Vintage RAF Irvin Sheepskin Shearling Flying Jacket - Made in England

Born from the tradition of Somerset sheepskin manufacture, this vintage Polden flying jacket is a beautifully preserved British interpretation of the RAF Irvin. Made in Great Britain and carrying its original Polden Sheepskins of Somerset label, it comes from an era when substantial sheepskin outerwear was still being hand cut and tailored in England.

Its aviation influence is unmistakable. The short body, broad fleece collar, exposed shearling cuffs and hem, heavy central zipper and full leather waist belt echo the purposeful construction of the classic British Irvin flying jacket. This is a later civilian interpretation rather than a wartime military-issued Irvin, but the lineage of the design is immediately apparent.

The jacket is constructed from substantial double-faced sheepskin, with the rich dark brown leather face forming the exterior and its own dense golden fleece providing the interior. The leather remains remarkably strong and firm, with pronounced natural grain, gentle creasing and subtle tonal variation developed through age and wear.

Against the dark brown exterior, the warm honey and biscuit tones of the fleece create a particularly handsome contrast. The broad flying collar retains excellent volume and can be raised around the neck, secured by its leather throat strap and metal D-ring.

A substantial brass-coloured zipper closes the front, while two angled hand-warmer pockets sit low on the body. Particularly distinctive is the full leather waist belt, complete with metal buckle and belt loops. When fastened, it draws the jacket into the short, compact silhouette so closely associated with traditional sheepskin flying jackets.

Inside, the natural fleece remains dense and exceptionally well preserved. The original maker's label also survives clearly, reading “Exclusively hand cut and tailored by Polden Sheepskins of Somerset, Made in Great Britain.”

What makes this example particularly appealing is its combination of age and preservation. The sheepskin has developed enough grain and tonal variation to possess genuine vintage character, yet the jacket remains exceptionally strong and wearable. A handsome survivor from the British civilian flying-jacket tradition, and an increasingly difficult quality of English-made sheepskin jacket to find in this condition.

Condition & Restoration

Excellent vintage condition, with beautifully preserved original character and light natural patina.

The double-faced sheepskin remains strong, firm and substantial. The dark brown leather exterior presents exceptionally well, showing natural grain, gentle creasing and subtle age-developed tonal variation.

The golden fleece remains dense and full throughout, with the collar retaining excellent volume and the exposed fleece at the cuffs and lower hem also very well preserved. The full leather waist belt remains complete with its buckle and belt loops.

The jacket has been specialist cleaned and conditioned in-house, with care taken to preserve its established character.

No significant structural issues are apparent.

Key Features

• Vintage Polden Sheepskins flying jacket
• Polden Sheepskins of Somerset
• Made in Great Britain
• Original “Exclusively hand cut and tailored” maker's label
• RAF Irvin-type civilian flying jacket
• Substantial double-faced sheepskin
• Rich dark brown leather exterior
• Dense golden natural fleece interior
• Broad shearling flying collar
• Leather throat strap with D-ring fastening
• Heavy brass-coloured central zipper
• Full leather waist belt with metal buckle
• Two angled hand-warmer pockets
• Exposed shearling cuffs and hem
• Excellent vintage condition
• Beautiful natural patina

Garment Measurements, Laid Flat

• Chest, armpit to armpit: 23.5"
• Shoulders, seam to seam: 19.5"
• Sleeve, shoulder seam to cuff: 24"
• Sleeve, underarm seam to cuff: 17.5"
• Back length, collar seam to hem: 24"

Recommended for approximately a 40" chest / Small, depending on your preferred fit and intended layering.

For the best indication of fit, please compare the measurements above with a similar jacket you already own.