Tom Cruise's Top Gun Jacket: Everything You Need to Know
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Tom Cruise's Top Gun jacket is a brown leather G-1 flight jacket, the US Navy pilot's jacket, with a fur collar, knit cuffs and waistband, and a set of military patches. In the story it belonged to Maverick's father, a Navy pilot. Cruise wore it in Top Gun (1986) and again in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), where a new jacket was made in the same style. This guide covers the jacket's history, the patches, what changed between the two films, how to wear it and how to choose your own.
The Top Gun Jacket at a Glance
| Top Gun (1986) | Top Gun: Maverick (2022) | |
|---|---|---|
| Jacket | Brown leather G-1 flight jacket | New G-1 made in the same style, cut for a closer fit |
| Collar | Fur collar | Fur collar |
| Patches | US flag, Navy squadron and ship patches, "Far East Cruise" back patch | Hand-loomed versions of the patches; the back patch with the Japan and Taiwan flags restored after a trailer controversy |
| Also worn | Navy flight suit, white tee, jeans | Green flight jacket, white tee, straight jeans, brown boots |
| Our inspired version | Classic Top Gun inspired bomber jacket | Top Gun Maverick inspired G-1 jacket |
What Is a G-1 Flight Jacket?
The G-1 is the US Navy's leather flight jacket for aviators. It is a short, hip-length jacket in brown leather with a fur collar, knit cuffs and waistband, a front zip and two front pockets with flaps. It was made to keep pilots warm in open cockpits and at altitude, and it became a symbol of naval aviation long before Hollywood picked it up.
It is often confused with two other flight jackets:
- A-2: the US Army Air Forces leather jacket, with a shirt-style leather collar instead of fur.
- MA-1: a later nylon bomber with a knit collar and no leather.
Maverick's jacket is a G-1, which is why the fur collar is so recognizable. For more on bomber styles, read our guide to celebrities in iconic bomber jackets.
The Patches and Their Story
In the film, the jacket belonged to Maverick's father, a Navy fighter pilot. The patches tell that story. They include a US flag, Navy squadron and ship patches, and on the back a USS Galveston "Far East Cruise 63–64" patch showing the flags of the United States, the United Nations, Japan and Taiwan.
When the first Top Gun: Maverick trailer came out in 2019, fans noticed that the Japan and Taiwan flags on the back patch had been replaced. The change was widely criticised. In the film as released in 2022, the original flags were back.
What Changed in Top Gun: Maverick?
Cruise still owns the jacket from 1986, but after decades of wear it was too fragile to use. For Top Gun: Maverick, the costume team built a new G-1 in the same style, cut to fit Cruise more closely, with patches that were hand-loomed rather than machine-embroidered. In the sequel, Maverick also wears a green Navy flight jacket while teaching at Top Gun, but the leather G-1 is the one fans remember.
Top Gun Inspired Jackets You Can Buy
1. Top Gun Maverick Inspired G-1 Flight Jacket
Shop the Top Gun Maverick Inspired G-1 Leather Flight Jacket with Patches →
The Top Gun Maverick inspired G-1 flight jacket is made from antique-finish lambskin with embroidered patches, a fur collar, two front flap pockets, side pockets, an inside map pocket and knit cuffs and waistband. It is the closest to Maverick's look in the 2022 film.
2. Classic Top Gun Inspired Bomber Jacket
Shop the Classic Top Gun Inspired Leather Bomber Jacket with Patches →
The classic Top Gun inspired bomber jacket brings the 1986 look into an everyday bomber shape with ribbed cuffs and patches. It is a good choice if you want the Top Gun feel in a slightly simpler jacket.
Prefer a Plain G-1 Without Patches?
If you like the shape but not the patches, try a plain G-1 such as this men's brown leather G-1 flight bomber jacket, this brown lambskin G-1 flight jacket or, for colder weather, the black G-1 shearling flight jacket. For the A-2 style, see this men's classic brown A-2 leather bomber. Browse more in our men's bomber jackets and men's shearling jackets.
How to Wear a Top Gun Jacket Like Maverick
- The Maverick look: a plain white crew-neck tee, straight mid-blue jeans, brown leather boots and gold aviator sunglasses. This is almost exactly what he wears in the 2022 film.
- Everyday: a grey tee or henley with dark jeans and leather trainers.
- Smarter: a navy knit or roll-neck with dark chinos and Chelsea boots.
- Costume: add a name patch, aviators and a flight-suit-style jumpsuit for a Halloween Maverick. See more ideas in our movie jacket Halloween costume guide.
How to Choose Your Top Gun Jacket
- Patches or plain: patches give the film look; a plain G-1 is easier to wear every day.
- Leather: lambskin is softer and lighter; cowhide and goatskin are tougher and break in over time. Our jackets are real leather unless the title says faux or PU.
- Collar: the fur collar on our jackets is faux by default. Real shearling is available on request.
- Fit: a G-1 should end at the hip with the knit waistband sitting snugly. Leave room for a knit or hoodie if you will wear it in winter.
- Size: most of our styles come in sizes XS to 4XL, many up to 5XL, and custom sizing is available. See the size guide.
Caring for a Leather Flight Jacket
Hang it on a wide, padded hanger, keep it out of direct sun, and condition the leather every few months. Clean patches gently with a barely damp cloth and never soak them. If the jacket gets wet, let it dry naturally away from heat. For step-by-step help, read how to clean your leather jacket.
More Tom Cruise Jackets
Top Gun is only one part of Tom Cruise's leather style. For his jackets from Mission: Impossible, Jack Reacher, Minority Report and more, read our full guide to Tom Cruise leather jackets, or browse all celebrity leather jackets for men. Our jackets are inspired by film looks. They are not official or licensed merchandise.
Common Questions
What jacket does Tom Cruise wear in Top Gun?
A brown leather US Navy G-1 flight jacket with a fur collar and military patches. In the story, it belonged to Maverick's father.
Is the Top Gun jacket a G-1 or an A-2?
A G-1. The G-1 is the Navy jacket with a fur collar; the A-2 is the Army Air Forces jacket with a leather shirt collar.
Is it the same jacket in Top Gun: Maverick?
It is the same design, but a new jacket was made for the sequel, because the 1986 original was too worn to use.
Why were the patches changed in the Top Gun: Maverick trailer?
The 2019 trailer showed the back patch without the Japan and Taiwan flags, which caused a public backlash. In the released film, the original flags were restored.
Is a Top Gun jacket warm enough for winter?
Yes, for most winter days. The leather blocks wind and the fur collar and knit trims keep heat in. Add a knit underneath when it is very cold.
Is this an official Top Gun jacket?
No. Our jackets are inspired by the films and are not official or licensed merchandise.