B3 Bomber Jacket Guide: RAF vs USAAF and How to Pick Yours

The B3 bomber jacket is one of the most copied winter jackets ever made. It looks simple, but a real one is heavy, warm and built to last for years. This guide explains where the B3 came from, what makes it different from other bomber jackets, and how to pick the right one for you.

Where the B3 bomber jacket came from

The B3 was first made for the US Army Air Corps in the 1930s and became famous with American bomber crews in World War II. Many planes of that era had little or no heating, and the cold at high altitude was brutal. Crews needed a jacket that was thick, windproof and warm, so the answer was sheepskin with the wool left on the inside.

The British RAF had its own sheepskin flying jackets at the time, often called Irvin jackets. Today the two names get mixed up, which is why you will see RAF B3 and USAAF B3 used for jackets that look very similar.

What makes a jacket a B3

Most B3 style jackets share a few features:

• A thick sheepskin body with the wool on the inside
• A big shearling collar that keeps the wind off your neck
• A strong front zip with a wind flap
• Pockets low on the front for your hands
• Knit cuffs that hold the sleeve snug at the wrist

Small details change from maker to maker, so always check the product photos before you order.

RAF vs USAAF: what is the difference

Sellers use the names a little differently, but a common way to tell them apart is the waist. Many USAAF style listings have a belted waist, while RAF style listings often have a cleaner, straighter cut. Both are cut from sheepskin and both are very warm, so the choice is mostly about the look you like.

How a B3 should fit

Sheepskin is thick and does not stretch much at first, so fit matters more than with a fabric jacket.

• The shoulder seam should sit right at the edge of your shoulder.
• Leave enough room in the chest for a sweater.
• Sleeves should end around your wrist bone.
• If you sit between two sizes, going one size up is usually safer.

Always measure yourself and compare with the size chart on the product page.

Which colour should you pick

Brown is the classic choice and gives that vintage pilot look. Black is sleeker and easier to dress up. Tan and off white are lighter and stand out more, but they show marks faster.

How to look after it

• Keep it away from direct heat, like radiators and hair dryers.
• If it gets wet, let it dry slowly at room temperature.
• Brush the suede side lightly to keep the finish fresh.
• Store it on a wide hanger, not folded for months.
• Use a professional cleaner that handles sheepskin.

Real or fake

A lot of cheap jackets use fabric that only looks like shearling. If you want to be sure, read our guide on how to tell if shearling is real.

Ready to shop

Browse our men shearling jackets or our women shearling jackets to find a B3 bomber in your size. If you want the exact jacket from a movie, check the celebrity jackets section.

Quick questions

Is a B3 bomber jacket warm enough for winter? Yes. Real sheepskin with a wool lining is one of the warmest jacket materials. In deep cold, wear a sweater underneath.

Can women wear a B3 bomber jacket? Yes. Many B3 styles come in women cuts with a slimmer fit.

How long does a real B3 last? With basic care it can last for many years and look better with age.