Vintage RAF Irvin Sheepskin Flying Jacket, Made in England, Late 1980s

The first thing that defines this RAF Irvin is weight. The sheepskin is exceptionally heavy, dense through the fleece and firm through the hide, giving the jacket an immediate sense of purpose the moment it is handled. It carries the physical authority of a garment designed for extreme conditions, where insulation and durability mattered above all else.

Made in the late 1980s by Top Stitch, this jacket comes from a period when original RAF pattern machinery and correct construction methods were still in use. As a result, it retains the material seriousness associated with earlier production, with substantial hides and dense fleece that give it real presence and structure.

The fleece remains full and evenly preserved throughout, providing excellent insulation and stability. The leather exterior has a deep dark brown tone with pronounced natural grain and surface texture that has developed through age rather than wear. In the hand and on the body, the jacket feels solid and purposeful, holding its shape naturally and sitting with confidence.

The cut follows original Irvin specification, short through the body with a broad, squared shoulder line intended to retain warmth while allowing movement. A wide shearling collar with throat latch offers effective wind protection when fastened, while the waist belt allows the jacket to be drawn in for fit and heat retention. Sleeve zips finish at shearling-faced cuffs, maintaining both function and period correctness.

Internally, the jacket is fully shearling-lined and fitted with two internal pockets, a discreet and practical detail that adds everyday usability without disturbing the original design language. Original-style hardware is retained throughout, including the main front zip, sleeve zips, belt fittings, and throat latch components, all of which function as intended.

Following professional leather cleaning, the jacket was lightly conditioned in-house with restraint, carried out to refresh and protect the materials while preserving surface character, weight, and structure. No repairs or replacements have been required, and nothing has been unnecessarily altered.

Condition is excellent throughout. The sheepskin shows no thinning, dryness, or breakdown, and the fleece remains dense and evenly distributed. The leather is supple and structurally sound, showing only light natural creasing consistent with careful wear. There are no structural concerns, and the jacket retains its full integrity and original presence.

Late 1980s Top Stitch Irvins produced to this standard are now scarce. The weight of the sheepskin, the density of the fleece, and the integrity of the construction place this example firmly among the strongest surviving jackets from this period.

Key Identifiers

• RAF Irvin flying jacket
• Late 1980s production
• Made by Top Stitch
• Constructed on original RAF pattern machinery
• Exceptionally heavy 3.5kg sheepskin construction
• Dense, evenly preserved shearling interior
• Dark brown leather exterior with strong natural grain
• Wide shearling collar with throat latch
• Waist belt adjustment
• Sleeve zips with shearling-faced cuffs
• Two internal pockets
• Original-style hardware throughout
• Professionally cleaned and lightly conditioned in-house
• Excellent overall condition
• Original character and presence retained

Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)

• Chest (armpit to armpit): 27"
• Shoulders (seam to seam): 23.5"
• Sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff): 29"
• Sleeve length (underarm to cuff): 21"
• Back length (collar seam to hem): 26"

Best suited to a size 48–50 chest. Long arm length. Please compare these measurements with a similar garment for best fit.