Men’s B3 Air Force Shearling Jacket
The Men's B3 Air Force Shearling Jacket reproduces the jacket issued to American bomber crews in the Second World War. Understanding what it was actually for explains every design choice on it — and explains why nothing has replaced the pattern in eighty years.
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Material: Genuine shearling sheepskin
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Fit: Regular fit, generous by design
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Closure: Front zip with collar straps
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Color: Brown with natural wool
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Care: Brush the wool, wipe the hide, specialist cleaning only
The problem the B3 was built to solve
Heavy bombers flew at altitude in unpressurised, unheated aircraft. Cabin temperatures dropped far below freezing, crews were largely stationary for hours, and there was no way to add heat. Electric suits existed but failed constantly.
The answer was a jacket that needed no power and no separate insulation: sheepskin with the fleece left on. Hide outward against the wind, wool inward against the body, one piece of material doing both jobs with no seam between them for cold to find.
Why the details are shaped the way they are
The collar is oversized and fastens with leather straps because wind pressure at altitude forced ordinary collars open at the throat. The body is short so it did not bunch when seated for long periods. The cuffs and hem are close so draughts could not travel up the sleeves.
Everything is functional. Nothing on a B3 was styled, which is precisely why it still looks purposeful rather than fashionable.
Fit, wear and honest notes
Take your normal size — the pattern already allows for the fleece thickness, and sizing up produces something enormous. It is heavy on the shoulders and bulky through the body, and both of those are the warmth.
Stated clearly: this is a reproduction-style fashion jacket. It is not military surplus, it carries no genuine service insignia or unit markings, and we make no claim of issue history. Shearling is also a cold-and-dry material — avoid heavy rain, never dry it near direct heat, and use a specialist sheepskin cleaner rather than a standard dry cleaner.
Made to order, XS to 5XL and custom
Made after you order in XS to 5XL, plus Custom — chest, shoulder, sleeve and back length. Accurate chest measurements matter most on a thick jacket. Free shipping, secure checkout, and honest pricing on genuine sheepskin.
Shop Related Styles at Leather Outlet
Related: B3 Leather Bomber Jackets for other B3 cuts, Shearling Jackets for the wider range, Flight Jackets for lighter leather aviators, and Men Leather Jackets for everything else. Browse at Leather Outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this genuine military surplus?
No. It is a reproduction-style fashion jacket with no service insignia or issue history.
Why was sheepskin used for flight jackets?
It needed no power and no separate lining — hide blocks wind, wool traps air, and there is no seam between them for cold to exploit.
Is the fur real?
It is real sheepskin with the wool attached — shearling.
Should I size up?
No. The pattern already allows for the fleece thickness.
Is it too warm for normal winter days?
Often, yes. It is a genuinely cold-weather jacket, best below about five degrees.
How should it be cleaned?
Brush the wool, wipe the hide, and use a specialist sheepskin cleaner — never a standard dry cleaner.
Do you offer custom sizing?
Yes — XS to 5XL plus Custom to your own measurements.
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