{"product_id":"vintage-1990s-cirrus-irvin-sheepskin-flying-jacket-made-in-england","title":"Vintage 1990s Cirrus Irvin Sheepskin Flying Jacket, Made in England","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eFew pieces of British outerwear have a silhouette as immediately recognisable as the Irvin flying jacket. Originally developed to protect RAF aircrew from the extreme cold encountered in open and unpressurised aircraft, its combination of heavy sheepskin, deep fleece and an oversized protective collar created a design that has remained largely unchanged in spirit for generations.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 1990s example was produced by Cirrus in England and takes its influence directly from that tradition. It is not presented as a wartime RAF jacket, but as a substantial British-made interpretation of the classic Irvin, retaining the warmth, weight and purposeful construction that made the original such an effective piece of flying clothing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sheepskin is particularly impressive. The outer is finished in a very dark brown, almost black in certain light, with the natural grain of the hide remaining clearly visible throughout. Against this sits a wonderfully full golden-brown fleece, creating the strong contrast associated with traditional sheepskin flying jackets. The hide has considerable substance in hand while remaining supple and comfortable to wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collar is one of the defining features. Cut generously in thick exposed shearling, it can be worn open to frame the neck or raised for considerably greater protection. A substantial leather throat strap and metal buckle allow it to be secured when required, preserving one of the most practical elements of the original flying-jacket design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConstruction throughout is equally substantial. The front is closed by a heavy Cirrus-branded metal zip set between broad leather facings, while the waist is controlled by an integrated leather belt and buckle. Rather than being decorative, these elements allow the jacket to be drawn closer to the body, helping retain warmth in the same manner as the early flying jackets that inspired it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sleeves terminate in zipped cuffs, allowing them to be opened for easier dressing and closed securely when worn. Two angled hand pockets are incorporated neatly into the lower front, making this a considerably more practical everyday jacket than the pocketless wartime Irvin pattern while leaving the overall silhouette clean and unmistakably aviation influenced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside, the construction is particularly striking. The natural shearling forms both the body and lining, with the dense fleece left fully exposed throughout. Leather reinforcement is used around the internal pocket and other areas requiring additional strength, while the panel seams remain clearly visible and demonstrate the amount of material involved in producing a jacket of this type.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original Cirrus label remains present, carrying the familiar \"Cirrus Original, The Spirit of Adventure\" branding, together with the original size identification. The hardware and detailing remain consistent throughout, giving the jacket a pleasing sense of completeness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes this example particularly appealing is the balance between the dramatic proportions of a traditional Irvin and the slightly more practical approach of a later Cirrus jacket. It retains the substantial sheepskin, deep collar and unmistakable flying-jacket presence of the original design, but in a form that works exceptionally well as wearable vintage outerwear today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Preservation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent vintage condition throughout and particularly well preserved for a sheepskin jacket of this age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe outer sheepskin remains strong, supple and structurally excellent, retaining a rich, even dark brown finish with natural grain and light variation across the hide. There is gentle creasing and minor surface wear in the expected areas of movement, but nothing that compromises the appearance or integrity of the jacket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shearling is a particular strength of this example. It remains exceptionally full and dense throughout the body, sleeves and collar, with the rich golden-brown fleece retaining excellent depth and consistency. There are no obvious areas of significant thinning or loss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe main Cirrus zip, cuff zips, throat fastening and waist buckle are all present, and the jacket retains its original structural detailing. The interior presents very cleanly, including the leather reinforcement and internal pocket area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe jacket has been specialist cleaned and the sheepskin carefully conditioned in our workshop using our sheepskin treatment developed specifically for this type of hide. The hardware has also been checked and serviced where required. As always, the approach has been preservation rather than alteration, maintaining the original colour, grain and character of the sheepskin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA remarkably clean, substantial and fully wearable Cirrus Irvin, equally suited to a collection or continued winter wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Identifying Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVintage 1990s Cirrus Irvin sheepskin flying jacket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in England\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCirrus Original \"The Spirit of Adventure\" label\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull heavyweight sheepskin construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery dark brown leather outer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDense golden-brown natural shearling interior\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOversized exposed shearling flying collar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeather throat strap with metal buckle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeavy Cirrus-branded metal front zip\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeather waist belt and buckle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZipped sleeve cuffs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo angled lower hand pockets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePanelled sheepskin construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeather-reinforced internal pocket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull natural fleece lining throughout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal Cirrus labelling and hardware\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecialist cleaned and conditioned in our workshop\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGarment Measurements (Laid Flat)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChest (armpit to armpit): 28\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShoulders (seam to seam): 23.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSleeve length (shoulder to cuff): 27\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSleeve length (underarm to cuff): 20\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBack length (collar seam to hem): 27.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest suited to approximately a 50-52\" chest (3XL). Please compare the measurements with a similar heavyweight garment you own to ensure the best fit.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Revive \u0026 Restore Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54790297747779,"sku":"EB5088","price":695.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0786\/2232\/7107\/files\/IMG_4423_8a2a82c8-f805-4404-ad0a-9f5ae47d16f9.jpg?v=1788510260","url":"https:\/\/reviverestorevintage.co.uk\/products\/vintage-1990s-cirrus-irvin-sheepskin-flying-jacket-made-in-england","provider":"Revive \u0026 Restore Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}