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Avirex jumpsuit


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This is the Avirex over the counter fashion jumpsuit modeled after the K-1 Flightsuit produced in the early 80’s  

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I believe this is the same jumpsuit used for the scouts (just before it was dyed)

 

 

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can anyone confirm?

 

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I've never heard anything more concrete than "Avirex flight suit."   You're blazing a trail my man.  Maybe Gino would know. 

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If this is indeed the type, it might be possible to find some old K-1 suits... *sigh* off to my favourite online auction site...

Interesting that the zipper is exposed, not covered with a flap. Maybe that was an addition for the film...

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From what I gathered (please anyone correct me if I’m wrong) Avirex was a manufacture for a fashion line. They re-produced coveralls and flight jackets much like how today we are into retro clothing. The fashion line was never actually issued therefore you will not find these in military surplus stores (I checked). 

 Best bet is either online auctions or thrift stores. 

 

What makes the K-1 line perfect is the scouts 2 inch straps would go over the thighs zippers. 

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Actually, the K-1 was issued to WW2 USAAF pilots, but they don't seem to be very common at all. Found a replica on the 'bay, but it's a bit spendy. At least seeing the pattern gives us some ideas.

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3 minutes ago, Dart said:

Actually, the K-1 was issued to WW2 USAAF pilots, but they don't seem to be very common at all. Found a replica on the 'bay, but it's a bit spendy. At least seeing the pattern gives us some ideas.

Sorry, what I meant was the K-1 Avirex fashion version like the one in the original post images was never issued 

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Poking around the interwebz, I'm also finding another flight suit, the L-1, is of similar vintage (WW2, Korea) as the K-1.

So, now we just need someone to find or make a K-1 suit, mod it to look like it should and see how it goes. Easy task, right? :D

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Man, been a while since I've been on here...

A long while ago I was deep in research on some of these things. Had a few conversations with Constantin and Gino and we all agreed the suit was some kind of Avirex suit. So I asked around on some vintage clothing forums and ended up on The Fedora Lounge. 

I posted up an inquiry into old Avirex suits and how they may have been used on ROTJ for Scouts...surprisingly I received some very helpful replies. 

I'm going to dig up the whole chain in a bit...seems I can't do it on my phone.

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19 minutes ago, ShaunPug said:

Man, been a while since I've been on here...

A long while ago I was deep in research on some of these things. Had a few conversations with Constantin and Gino and we all agreed the suit was some kind of Avirex suit. So I asked around on some vintage clothing forums and ended up on The Fedora Lounge. 

I posted up an inquiry into old Avirex suits and how they may have been used on ROTJ for Scouts...surprisingly I received some very helpful replies. 

I'm going to dig up the whole chain in a bit...seems I can't do it on my phone.

Sorry. I'm bored yet somehow productive... https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/avirex-jumpsuits-need-info.89609/#post-2212902

Definitely gives us something more. Good job!

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lol.  Nice.  Actually though, there's a bit more ;)

I sent Warhawk a message and he responded with this info:

"let me ask around, I know our CEO gave stuff to Lucas for the movie, bot sure if it was just his personal stuff, or company stuff. I remember hearing something about old WWII leather helmets being converted into the rebel helmets used on Endor. I will check."

Didn't hear anything after that unfortunately

I  let me ask around, I know our CEO gave stuff to Lucas for the movie, bot sure if it was just his personal stuff, or company stuff. I remember hearing something about old WWII leather helmets being converted into the rebel helmets used on Endor. I will check.

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4 minutes ago, ShaunPug said:

lol.  Nice.  Actually though, there's a bit more ;)

I sent Warhawk a message and he responded with this info:

"let me ask around, I know our CEO gave stuff to Lucas for the movie, bot sure if it was just his personal stuff, or company stuff. I remember hearing something about old WWII leather helmets being converted into the rebel helmets used on Endor. I will check."

Didn't hear anything after that unfortunately

I  let me ask around, I know our CEO gave stuff to Lucas for the movie, bot sure if it was just his personal stuff, or company stuff. I remember hearing something about old WWII leather helmets being converted into the rebel helmets used on Endor. I will check.

Not sure about the leather helmets... they used the AN-H-15 helmets for many of those. Maybe it's time to shake that tree again...

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Reading through the OT costume book again. 

 

It sounds like the author Brandon did his homework and had access to the originals. 

Not sure why he’d mention Avirex unless he saw a label.  

 

According to cockpitusa.com

 

Avirex was created in 1975.

1980 - their catalog featured flight gear  

1981 - they made flight suits and uniforms 

 

 

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On 3/12/2019 at 10:21 AM, Dart said:

Not sure about the leather helmets... they used the AN-H-15 helmets for many of those. Maybe it's time to shake that tree again...

I'm considering shaking that tree again!  I just wish someone somewhere could give a straight answer on some of this stuff.

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