Because the MA-1 Jacket not only keeps the wearer warm, but is highly comfortable, the jacket is very popular in Europe and Australia during winter. The jacket is also worn in North America, where it is commonly known as a bomber jacket, especially in areas with cold weather. These jackets became popular in the late 1970s with punks, mods and skinheads. During the 1980s the jackets had extensive exposure in style magazines such as The Face and i-D, often reimagined by clothes designers of the time.
The MA-1 is also in use in several police forces where cold weather is a part of everyday life. They were chosen over several other designs primarily for the sturdy construction, and the heavy insulation needed in extreme cold temperatures.