin, the Maverick retains the recognizable character of the early aviation jacket without the weight or rigidity of a military reproduction. It is designed as a lightweight, three-season layer-an approach that connects the garment’s aviation origins with Robert Talbott’s California sensibility.

The jacket’s button front, knitted cuffs and waistband, flap pockets and rib-knit self-closing collar preserve the A-1’s defining elements. Seven genuine horn buttons, a breathable cotton lining, side-entry hand-warmer pockets and a single interior pocket add comfort and refinement to the modified design.

The Captain Wool and Leather Varsity Jacket

The Captain Wool and Leather Varsity Jacket draws from another important part of Cockpit USA’s history.

The varsity jacket began as a symbol of collegiate athletic achievement before becoming an expression of identity far beyond campus. In the 1980s, Cockpit USA founder Jeff Clyman, who originally established the company as Avirex, helped popularize the bold leather and wool varsity jackets embraced by New York’s emerging hip-hop community.

For the Captain, that history has been distilled into a quieter expression. The jacket pairs a substantial Italian navy wool-blend body with exceptionally soft lambskin sleeves. A quilted Robert Talbott signature lining complements the Italian merino wool jacquard knit ribbing at the cuffs, waistband, and collar, adding texture and distinction without oversized graphics or conspicuous branding.

Assembled in the United States using carefully selected international materials, the Captain reflects the brands’ shared emphasis on quality, construction and enduring design. The result is a varsity jacket that moves as naturally between tailored trousers and shirting as it does denim and sneakers.

“Robert Talbott and Cockpit USA share a deep appreciation for American craftsmanship and timeless style. This collaboration brings together two brands with distinct histories and a common belief in making exceptional clothing. We’re excited to introduce these iconic outerwear styles to the Robert Talbott customer and show how naturally they fit into a modern wardrobe.” said Nick Picchione, President of Robert Talbott.

Two American Brands, Distinct Histories

Founded in 1975 by Jeff Clyman, an aviator and collector of military clothing, Cockpit USA began by reconstructing historic flight jackets using original garments and military specifications. The company became a U.S. government supplier in 1980 and remains a supplier of the A-2 leather pilot jacket to the U.S. Air Force.

Its reach later extended from military service into film, music and fashion. Cockpit USA supplied original flight apparel to the wardrobe department for Top Gun: Maverick, while its jackets and earlier Avirex designs became closely associated with hip-hop, Hollywood and American popular culture.

“A Robert Talbott tie pairs naturally with a Cockpit USA jacket. What better way to combine men’s authentic USA tailoring with an iconic military and aviation brand built with strong American roots,” said Jacky Clyman, EVP + Co-Owner of Cockpit USA.

Robert Talbott brings an equally specific history to the collaboration. Founded in Carmel, California, in 1950, the company established its reputation by making traditional menswear softer, more expressive and easier to wear. Under Creative Director Sebastian Dollinger, that philosophy now extends beyond the ties and shirts on which the company built its name.

Following the reopening of its Madison Avenue flagship in 2025, Robert Talbott has continued to develop a complete American wardrobe. The Cockpit USA partnership demonstrates how the company intends to enter new categories: by applying its point of view while working with specialists that possess genuine authority of their own.

The Robert Talbott × Cockpit USA capsule is available in sizes S through 3XL at Robert Talbott stores and online at roberttalbottofficial.com.

Robert Talbott
www.roberttalbottofficial.com | @roberttalbott.official

Established in Carmel, California, in 1950, Robert Talbott embodies refined, timeless luxury living. Recognized for enduring design and a heritage in ties and shirting, the brand resonates with individuals who embrace a contemporary, confident lifestyle. Committed to exquisite craftsmanship, the collection offers sophisticated styles curated for year-round wear, including a versatile range of dress shirts, ties, and a complete casual wear line featuring blazers, sweaters, pants, knits, and accessories. From Robert Talbott’s roots in shirting to the latest contemporary pieces, each garment reflects an unwavering commitment to quality and an effortless, modern lifestyle.

Newtimes Group of Companies

Newtimes Group specializes in the sourcing, product development, and supply chain management of apparel, accessories, and home products for export to North America, Central America, South America, and Europe. Over the last 60 years, Newtimes has grown to become one of the world’s largest professionally managed supply chain companies with 50 offices throughout Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Family-owned and operated, Newtimes Group places an emphasis on design and quality. Substantial investments were made over the last five years when the Group took on the additional role of acquiring and operating apparel businesses in a newly established Newtimes Brands division, which includes Ashworth Golf, Bike Athletic, Coldwater Creek, and Soft Surroundings.

Cockpit USA
https://cockpitusa.com | @cockpitusa

Founded in 1975 by aviator and military-apparel collector Jeff Clyman, Cockpit USA is an independent American outerwear company specializing in authentic aviation and military-inspired clothing. A U.S. government supplier since 1980, the company is an official supplier of the A-2 leather pilot jacket to the U.S. Air Force. Cockpit USA develops its collections from an extensive archive of historic flight apparel and produces the majority of its leather, cotton, nylon, bomber and sheepskin jackets in the United States. Its history spans military service and popular culture, including supplying original flight apparel to the wardrobe department for *Top Gun: Maverick* (Affiliate link). For more information, visit https://cockpitusa.com/pages/the-cockpit-story

All images courtesy of Robert Talbott.

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