B6 Bomber Jacket Guide: 5 Key Differences From the B3

The B6 bomber jacket is the lighter, tidier cousin of the famous B3. Both are made from sheepskin with the wool left on the inside, and both come from the golden age of flight jackets, but they were built for different jobs. If you are choosing between them, these five differences are the ones that matter.

What is a B6 bomber jacket?

The B6 was standardised for the US Army Air Corps in June 1939. It was made as a middle weight choice for crews who needed more warmth than a leather A2 could give, but less bulk than the heavy B3. Cockpits in fighter planes were cramped, so a slimmer jacket made sense.

Like the B3, it is a type of bomber jacket, a family of flight jackets that moved from airfields into everyday wardrobes. Today the B6 bomber jacket is loved for the same reason it was designed: it keeps you warm without making you feel wrapped up.

B6 bomber jacket vs B3: five differences

1. Weight and warmth

The B3 has a deeper wool lining, which makes it the warmer jacket and the better choice for very cold weather. The B6 has a thinner lining, so it feels lighter on your shoulders and is easier to wear for a full day.

2. Collar

The B3 is known for its large, thick collar. The classic B6 has a smaller, neater collar, which looks sharper with a shirt and is less bulky under a scarf. Some modern versions add a double collar for extra warmth around the neck.

3. Cut

The B6 has a trimmer outline than the B3. Some versions add side zips at the hips, so the lower body can be opened out when you sit down. That helps in a car or on a train.

4. Original purpose

The B3 was made for bomber crews working at high altitude in unheated aircraft. The B6 was made for fighter pilots and crews working in tight spaces, where a bulky jacket got in the way.

5. Everyday use

The B3 suits long, freezing winters. The B6 suits cold city days, commutes and the weeks when winter is starting or ending. If you often wear a sweater under your jacket, either can work, but the B6 will feel less heavy.

Which one should you choose?

Choose the B3 if you live somewhere with hard winters, spend a lot of time outside or simply want the warmest jacket you can get. Our B3 bomber jacket guide explains the RAF and USAAF styles in more detail.

Choose the B6 if you want a shearling jacket for daily use. It is lighter, easier to move in and neat enough for the office. Check the shearling jacket size guide before you order, because shearling jackets are cut with room for a sweater.

How to wear a B6 bomber jacket

The shape is simple, so the outfit can be too. Here are three easy options:

• A white tee, dark jeans and brown boots for a classic casual look.
• A grey roll neck, charcoal trousers and clean boots for work or dinner.
• A hoodie, black joggers and sneakers for a relaxed weekend when the weather turns cold.

Brown suits denim and olive. Black goes with everything. For a close fit, stay with your usual size. If you plan to wear thick knitwear underneath, go one size up.

Our B6 bomber jacket styles

Our range includes B6 style jackets in real sheepskin shearling for men and women. Three popular options are the Men’s B6 RAF Aviator Shearling Brown with a double collar, the Men’s B6 Aviator Bomber in brown and the Women’s B6 Bomber Aviator in black. You can browse the full range in our men’s shearling jackets collection.

Caring for your B6 bomber jacket

Brush the suede with a soft brush, keep it away from rain and heat, and store it on a wide hanger. Our guide to caring for a shearling jacket covers cleaning, drying and storage step by step.

Frequently asked questions

Is a B6 bomber jacket warm enough for winter? Yes, for most cold city days. It has a wool lining and a thick sheepskin outer. For very cold weather, the B3 gives more warmth.

Is the B6 the same as any other bomber jacket? No. Many people use the words bomber jacket for any flight style, but the B6 is the middle weight shearling version that dates from 1939.

How can I check that the shearling is real? Look at the inside lining and the suede finish. Our guide on how to tell if shearling is real shows six quick checks you can do at home.

The B6 bomber jacket is a smart pick for anyone who wants the flight jacket look in a lighter, neater shape. If you are still unsure about size or style, contact us with your measurements and we will help you choose.