Vintage Sheepskin Shearling Flying Jacket RAF Irvin Pattern - Made in England

Cut from thick English sheepskin with a deep brown outer hide and dense honey fleece interior, this Blackbird Leather example carries genuine weight. It sits firmly through the shoulders and holds its shape through the body, delivering the balance expected of a serious flight jacket. The leather has developed a rich, even patina, with visible grain character and subtle surface burnishing that reflect age without compromise. Creasing through the sleeves and torso is consistent with use, while the hide remains strong and supple.

The design follows the established RAF Irvin flight jacket pattern. Originally developed during the interwar years for Royal Air Force crews operating in unpressurised aircraft, the Irvin was built around heavy sheepskin construction, reinforced seam panels, a belted waist and a high fastening collar to combat extreme altitude cold. Its configuration endured because it was functional rather than decorative.

Produced in England in the early 1990s, this example continues that traditional approach. Reinforced seam construction distributes tension across shoulders and armholes. A full waist belt with solid brass buckle allows adjustment and wind control. Zipped cuffs seal at the wrist. Underarm ventilation eyelets regulate airflow. The collar rises and secures via its original throat strap, forming a protective seal when fastened.

The fleece remains thick and resilient across the body, sleeves and collar. Hardware is intact and fully operational. The main zip runs cleanly. Cuff zips have been serviced and lubricated. The waist belt retains its original buckle and structure.

A substantial English made interpretation of the RAF flight jacket, grounded in material density and honest ageing.

Condition and Preservation

The jacket presents in very good overall vintage condition.

The sheepskin remains dense, flexible and secure. Surface creasing, tonal variation and areas of natural burnish are consistent with long term use and contribute to its developed character. There are no signs of cracking, seam separation or panel weakness. Stitching remains firm at stress points.

The fleece lining retains strong loft with no thinning or breakdown. All hardware functions correctly including main zip, cuff zips and waist buckle.

The garment has been professionally cleaned and conditioned in our workshop to maintain strength and longevity.

Key Identifying Features

• Blackbird Leather, Made in England
• Early 1990s production
• RAF Irvin pattern construction
• Heavyweight 3.1kg brown sheepskin exterior
• Dense honey fleece interior
• Reinforced seam panels
• Full waist belt with brass buckle
• High fastening collar strap
• Zipped cuffs
• Underarm ventilation eyelets

Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)

• Chest (armpit to armpit): 24.5"
• Shoulders (seam to seam): 22.5"
• Sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff): 29"
• Sleeve length (underarm seam to cuff): 23.5"
• Back length (collar seam to hem): 25.5"

Best suited to approximately a 44 Long frame. Please compare measurements with a similar garment to ensure correct fit.