CWU - The beginning of modern functional clothing.

The abbreviation stands for Cold Weather Uniform. A layering system developed by the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force in the early 1960s to better protect their pilots. Especially when flying at high altitudes and remote air bases, it was always a challenge to keep personnel warm and functional. During the Second World War, mainly natural fibres were used to keep pilots warm. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, researchers developed new forms of insulation using technical fibres. This made the waistcoats thinner and warmer.

The new Pike Brothers CWU waistcoats are part of this system. They are made of thick, padded polyamide, which is light, abrasion-resistant and highly insulating. These waistcoats are worn under the flight jacket and thus serve as a layering system.

These waistcoats are made from the same padded polyamide fabric that was used at the time.

The following details characterise the 1965 CWU waistcoat:

Outer fabric: 100% polyamide
Lining: 100% polyester
push buttons
three patch pockets
Made in Turkey
Box fit

PLEASE NOTE: We take regular stock checks on all of our products however, on the odd occasion we do run out of stock on a particular size of garment before we can update the website. In the unfortunate event that this occurs, we will notify you by email and give you the option of waiting for the item to come back into stock or we can offer you a similar product from our collection. Sometimes we will have an item shipped directly from the supplier if we haven't that particular garment in stock.

Pike Brothers - CWU Vest - Olive Drab