Top Gun

The Real Top Gun Outfit: How to Spot a Genuine Jacket & Build the Full Look 

You see that jacket everywhere now — at airshows, Halloween parties, even on high streets from London to Lahore. The Top Gun bomber jacket isn’t just a costume. It’s a symbol. Of rebellion. Of sky-high confidence. Of an era when aviators didn’t just fly planes  they became legends.

But here’s the problem: most “Top Gun” jackets you find online are cheap knockoffs. Flimsy leather, wrong stitching, missing patches, or worse — slapped with fake Avirex tags like that somehow makes it authentic.

If you’re looking to wear the real deal — or at least something damn close — you need to know what actually defined that iconic look. Not just the jacket. The outfit. The attitude. The details that separate a $50 cosplay prop from a wearable piece of aviation history.

Let’s cut through the noise.

What Made the Original Top Gun Jacket So Iconic?

It wasn’t just Tom Cruise strapping into an F-14. It was the way he walked out of that hangar — Ray-Bans on, leather creaking, Gs hanging loose — like the sky answered to him.

The original Top Gun (1986) used real U.S. Navy flight gear. The jacket Maverick wore? A G-1 flight jacket, standard issue for naval aviators. But the one that everyone remembers — the brown leather with the big yellow "US NAVY" patch — that was a modified A-2 bomber jacket, custom-built for the film.

Wait — not all A-2s are the same.

The Top Gun jacket was a shearling-collared, brown leather A-2, but with Hollywood flair:

• Custom "US NAVY" back patch (not standard on real A-2s)

• "Maverick" name tag above the left breast

• Squadron insignia (VF-1) on the right sleeve

• Sometimes worn with "Call Sign" or "Ghost Rider" patches

• Made from horsehide or steerhide, not synthetic leather

And no — Avirex didn’t make the original. They did produce a licensed version later, which is why so many people associate Avirex with Top Gun. But the real movie jackets? Handcrafted by Westwood Leather, a now-defunct California shop that worked on the film.

That’s why "Avirex Top Gun jacket" is a misnomer. Popular? Yes. Accurate? Not quite.

So… What Should You Actually Buy?

Depends on what you want:

Don’t get suckered by “Top Gun costume jacket” listings with plastic zippers and screen-printed patches. If it doesn’t have real leather, ykk zippers, and embroidered (not printed) patches, it’s not going to last a season.

The Full Top Gun Outfit: More Than Just a Jacket

Want the real Maverick look? The jacket is only 40% of it.

Here’s the full breakdown — same whether you’re going for Top Gun (1986) or Top Gun: Maverick (2022):

1. The Jacket

• Color: Rich brown (not black)

• Material: Full-grain leather (horsehide preferred)

• Collar: Shearling or wool (not fake fur)

• Patches: "US NAVY" back, "Maverick" name tag, VF-1 insignia

2. The T-Shirt

• Plain white crew neck — 100% cotton, slightly fitted

• No logos. No graphics. Just clean.

• In Maverick, Tom Cruise wears it under the flight suit — but same rule applies.

3. Trousers

• Dark blue or black chinos — straight leg, no distressing

• Or, for full military effect: navy flight trousers with utility pockets

4. Footwear

• Brown leather boots — lace-up, rugged sole

• Think Red Wing or Timberland PRO style

• Avoid sneakers unless you’re going for casual homage

5. Aviator Sunglasses

• Ray-Ban RB3025 — classic wayfarer shape

• Green G-15 lenses (not mirrored)

• Wire frame optional, but plastic is more original Top Gun.

6. Flight Suit (Optional)

For Maverick fans: the green-gray flight suit with:

• Front zipper

• Utility pockets

• "NAVY" and "MAVERICK" patches

• Worn open at the top with a white tee underneath

Real ones are made by Simpson or David Clark — used by actual pilots. But replica versions exist for cosplay.

Men’s vs. Women’s Top Gun Jackets: What’s the Difference?

It’s not just about size.

Brands like Alpha Industries, Cockpit USA, and Buie Leather now offer women’s-specific Top Gun bomber jackets — not just downsized men’s versions. Look for “women’s fit” or “unisex tailored” in the description.

