Vintage 1990s Morlands B-3 Sheepskin Shearling Flying Jacket Made in England

A substantial English-made Morlands sheepskin flying jacket from the 1990s, built around the unmistakable form of the American B-3. Short in the body, heavily insulated and dominated by its oversized shearling collar, it draws directly from a design created for aircrew facing the extreme cold of high-altitude flight.

This is not a military-issued B-3, nor is it presented as one. It is Morlands' British civilian interpretation of the type, made in England several decades after the original American flying jacket entered service. The original woven label remains present inside, carrying the distinctive “An Original by Morlands” name together with “Made in England”.

The jacket is constructed from substantial double-faced sheepskin, with a firm dark brown leather face and its own dense natural fleece forming the interior. There is no separate conventional lining. It is a wonderfully substantial construction, retaining considerable body and structure despite more than three decades of age.

What makes this example particularly compelling is the way that sheepskin has matured. The exterior has developed pronounced grain, broad creasing and subtle tonal variation, especially through the sleeves and areas subjected to repeated movement. Larger panels across the body and back remain noticeably firmer, creating an attractive contrast between structured leather and naturally broken-in areas.

Against the dark brown exterior, the fleece has matured into varying shades of cream, honey and warm biscuit. This is particularly striking around the enormous collar, turned-back cuffs and exposed lower hem. The variation is natural and irregular, giving the jacket a richness that is difficult to reproduce in newly manufactured shearling.

The oversized collar provides much of the jacket's presence. Cut generously across the shoulders and backed by dense fleece, it can be worn open or raised around the neck. A substantial central metal zipper closes the front, with two angled leather-trimmed hand pockets below. Adjustable leather straps at either side of the waist allow the lower body to be drawn in.

Across the back, a horizontal shoulder yoke sits above substantial vertical panels. This structured construction controls the considerable weight of the sheepskin while preserving the compact, purposeful silhouette associated with traditional flying jackets.

Inside, the natural fleece remains exceptionally well preserved and dense throughout. Together with the firm exterior, original Morlands label and beautifully established patina, it gives the jacket the sense of quality and substance that distinguishes a genuinely good vintage shearling from a modern fashion interpretation.

More than thirty years have given this Morlands character without taking away its integrity. The leather remains strong, the fleece retains excellent depth and the ageing is honest and attractive. It is a beautifully preserved English interpretation of one of the great American flying-jacket designs, with enough wear to possess genuine individuality while remaining ready for many years of continued use.

Condition & Restoration

Excellent vintage condition with beautifully developed natural patina.

The sheepskin remains strong, firm and structurally sound. The dark brown leather face displays pronounced natural grain, creasing and subtle tonal variation, particularly through the sleeves and other areas of movement. The larger body and rear panels retain considerable firmness and structure.

The natural fleece remains dense and exceptionally well preserved, with attractive cream, honey and biscuit-toned variation. The oversized collar retains excellent volume, while the exposed fleece at the cuffs and hem also presents very well.

The jacket has been specialist cleaned and conditioned in-house, with care taken to preserve its established character. The main zipper has been refurbished, cleaned, waxed and polished and operates smoothly. Remaining hardware has also been carefully cleaned.

There are no significant structural issues apparent.

All photographs show the actual jacket offered for sale. Please study them carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

Key Features

• Circa 1990s
• Morlands
• Made in England
• Original “An Original by Morlands” woven label
• British civilian sheepskin flying jacket
• American B-3-inspired design
• Substantial double-faced sheepskin
• Firm dark brown leather exterior
• Dense natural shearling interior
• Exceptional natural patina
• Pronounced grain and creasing
• Cream, honey and biscuit-toned fleece
• Oversized shearling collar
• Exposed shearling cuffs and hem
• Central metal zipper
• Two angled hand-warmer pockets
• Leather side waist adjusters
• Horizontal rear shoulder yoke
• Panelled back construction
• Excellent vintage condition

Garment Measurements, Laid Flat

• Chest, armpit to armpit: 22"
• Shoulders, seam to seam: 19.5"
• Sleeve, shoulder seam to cuff: 25.5"
• Sleeve, underarm seam to cuff: 18.5"
• Back length, collar seam to hem: 27"

Recommended fit: labelled as a 38 chest. Please compare these measurements against a similar garment you own to confirm fit before purchasing.