Men B3 Brown Air Force Leather Shearling Jacket
This is the American air force B3 in its original brown — the exact pattern issued to bomber crews, with the short wide body, the twin buckle straps across a high collar, and full sheepskin throughout. It is the jacket every other shearling bomber is a variation of. Made in real sheepskin with the wool left on the inside, to the original proportions.
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Material: Real sheepskin with natural shearling wool lining
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Fit: Short, wide bomber cut
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Closure: Front zip with twin buckle collar straps
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Color: Brown with natural wool
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Care: Dry cloth on the leather, brush the wool, never wash
Why the B3 is shaped the way it is
Every feature answers a problem faced at 25,000 feet in an unheated aircraft. The body is short so it does not bunch when the wearer is seated for eight hours. It is wide so it goes over layers. The collar is high and closes with two buckles because the neck is where heat escapes and where wind finds a way in. The cuffs and hem are sheepskin rather than knit so there is no cold gap at the wrist or waist.
Nothing on the jacket is decorative. That is why the pattern has survived eighty years essentially unchanged — there is nothing to improve without making it worse.
Sheepskin, one material doing two jobs
The hide side is windproof; the wool side traps warm air. Because they are the same skin there is no lining to shift, no seam for cold to find, and no wadding to compress and thin over the years. A sheepskin jacket is as warm in year ten as it was new, which is not true of any insulated synthetic.
The wool is left at full depth rather than sheared thin, because depth is what does the insulating.
Weight, fit and honest expectations
It is heavy — several times the weight of a plain leather jacket. There is no light version of this jacket, and anything sold as one is not full sheepskin. Most owners find the weight becomes reassuring rather than tiring.
Take your normal size; the pattern already allows for a thick jumper, so avoid sizing up unless you want it very loose. This is a reproduction, not military surplus, and we would not describe it otherwise. See the rest of our B3 Bomber Jackets and our Shearling Leather Jackets.
Sizes and made to order
Built after you order, in the size you choose. Standard sizes are XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL and 5XL, plus Custom — send chest, waist, sleeve and back length after checkout at no extra charge. Free worldwide shipping and secure checkout are included.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this military surplus?
No. It is a reproduction of the B3 pattern built in new sheepskin to the original proportions.
Is the wool real?
Yes, the natural fleece of the same hide, left at full depth rather than sheared thin.
Why are the collar straps doubled?
To seal the neck completely. The neck is where most heat escapes and where wind gets in, which is why the original design used two.
Is it heavy?
Yes. Anything sold as a lightweight B3 is not full sheepskin. The weight and the warmth come from the same place.
What size should I order?
Your normal size. Room for a thick jumper is already built in, so avoid sizing up.
How warm is it?
Warmer than most people need in a normal winter. It was designed for unheated aircraft at altitude.
How do I care for it?
Dry cloth on the leather, soft brush on the wool. Never machine wash, dry clean or soak a sheepskin jacket.
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