WWII Flying Clothing During World War II, there was no prescribed flying uniform that AAF aircrewmen were required to wear. In the Southwest Pacific, some flew combat in summer-season shirts and trousers while others wore lightweight flying suits. In Europe during the winter, aircrewmen wore the warmest clothing they could get, particularly waist gunners who stood in open windows. One pilot astounded his German captors when they discovered he was wearing a heated flying suit over his pajamas. Although flying clothing was left to a flyer's personal preference based on such factors as climatic and geographic conditions, he was not to carry his billfold, letters or any personal papers that might be of value to the enemy. He was expected, however, to wear his dogtags and to carry an escape kit. Click here to return to the Uniforms Gallery.