Introducing: The Reversible Valstarino Jacket

To date, 1935 is arguably the most significant year in our company’s history, as it was when we developed our signature jacket, the Valstarino. Like all great pieces in men’s fashion, it was inspired by military garb, specifically the Type A-1 flight jacket. Introduced in 1927 for American fighter pilots, the A-1 was a standard-issued summer flying jacket. Due to the close-quartered environments that the pilots were subjected to, not to mention the exposure to bitterly cold temperatures, the pilots naturally required a garment that would aid their performance and not inhibit it. The A-1 did exactly that until 1933 when it was replaced by the A-2.

In terms of the design, the A-1 was made from capeskin, a light, flexible and tough sheep leather that provided wind repellency and insulation. This leather was then complemented with soft wool ribbing attached on the waist, cuffs and neck – a warm hug at 10,000 feet if you like – and was malleable enough to allow the pilot to manoeuvre inside the tight cockpit.

The Valstarino jacket design mirrors the A-1; it has the same five-button front, ribbed cuffs, hem and a funnel neck with button closure and internal pockets. However, it’s intended to be worn by discerning civilian folk rather than daring fighter pilots and therefore has a slimmer shape through the body for a contemporary look.

Shortly after the creation of the Valstarino, Europe was plunged into World War II, leaving little documentation of its use during that time. In the post-war era, however, military-inspired clothing on both sides of the pond began infiltrating civilian wardrobes, and the Valstarino quickly gained popularity. The jacket's practical design, combined with its fashionable military aesthetic, made it a favourite among Italy’s fashionable elite. Luxurious versions crafted from fine Italian suedes were produced, boasting a high-end look and feel that perfectly complemented the jacket's timeless appeal.

Today, the Valstarino comes available in a myriad of different materials, from goat suede in every colour imaginable to lightweight linens, heavy wools, technical fabrics, and even denim. However, suede is the most popular material for the Valstarino jacket – particularly the chocolate brown version, which is our all-time best-seller.

There are many merits and qualities to suede; it’s a fine material with a silky soft handle that speaks to a high-level status and is a delight to touch. It’s also lightweight and surprisingly durable. Plus, thanks to the fibrous structure, it also takes to dye well, which explains why there are so many colours of Valstarino jacket. Perhaps the only setback, though, is when you encounter rain. Whilst the damage is reversible with proper care, suede and rain are not friends, which is why we’ve created the Reversible Valstarino jacket.

The Reversible Valstarino is handcrafted using premium goat suede sourced from one of our longstanding tannery partners. Instead of the five-button front, we’ve installed a two-way zipper. This is due to if you get caught out by an unpredictable shower, you can quickly turn it inside out and zip it up and not have to worry about fiddling with buttons. The reverse side is made from a 2-layer microfibre fabric that’s water-repellent – proficient enough at repelling rain till you find shelter but not enough to see you marching through a storm!

Available in three colourways – olive, navy and greige – which are all timeless and versatile for both summer and winter palettes, the Valstarino jacket is chic and practical. Furthermore, whilst it is a new creation, there’s no denying its timeless appeal. As with every Valstar product, it’s 100% Made in Italy by our team of master craftspeople using many of the same techniques and processes we’ve been using for going on 90 years.

Explore reversible Valstarino jackets