Quick answer: A sheepskin flying jacket is a short, heavy leather jacket made from sheepskin with the wool left on the inside. It was built for WWII pilots flying in unheated cockpits. The two classic versions are the British RAF jacket, with its panelled back and two-strap collar, and the American B-3, with its thick wraparound collar and belted waist. Both are still the warmest leather jackets you can buy.
What Is a Sheepskin Flying Jacket?
In the UK it's usually called a sheepskin flying jacket or RAF jacket. In the USA, most people search for a B3 bomber or aviator leather jacket. It's the same family of jacket: a single sheepskin hide, tanned with the wool attached, so the suede or leather side faces out and the dense wool faces in. Because the lining is part of the hide itself, there's no separate padding to flatten or wear out.
RAF Jacket vs B-3 Bomber: What's the Difference?
- RAF-style flying jacket: Usually made in visible panels stitched together, with a large shearling collar that closes with two leather straps and side-entry pockets. It has a slightly slimmer, more tailored shape, and the finish is often waxed or distressed brown.
- B-3 bomber: Heavier and boxier, with an oversized shearling collar, a belted waist, a front zip and a long body. It's the warmest option and the classic "Hollywood pilot" look.
- B-6 and hooded variants: Lighter-weight or hooded versions for people who want the look but not the full weight.
You can browse every style in our aviator leather jacket collection.
5 Things to Check Before You Buy
1. Real sheepskin, not a polyester lining
Many cheap "aviator" jackets are a leather shell with a synthetic fleece collar. Turn the cuff back: real sheepskin shows wool growing out of the same hide, with no seam between the outside and the lining.
2. Weight and thickness
A genuine B-3 weighs 2.5 to 4 kg. If a jacket feels as light as a fashion jacket, it won't be as warm.
3. Hardware
Look for heavy metal zips, for example YKK brass, and solid buckles on the collar straps and waist belt. Plastic zips are the first thing to fail.
4. Fit
Flying jackets are meant to be worn over a jumper. Order your normal chest size if you'll wear a T-shirt underneath, or one size up for chunky knits. The hem should sit at or just below your belt.
5. Colour and finish
Dark brown and waxed tan are the most authentic finishes. Black looks more modern. Distressed finishes look broken-in from day one.
Sizing for UK and US Buyers
Men's jacket sizes are measured by chest in inches and are the same in the UK and USA (a 42" chest is a Large in both). Measure around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms. Sheepskin doesn't stretch much, so don't size down. If you're between sizes, custom made-to-measure is the safest option.
Is a Sheepskin Flying Jacket Too Warm?
For most of the UK winter, where it's typically 2 to 8°C, a B-3 is ideal for walking, commuting and outdoor events. In the northern US states and Canada, it's built for well-below-freezing temperatures. In milder weather, choose a lighter RAF style or a shearling-collar aviator, or browse the wider shearling jackets collection.
How to Care for a Sheepskin Jacket
- Hang it on a wide wooden hanger, never a wire one.
- Brush the wool collar gently with a soft brush to keep it fluffy.
- If it gets wet, let it dry naturally at room temperature, never on a radiator.
- Condition the leather once or twice a year.
- Never machine-wash it. Use a specialist sheepskin cleaner if needed.
FAQs
Is a sheepskin flying jacket the same as a shearling jacket?
Yes. Shearling is the wool side of sheepskin, so every sheepskin flying jacket is a shearling jacket.
How long does a sheepskin flying jacket last?
With basic care, 20 years or more. Many original WWII jackets are still wearable today.
Can women wear a B-3 or RAF jacket?
Absolutely. Many women choose a men's size for an oversized look, and we also make women's aviator cuts.
Do you ship flying jackets to the UK?
Yes. Avanzar Leather ships free to the UK and the USA.
Ready to choose yours? Shop aviator and sheepskin flying jackets, or see our B3 bomber shearling jackets.