Vintage 1990s Schott Sheepskin Shearling Flying Jacket

A rare Schott NYC sheepskin flying jacket from the 1990s, cut in a short, compact silhouette with a strong, structured profile through the body. It sits cleanly at the waist, with a broad, balanced shape that gives the jacket real presence without excess bulk.

Its design draws from early sheepskin flight jackets developed for high-altitude use, where insulation and protection from sustained cold were essential. Pieces such as the B-3 established that foundation, built from dense sheepskin with full fleece interiors. This example carries that same approach, reworked into a more wearable civilian form, with a shorter cut, open collar and belted waist giving it a more considered silhouette.

Made in the USA, this is Schott’s interpretation of those early flight jackets, produced during a period when their civilian pieces were built with a clear emphasis on durability and function. While rooted in the language of WWII pieces, this example stands apart in its execution, with details and proportions that are not commonly seen.

The sheepskin is heavyweight and dense, with a full shearling lining that runs consistently throughout. The fleece is clean, evenly distributed, and holds a strong loft, giving the jacket both insulation and structure. The outer leather carries a deep black tone with a natural grain across the panels, providing depth and variation without appearing over-finished. In hand, it feels substantial, with the kind of weight expected from a serious cold-weather garment.

What sets this jacket apart is its configuration. The shorter front zip alters the break through the body, sitting higher and reinforcing the cropped profile. The snap-down shearling collar adds versatility, sitting cleanly when open and securing neatly when fastened. Hardware is notably robust throughout, from the heavy-duty main zip to the sleeve zips, which allow for adjustment at the cuff and contribute to the jacket’s functional feel.

Zipped handwarmer pockets are set cleanly into the front, and the waist belt allows the jacket to be drawn in when needed, though it wears just as naturally with a relaxed drape. The balance between structure and wearability is particularly well judged on this piece.

Construction is clean and assured, with well-cut panels and strong seam work maintaining the form of the jacket. Everything sits with purpose, with no excess or unnecessary detail, just a clear focus on function, proportion and longevity.

This is not a standard Schott sheepskin. The combination of the shorter front zip, open collar and belted waist places it outside the more commonly seen models, and examples in this configuration are not often encountered.

Condition and Preservation

This Schott NYC sheepskin flying jacket is in excellent vintage condition, presenting with a clean, well-kept surface and a natural, understated character. The sheepskin remains dense, supple and well balanced throughout, while the fleece is full, soft and evenly distributed across the body and sleeves.

The outer leather shows light, natural creasing through areas of movement, consistent with careful, considered wear. All seams remain strong, the structure is solid, and all hardware, including the main zip and sleeve zips, functions smoothly as intended.

The jacket has been professionally cleaned and lightly conditioned in our workshop using a restrained approach, preserving the original finish, tone and integrity of the material rather than altering its character.

Overall, it presents as a clean, sound example with strong presence and long-term wearability.

Key Details

• Vintage 1990s Schott NYC sheepskin flying jacket
• Made in USA
• Rare configuration with shorter front zip
• Snap-down shearling collar
• Zipped sleeve cuffs
• Heavyweight sheepskin construction
• Full shearling lining throughout
• Deep black outer with natural grain
• Robust hardware including heavy-duty zips
• Adjustable waist belt and buckle
• Zipped handwarmer pockets

Garment Measurements Laid Flat

• Chest armpit to armpit: 21.5"
• Shoulders seam to seam: 20"
• Sleeve length shoulder to cuff: 26"
• Sleeve length underarm to cuff: 19.5"
• Back length collar seam to hem: 25.5"

Best suited to a 36" chest as per label sizing / XS frame. Please compare measurements with a similar garment to ensure an accurate fit.