This English-made sheepskin flying jacket, produced in the 1980s by Shearlings International, channels the legacy of RAF aviation wear while standing as a symbol of British craftsmanship at its peak. Heavy, luxurious, and uncompromising in build, it carries the dual heritage of the skies and the road — a jacket equally favoured by pilots and bikers for its warmth, durability, and commanding presence.
Cut from thick, premium sheepskin, it weighs far more than modern fashion-grade shearling. The outer leather has settled into a deep, dark brown with a natural patina that speaks of time and authenticity, while the interior is lined with honey-gold shearling — dense, plush, and remarkably warm. A distinctive offset brass zip defines the front, paired with a wide waist belt and a high fastening collar designed to guard against the wind. These details are not mere decoration but functional elements drawn from the practical needs of aviators and riders alike.
Condition remains excellent. The leather is supple and strong, the shearling full and even throughout, and all hardware functions smoothly. Subtle signs of age only enhance its character, confirming this is a piece built to last and worn with pride. Sized as a 42 Medium, it offers generous coverage and the kind of weight and presence that make it feel like armour against the elements.
This is more than a winter jacket — it is a continuation of the RAF flying jacket’s influence, reinterpreted for a new era of English craftsmanship. For collectors, it represents an authentic piece of British sheepskin heritage. For bikers and wearers, it offers both the protection and gravitas that few garments can match.
Professional Care & Preservation
This jacket arrived in excellent condition and required only light professional care. It has been gently cleaned and conditioned to refresh the fleece and nourish the leather, ensuring strength, suppleness, and long-term stability. No major restoration was needed — it retains its original integrity, preserved for continued wear and collection.
Key Identifying Features
- Made in England by Shearlings International, 1980s
- Thick, heavyweight sheepskin: dark brown leather outer with honey-gold fleece interior.
- Distinctive offset brass zip fastening
- High fastening shearling collar with strap and buckle closure
- Wide waist belt for security and insulation
- Rugged, heavy, and luxuriously warm — built for endurance
- Favoured by both collectors and bikers for its presence and practicality
Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)
- Chest (armpit to armpit): 24"
- Shoulders (seam to seam): 19"
- Sleeve length (underarm to cuff): 18"
- Sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff): 28"
- Back length (collar seam to hem): 29"
Best suited for a size 42 Medium. Please compare with a similar jacket for accuracy.
This jacket is not simply outerwear but a statement of English craftsmanship and enduring design. From the cockpit to the open road, it carries forward the legacy of RAF-inspired flying jackets with the weight, warmth, and authority that only true sheepskin can deliver. Preserved in excellent condition, it remains a rare opportunity to own a garment of substance and style that transcends decades.
