The B3 bomber jacket is the heavyweight of flight jackets: a short, thick shearling jacket with a deep collar, built to keep aircrew warm at high altitude. Today it is one of the warmest and most recognisable jackets you can wear on the ground. This guide explains where the B3 comes from, what makes it different from other bomber jackets, how it should fit and how to choose one that lasts.
What Is a B3 Bomber Jacket?
A B3 is a flight jacket made from sheepskin with the wool left on the inside, the material known as shearling. The outer face is smooth leather or suede, the inside is thick natural wool, and the collar is usually large enough to fold up against the wind. The body is short and boxy, ending around the waist, and the cuffs and hem are fitted so cold air stays out.
The name comes from the B series of United States military flight clothing, and the style sits in the long tradition of flight jackets. Early flight crews flew in open or poorly heated aircraft at heights where the air is far below freezing, so they needed clothing that was warm, tough and easy to move in. Shearling solved all three problems, which is why jackets of this type were made in large numbers during the Second World War and are still copied now.
B3 vs Other Flight Jackets
Flight jackets come in several families. The A2 is a leather jacket with a knit collar and cuffs and no shearling lining, first made for the United States Army Air Corps in the early 1930s. The G1 is the Navy equivalent, a leather jacket with a fur collar. The B3 is different: the whole body is lined with wool, which makes it much warmer than either. If you live somewhere with real winters, the B3 is the one to look at. For a lighter leather look, browse our leather jackets.
Why Shearling Works So Well
Wool is made of tiny crimped fibres that trap air, and trapped air is what keeps you warm. On a shearling jacket those fibres are still attached to the hide, so they sit right against your body and cannot slide around or bunch up like a loose lining can. The hide on the outside blocks wind, which is the thing that makes cold weather feel worse than the number on the thermometer. Because the wool does most of the work, a B3 can stay slim instead of relying on thick padding.
Key Features to Look For
- Real shearling. The wool should be attached to the hide, not a separate pile fabric stitched in. Check the material line on the product page.
- A deep collar. A wide collar that stands up or folds flat gives the jacket its outline and protects your neck.
- A short, boxy body. The jacket should end at the waist or just below it.
- Fitted cuffs and hem. Knit or leather bands keep wind out.
- Strong zips and stitching. A heavy jacket puts load on the seams, so check the finish around the front zip and shoulders.
Our B3 Jackets
We make B3 style jackets for men and women in black, brown and several two tone finishes. A good starting point for men is the Men’s B3 USAF aviator black shearling bomber jacket, and for women the Women’s B3 aviator brown shearling bomber jacket. You can see the whole range in our shearling jackets collection.
How a B3 Should Fit
A B3 should sit at your waist with the shoulder seams on the edge of your shoulders. You should be able to fit a shirt or a thin knit underneath, because the wool lining takes up some room. The sleeves should end at the wrist when your arms are relaxed and reach the base of your thumb when you lift them. If you plan to wear thick knits underneath, go up one size. Measure your chest and compare it with our size guide, or send us your measurements and we will make the jacket to fit. Custom sizes cannot be returned or exchanged, so check your numbers first.
How to Wear a B3 Bomber Jacket
The B3 works best with simple clothes. A plain tee, dark jeans and boots is the classic outfit, and a roll neck or thin knit makes it warmer. For a smarter look, wear it with chinos and a collared shirt. Keep the colours quiet and let the collar do the talking.
Caring for Shearling
Wipe the hide with a damp cloth, brush the wool now and then and let the jacket dry naturally away from heat if it gets wet. Hang it on a wide hanger in a cool, airy place. Shearling is not waterproof, so avoid heavy rain. For more detail, see our FAQ.
Common Questions
Is a B3 bomber jacket real shearling?
A true B3 is made from real sheepskin shearling. Our B3 style jackets list the material on each product page so you can check.
Is a B3 warmer than a regular bomber jacket?
Yes. Most bomber jackets are made from nylon or leather with light padding. The B3 has a full wool lining attached to the hide, which gives much more warmth for its weight.
Can I wear a B3 in spring?
In mild weather you can wear it open over a tee, but a B3 is at its best in autumn and winter.
What is your return policy?
Standard sizes can be returned or exchanged within 30 days of delivery. Custom sizes cannot. Read the full return and exchange policy.
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