Vintage 1990s Cirrus RAF Irvin Sheepskin Shearling Flying Jacket

An early 1990s Cirrus reproduction of the RAF Irvin flying jacket, built with the kind of weight and substance that immediately separates a serious sheepskin jacket from a fashion interpretation. Cirrus became known for its British-made flying jackets, and this example captures what makes the Irvin such an enduring piece of aviation clothing: enormous proportions, remarkably heavy double-faced sheepskin and a construction governed almost entirely by protection from the cold.

The original Irvin was developed for RAF aircrew flying at altitude in aircraft where exposure to extreme cold was a very real problem. Its distinctive appearance followed directly from that purpose. The huge fleece collar could be raised around the neck, zipped cuffs closed around the wrists, the waist belt secured the jacket against the body, and thick sheepskin provided insulation without requiring a separate lining. Those same principles define this Cirrus, giving it much of the physical presence and purposeful simplicity of the wartime design that inspired it.

The sheepskin is particularly impressive. A deep brown leather face forms the exterior while dense golden fleece covers the reverse, the two being part of the same substantial hide. The collar is exceptionally generous and closes with a leather throat strap and brass-toned buckle. Below it sits the original heavy Cirrus-branded metal zipper, complemented by a full leather waist belt and zipped cuffs. Exposed golden fleece at the wrists and hem gives the dark exterior its characteristic Irvin contrast.

There is very little unnecessary decoration. Two angled hand-warmer pockets are worked neatly into the front, while the back is constructed from broad panels that show the natural grain and gentle movement of the sheepskin particularly well. It is a jacket whose character comes from material, proportion and construction rather than embellishment, and the original Cirrus label remains present inside.

What really distinguishes this example is its preservation. More than thirty years on, the leather remains supple and beautifully intact, with fine natural grain and gentle creasing rather than heavy deterioration. There is no cracking or damage to the hide, while the thick golden fleece remains exceptionally clean, dense and full. Combined with the sheer weight of the sheepskin and completeness of the original details, it makes this a particularly fine example of an early 1990s Cirrus Irvin reproduction.

Condition & Restoration

Excellent vintage condition. The heavyweight double-faced sheepskin remains strong, supple and structurally sound throughout, with no cracking or damage to the leather.

The dense golden fleece is exceptionally clean and well preserved throughout, including the collar, cuffs and exposed lower hem.

The jacket has been specialist cleaned and conditioned in-house, with care taken to preserve the integrity and established character of the sheepskin. The main zipper and cuff zippers have been refurbished, cleaned, waxed and polished and operate smoothly. The belt buckle, throat fastening and remaining hardware have also been carefully cleaned.

Key Features

• Cirrus RAF Irvin reproduction flying jacket
• Circa early 1990s
• Heavyweight double-faced sheepskin construction
• Deep brown leather exterior
• Dense golden fleece interior
• Exceptionally substantial weight and construction
• Oversized shearling flying collar
• Leather throat strap with brass-toned buckle
• Original Cirrus-branded metal main zipper
• Full leather waist belt
• Two angled hand-warmer pockets
• Zipped sleeve cuffs
• Exposed shearling cuffs and hem
• Broad panelled sheepskin back
• Original Cirrus label

Garment Measurements, Laid Flat

• Chest, armpit to armpit: 27"
• Shoulders, seam to seam: 21.5"
• Shoulder seam to cuff: 25.5"
• Underarm seam to cuff: 20"
• Back length, base of collar to hem: 28.5"

Best suited to approximately a 46" chest, Size XL, allowing for the substantial thickness of the heavyweight sheepskin. For the best indication of fit, please compare the measurements above with a similar jacket you already own.