Vintage RAF Irvin Sheepskin Flying Jacket - Made in England

This RAF Irvin-type sheepskin flying jacket represents one of the most recognisable silhouettes in British military aviation history. Based on the original Irvin Air Chute Company design adopted by the Royal Air Force in the 1930s, this example by Polden Sheepskins of Somerset continues that lineage in substantial, traditionally constructed English sheepskin. It captures the unmistakable balance of function, authority, and cold-weather engineering that defined wartime flying kit.

The design is direct and purposeful. Cut to sit square through the shoulders with a slightly cropped body typical of Irvin patterns, the proportions are engineered for cockpit wear, allowing freedom of movement while sealing warmth close to the frame. The broad collar, designed to be worn up and secured in harsh conditions, reinforces the unmistakable profile associated with RAF aircrew.

Constructed from heavyweight British sheepskin, the outer leather presents in a rich brown tone with natural grain character throughout. The hide remains thick and structurally sound, yet retains pliability through the sleeves and flex points, a key indicator of quality tanning and correct preservation. Internally, the dense golden fleece is evenly piled and substantial, delivering both insulation and the visual depth expected of a serious Irvin-type jacket. The weight in hand is reassuring and authentic.

Panel construction follows traditional Irvin layout principles, with reinforced seam lines adding strength and maintaining the jacket’s defined structure. The heavy-duty brass front zip and sleeve zips are consistent with classic RAF-style builds, engineered for reliability rather than decoration. Side waist adjusters allow the fit to be drawn in securely, maintaining insulation and shape. The overall impression is one of honest British craftsmanship rooted firmly in aviation heritage.

Hardware is correct for post-war English manufacture, with no unnecessary modern substitutions. This is not a lightweight fashion interpretation but a properly executed Irvin-type jacket built with substance and integrity.

Condition and Preservation

The jacket has been professionally leather cleaned to remove embedded soiling from both the fleece and exterior hide. It was then carefully conditioned using our in-house formulations to restore suppleness and maintain long-term resilience. This work was carried out with restraint, preserving the natural surface character and tonal depth of the leather.

Condition is excellent. The sheepskin remains thick and structurally strong with no thinning or weakness. The fleece is clean, dense, and evenly distributed throughout. All zips function smoothly, seams are secure, and the jacket retains its original structure and balance. It presents as a well-preserved RAF Irvin-type example, prepared for continued wear while respecting its heritage.

Key Identifying Features

• RAF Irvin-type sheepskin flying jacket
• Made in England by Polden Sheepskins of Somerset
• Traditional WWII RAF-inspired pattern
• Heavyweight British sheepskin construction
• Rich brown leather exterior with natural grain
• Dense golden fleece interior
• Reinforced multi-panel Irvin-style construction
• Heavy-duty brass front and sleeve zips
• Side waist adjusters for insulation and fit
• Professionally cleaned and conservatively conditioned
• Excellent vintage condition with strong structural integrity

Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)

• Chest (armpit to armpit): 25"
• Shoulders (seam to seam): 21"
• Sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff): 27"
• Sleeve length (underarm to cuff): 18"
• Back length (collar seam to hem): 26.5"

Best suited to a 42" chest / Medium size. Please compare these measurements with a similar garment for best fit.