The m/30 uniform consisted of a tunic and trousers of sturdy dark-blue broadcloth. This uniform, with its tunic narrowed at the waist and secured with five buttons, and the rank insignia at the bottom of the sleeve, was considered to be an example of ageless elegance. Sometimes, however, the tunic was combined with breeches and riding boots reminiscent of the army fashion in officers’ uniforms.
Pilot clothing – protection against cold and wind
Early pilot clothing consisted of a leather coat, leather hood, trousers and boots. This outfit provided protection against cold and wind so prevalent in the open aircraft of that time. There were also a number of types of overalls, but these were considered something one wore over one’s actual clothing. In the late 1930s, the blue flight suit made of thick cloth became the norm in the Air Force. Flight suits came in summer and winter models. As military aircraft at that time were not heated, the winter flight suit has a sheepskin lining, and was accompanied by leather pilot hoods and boots.
Pilot helmets started in the 1950s
At the end of the 1940s, the blue pilot suit was replaced with a more useful sand-coloured pilot suit with pockets for maps, some equipment, and personal effects. This suit also came in a winter and summer model. The summer model had a matching cloth hood. It wasn’t until the 1950s, that Sweden began using the pilot helmets common abroad.
The early 1960s saw the introduction of the green two-part insulation suit designed to increase survival time if the crew landed in water, after a jump. In addition, the first pressure suits for high-altitude flights were tested. In the 1960s, the first green flying suits with rank insignia on the left sleeve were introduced. These flying suits became increasingly specialised, and were adapted to the aircrafts on which they were to be worn.