Vintage Cirrus Irvin Sheepskin Shearling RAF Flying Bomber Jacket

Chosen for its remarkable colour and genuinely developed patina, this vintage Cirrus Original sheepskin flying jacket is a particularly striking interpretation of one of the most recognisable pieces of British aviation clothing: the RAF Irvin flying jacket.

Constructed from full sheepskin, the jacket has aged into a beautifully rich dark brown, with warmer chestnut tones emerging naturally through areas of greater movement and wear. Deep creasing across the sleeves and subtle variation through the body contrast particularly well with the golden honey-coloured fleece, giving the jacket the unmistakable character of a genuinely worn vintage flying jacket.

The origins of the Irvin reach back to the pioneering years of military aviation. American parachute pioneer Leslie Irvin established manufacturing operations in England during the 1920s, and the sheepskin flying jacket associated with his company was approved for RAF use in 1932. Designed for aircrew operating in open or poorly heated aircraft, its thick sheepskin construction, large protective collar and practical short cut provided essential insulation against the extreme cold encountered at altitude.

During the Second World War, the Irvin became inseparably associated with RAF aircrew and particularly with the pilots of the Battle of Britain. Although conceived as functional equipment, its brown sheepskin, exposed fleece, oversized collar and heavy zipped construction created one of the defining silhouettes of wartime aviation clothing, an influence that continued long after its original military service.

This Cirrus jacket is a later civilian interpretation of that tradition rather than an original RAF-issued Irvin. It retains the unmistakable proportions and materials of the classic flying jacket while incorporating details intended to make it more practical for everyday wear.

The large fleece collar can be drawn closely around the neck using its leather throat strap and brass-toned buckle. A substantial metal Cirrus zip closes the front, bordered by contrasting dark leather reinforcement that continues through other key areas of the construction.

Two angled hand pockets are incorporated into the lower front with dark leather-trimmed openings. Their inclusion is a useful distinction from original wartime Irvin jackets, which were generally made without conventional handwarmer pockets, and gives this later interpretation greater everyday practicality.

Leather adjustment straps at the waist allow the lower silhouette to be drawn in, while the sleeves are fitted with long metal cuff zips that open the wrists considerably. Golden fleece remains exposed at the cuffs and hem, creating the characteristic contrast against the dark brown exterior.

The sleeves are particularly characterful, carrying pronounced natural creasing and areas where the original dark surface has softened into warmer brown tones through wear. Across the back, broad uninterrupted areas of sheepskin display the natural grain and variation of the hide particularly well.

Inside, the original Cirrus Original woven label remains present, carrying the distinctive “The Spirit of Adventure” branding.

This is not a pristine flying jacket whose history has been disguised by refinishing. Its appeal lies precisely in the colour, softened surface and genuine signs of wear that have developed naturally over time, an exceptionally characterful example of the classic sheepskin flying-jacket tradition.

Condition & Preservation

Very good vintage condition with genuine age-developed wear.

The sheepskin remains supple and structurally sound. There is minor localised loss to the exposed fleece, principally around the edge of the left cuff and in small areas along the collar edges. The close-up photography naturally makes these areas appear more prominent than they are when the jacket is viewed as a whole.

The aged exterior has deliberately been preserved rather than recoloured or artificially refinished.

Please study the detailed photographs, which form an important part of the description and show the condition and areas of wear closely.

Key Identifying Features

• Vintage Cirrus Original Irvin-style flying jacket
• Full sheepskin construction
• Rich dark brown exterior with warmer chestnut variation
• Genuine naturally developed patina and creasing
• Golden honey-coloured fleece
• Large traditional flying collar
• Leather throat strap with brass-toned buckle
• Substantial metal Cirrus front zip
• Contrasting dark leather reinforcement
• Two angled leather-trimmed hand pockets
• Adjustable leather waist straps
• Brass-toned waist hardware
• Long zipped cuffs
• Exposed fleece at cuffs and hem
• Broad, clean rear construction
• Original Cirrus Original “The Spirit of Adventure” woven label
• Original age-developed character preserved

Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)

• Chest (armpit to armpit): 26"
• Shoulders (seam to seam): 21"
• Sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff): 26"
• Sleeve length (underarm seam to cuff): 21"
• Back length (collar seam to hem): 27.5"

Best suited to approximately a 44–46" chest (L/XL), depending on your preferred fit. Please compare the measurements provided with a similar jacket you already own to ensure the best fit.