Vintage B-6 Sheepskin Shearling Flying Jacket USAF 1970s

Made in the USA during the 1970s, this B-6 shearling flight jacket follows the established US Army Air Forces pattern developed for lower-altitude flying. Compared to the heavier B-3, the B-6 was designed to retain warmth while reducing bulk, offering greater ease of movement and a more compact, practical form. It remains one of the most balanced and wearable shearling flight jackets ever produced.

The jacket sits neatly at the waist, finished with a rib-knit waistband and cuffs that draw the body in and seal against the cold. The sleeves are cleanly panelled, and the back remains uncluttered, reinforcing the functional clarity of the design. At the neck, a shearling-lined collar is fitted with a twin-buckle throat latch, allowing it to be worn open or secured tightly when needed. The front closes with a zip fastening, retaining the straightforward utility that defines the B-6 pattern.

Constructed from shearling sheepskin, the jacket shows well-earned surface wear across the leather, with natural grain variation and distressed markings that speak to age and use rather than neglect. The fleece remains full and even throughout, providing consistent insulation and confirming the jacket’s overall health. The jacket has been professionally cleaned, cured, and conditioned to restore suppleness while preserving the original surface, texture, and patina. No attempt has been made to disguise age or character.

The rib-knit cuffs and waistband have been professionally refurbished, returning structure and comfort without disrupting the jacket’s integrity. The zip has also been refurbished and is a mid-1960s YKK example, operating smoothly and in keeping with the jacket’s later production period. All work has been carried out with restraint, prioritising longevity over cosmetic perfection.

Condition is very good. The leather displays visible wear and patina across the body and sleeves, consistent with a jacket that has been properly used over time. There are no structural concerns, the shearling remains strong, and the jacket presents as clean, stable, and fully wearable.

B-6 jackets were produced in far smaller numbers than B-3s, and examples made in the USA with intact shearling, sound structure, and honest character are increasingly difficult to find. This is a strong, well-preserved piece that balances history, material quality, and wearability with ease.

Key Features

• B-6 type shearling flight jacket
• Made in the USA
• 1970s production
• Shearling sheepskin construction
• Rib-knit cuffs and waistband
• Twin-buckle throat latch
• Mid-1970s YKK zip, refurbished
• Professionally cleaned and conditioned
• Original wear and natural patina retained

Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)

• Chest (armpit to armpit): 26"
• Shoulders (seam to seam): 22"
• Raglan sleeve length (side of neck to cuff): 33"
• Sleeve length (underarm to cuff): 20"
• Back length (collar seam to hem): 27"

Best suited to a size 46 chest. Please compare these measurements with a similar jacket for best fit.