And yes — Charlie’s look (Kelly McGillis) is also iconic. Blazer, white blouse, pencil skirt, red heels. If you’re doing a Top Gun couple costume, pair the flight jacket with her sharp office-aviator hybrid style.

How to Spot a Fake Top Gun Jacket

Most sellers don’t outright lie. They just imply authenticity.

Watch for these red flags:

❌ "Top Gun official jacket" — There’s no single "official" version. Even Avirex’s was licensed, not original.

❌ "100% real leather" but priced under $150 — horsehide doesn’t cost $80.

❌ Screen-printed patches — real ones are embroidered with backing fabric.

❌ Missing shearling collar — if it’s a nylon or faux fur roll, it’s not a true A-2.

❌ Black color — Maverick wore brown. Black is a common misrepresentation.

Real Top Gun jackets age well. The leather darkens. The collar molds to your neck. The patches fade slightly. If it looks too perfect out of the box — it probably is fake.

Where to Buy a Real Top Gun Jacket (That’s Worth Wearing)

Forget Amazon listings with 10,000 reviews. Most are mass-produced in China with inconsistent quality.

Here’s where seasoned collectors and reenactors actually shop:

1. Buie Leather (USA)

• Handmade horsehide A-2s

• Custom patch options

• Ships internationally — popular in UK, Canada, UAE

• Price: $700–$1,200

2. Cockpit USA

• FAA-licensed flight gear maker

• Offers Top Gun-style A-2 with correct patches

• More affordable than Buie (~$400–$600)

• Also has women’s sizes

3. Schott NYC

• Original A-2 manufacturer since 1913

• Doesn’t sell pre-patched Top Gun versions, but their 180 A-2 is the blueprint

• You can add patches separately

4. Etsy (Select Sellers)

• Search: "handmade Top Gun A-2 jacket"

• Look for sellers with 100+ sales, real photos, leather specs

• Good for custom patches and fit adjustments

FAQs: Real Questions, Real Answers

Q: Is the Top Gun jacket real leather?
Yes. The original film jackets were made from horsehide or steerhide. Any authentic replica should use full-grain leather, not bonded or synthetic. If it smells like plastic, it’s not real.

Q: What’s the difference between the Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick jacket?
The original was a brown A-2 bomber with a yellow "US NAVY" patch. In Maverick, pilots wear modern flight suits (green-gray) and lightweight leather jackets without shearling. The style is updated, less flashy, more functional.

Q: Can women wear the Top Gun bomber jacket?
Absolutely. The look is unisex. Brands like Alpha Industries and Cockpit USA offer women’s-specific cuts. Or go for a tailored unisex fit — just avoid drowning in a men’s XL.

Q: What jacket did Goose wear in Top Gun?
Same as Maverick — a modified A-2 with patches. But Anthony Edwards’ character had a "GOOSE" name tag and RIO (Radar Intercept Officer) insignia. RIOs wore the same jackets as pilots.

Q: Where can I buy a Top Gun outfit for Halloween?
For short-term wear:

• Amazon (search “Top Gun bomber jacket costume”)

• Spirit Halloween (seasonal Maverick flight suits)

• Etsy (customizable patches)
  Just don’t expect it to last beyond October 31.

Q: Is the Avirex Top Gun jacket authentic?
Avirex made a licensed replica in the '80s and 2020s, but it wasn’t the original movie jacket. Their version is well-made, but still a reproduction. Collectors prefer Westwood-style or handcrafted A-2s.

Q: How to dress like Maverick without looking like a costume?
Wear the brown bomber jacket with:

• White tee

• Dark jeans

• Brown boots

• Minimal patches
  Leave the "US NAVY" back for airshows. Keep it subtle. Let the jacket speak.

Final Word: It’s Not a Costume. It’s a Statement.

The Top Gun jacket never really went away. It just waited for the right moment to roar back.

Whether you’re a pilot, a film buff, or just someone who likes clothes with history — this isn’t about copying Tom Cruise. It’s about owning a piece of aviation culture, American craftsmanship, and rebellious elegance.

So if you’re going to wear it — wear it right.

Pick real leather.
Get the fit sharp.
Respect the details.

Because when you zip it up, you’re not just wearing a jacket.

You’re wearing the sky.

Looking for retro sci-fi style with a futuristic edge? Check out our guide to the Blade Runner outfit — where trench coats meet neon dystopia.