Vintage B-3 Sheepskin Flying Jacket, USAAF Shearling Bomber

Made in the 1980s to the pattern of the Type B-3, this sheepskin flying jacket follows one of the most recognisable pieces of Second World War flying clothing closely. The label inside is written in the style of the wartime specification labels and states its intent plainly: "Air Force Jkt, U.S. Army Style."

The original B-3 was standardised by the United States Army Air Corps on 8 May 1934. It became standard heavy-zone flying clothing for American bomber crews, most famously the men of the B-17 Flying Fortress. Heavy bombing raids over Europe were flown at 25,000 feet and above, in unpressurised aircraft where the air could fall to minus fifty degrees Celsius, and crews at open gun positions had little between them and the cold. The B-3 was built for exactly that: thick sheepskin worn with the wool inwards, and a broad collar that closed high around the face with two leather straps. It stayed in service until the B-10 began replacing it in 1943.

The patina is what makes this jacket. Years of wear have broken the dark brown finish through to warm tan and rust across the shoulders, down the upper arms and over the back, so no two panels are quite the same shade. The grain has creased deep and glossy around the elbows, pockets and waist, and every raised seam is traced in lighter tones where it has caught the light and the wear. It's the kind of colour that only time can put into sheepskin.

The skin itself is sheepskin throughout, with the leather outside and the wool inside, so the warmth runs through the body and down both sleeves. The shearling is thick and cream, rolling out at the hem and turning back at the cuffs.

The construction follows the B-3 closely. The collar turns up and fastens with two leather straps and brass buckles, or it lies open across the shoulders. The front closes with a heavy brass zip. There are two slanted hand pockets, a buckled strap on each side of the waist to draw in the hem, and leather binding along the seams. The back is pieced in panels, as the originals were, joined with raised, double-stitched seams and finished with a small leather tab below the collar.

A faithful copy of the jacket that kept American bomber crews warm at altitude, with a patina worth every year of its wear.

Condition & Restoration

Very good vintage condition, with a stunning natural patina.

The sheepskin remains supple and structurally sound, with the leather exterior showing rich tonal wear across the shoulders, arms and back, and light creasing consistent with age. The fleece lining is clean, dense and evenly worn, with some light natural toning. Stitching, seams and reinforced panels are secure throughout, and the collar straps and waist buckles all function correctly.

The jacket has been professionally cleaned and dressed in-house using our own Workshop Blends, with specialist processes appropriate for shearling. The leather is soft and strong, and the fleece has kept its loft and warmth. The brass zip has been refurbished, polished and waxed for smooth operation. All hardware, seams and stitching have been inspected and remain sound. A stable, wearable example, ready for regular use or long-term collection.

Key Features

• 1980s sheepskin flying jacket cut to the WWII Type B-3 pattern
• "Aviation Co. / Air Force Jkt / U.S. Army Style" label, in the manner of wartime specification labels
• Stunning brown-to-tan patina across the shoulders, arms and back
• Genuine sheepskin throughout, with the wool on the inside
• Broad shearling collar with twin leather straps and brass buckles
• Heavy brass front zip
• Two slanted hand pockets
• Buckled waist adjusters on both sides
• Turn-back shearling cuffs and deep shearling hem
• Paneled back with raised double-stitched seams

Garment Measurements, Laid Flat

• Chest, armpit to armpit: 22" / 56 cm
• Shoulders, seam to seam: 22" / 56 cm
• Sleeve, shoulder seam to cuff: 26" / 66 cm
• Underarm seam to cuff: 19" / 48 cm
• Back length, base of collar to hem: 26" / 66 cm

Best suited to: 40" chest, regular / Size S–M

Fit: A classic bomber cut, roomy through the body and shoulders, with a short back that sits at the waist.

For the best indication of sizing, please compare the measurements above with a similar jacket you already own. For any sizing questions, please get in touch.