{"product_id":"vintage-1990s-cirrus-raf-irvin-sheepskin-shearling-flying-jacket-xl","title":"Vintage 1990s Cirrus RAF Irvin Sheepskin Shearling Flying Jacket","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAn 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.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThere 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eWhat 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Restoration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eExcellent vintage condition. The heavyweight double-faced sheepskin remains strong, supple and structurally sound throughout, with no cracking or damage to the leather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe dense golden fleece is exceptionally clean and well preserved throughout, including the collar, cuffs and exposed lower hem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCirrus RAF Irvin reproduction flying jacket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCirca early 1990s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeavyweight double-faced sheepskin construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeep brown leather exterior\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDense golden fleece interior\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExceptionally substantial weight and construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOversized shearling flying collar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeather throat strap with brass-toned buckle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal Cirrus-branded metal main zipper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull leather waist belt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo angled hand-warmer pockets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZipped sleeve cuffs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExposed shearling cuffs and hem\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBroad panelled sheepskin back\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal Cirrus label\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGarment Measurements, Laid Flat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChest, armpit to armpit: 27\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShoulders, seam to seam: 21.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShoulder seam to cuff: 25.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnderarm seam to cuff: 20\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBack length, base of collar to hem: 28.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eBest suited to approximately a 46\" chest, Size XL, allowing for the substantial thickness of the heavyweight sheepskin. \u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFor the best indication of fit, please compare the measurements above with a similar jacket you already own.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Revive \u0026 Restore Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54814293295427,"sku":"EB5118","price":695.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0786\/2232\/7107\/files\/IMG_5483.jpg?v=1789476369","url":"https:\/\/reviverestorevintage.co.uk\/products\/vintage-1990s-cirrus-raf-irvin-sheepskin-shearling-flying-jacket-xl","provider":"Revive \u0026 Restore Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}