Black RAF Aviator Leather Jacket

Men’s Black RAF Aviator Leather Jacket with Genuine Shearling

Built for substantial winter coverage, this black RAF aviator leather jacket combines a rugged flight-jacket silhouette with the natural warmth of genuine shearling. Its exterior is made from approximately 1.4 mm sheepskin leather, while the black sheep fur remains visible around the collar, cuffs and lower hem.

The leather has a naturally textured grain and a subtly worn-in appearance that complements the military-inspired design without making the jacket look overly distressed. Because genuine sheepskin is a natural material, minor variations in grain, texture and tone should be expected. These differences help make each jacket individual rather than indicating a manufacturing defect.

This design belongs to our wider leather aviator jacket collection, but its monochrome black leather, matching black shearling and heavy buckle hardware give it a particularly commanding RAF-inspired character.

Genuine Sheepskin and Natural Shearling Construction

The jacket is produced from 1.4 mm sheepskin leather, giving the outer shell a substantial feel suited to cold-weather outerwear. Genuine black shearling fur forms the insulating interior and continues naturally around the edges of the garment.

Unlike synthetic fleece, genuine shearling is obtained from real sheepskin, with the wool and leather forming part of the same natural material. Its dense, soft structure helps retain warmth while remaining breathable during normal winter wear. The exposed shearling around the cuffs and hem also seals the design visually, creating the recognizable appearance associated with traditional RAF flying jackets.

For customers comparing different natural-fur designs, more winter-weight options can be explored within our men’s shearling leather jacket collection.

Convertible Double-Buckle Shearling Collar

A wide genuine-shearling collar is one of the jacket’s most prominent features. It can be worn open and folded down to display the thick black fur, or raised around the neck when additional coverage is needed.

Two adjustable leather throat straps cross the front of the raised collar. Each strap is fitted with metal eyelets and an antique-finish buckle, allowing the collar to be secured at different positions. This double-buckle arrangement provides better neck coverage while reinforcing the jacket’s classic RAF-inspired profile.

The collar is integrated into the jacket’s construction and should not be described as removable.

Original YKK Metal Front Zipper

The front closes with a full-length original YKK metal zipper in an antique-brass tone. Leather facings run along both sides of the zipper tape, producing a cleaner front and reinforcing this frequently handled area.

When fully closed, the zipper reaches the base of the raised shearling collar. The separate buckle straps can then be fastened above it, giving the wearer control over how closely the neckline sits.

Practical Three-Pocket Arrangement

Two exterior pockets are positioned diagonally on the lower front. These are best classified as slanted welt hand-warmer pockets rather than patch or flap pockets. Their narrow leather-trimmed openings sit neatly within the front panels and are angled for comfortable hand entry.

A third pocket is provided inside the jacket. The photographs show a top-entry interior patch pocket, stitched onto the inner leather-facing section beside the zipper. It offers a more secure and discreet place for smaller personal items such as cards, keys or a phone.

Adjustable Side-Waist Belts

Leather adjustment straps are fitted at both sides of the waist. Each strap passes through a metal buckle and includes reinforced metal eyelets, allowing the lower fit to be tightened or relaxed.

Placing the adjusters at the sides preserves the jacket’s clean front while adding shape around the waist. The matching antique-tone buckles also coordinate with the front zipper and double collar straps.

Paneled Back and Visible Stitching

The back uses a structured multi-panel construction rather than one uninterrupted piece of leather. A prominent vertical center seam runs from beneath the collar toward the hem, while a horizontal seam crosses the body to form the upper and lower back sections. Additional shoulder and lower-waist panels help maintain the jacket’s broad flight-style shape.

Based on the close-up images, the visible sewing is most accurately described as single-row topstitching with reinforced panel seams. Single rows of neat, evenly spaced stitching can be seen around the pocket welts, zipper facings, buckle straps, interior patch pocket and bound panel edges.

The photographs do not establish the fiber content of the sewing thread, so polyester or another specific thread material should only be added if confirmed by the manufacturer.

Cuffs, Hem and Overall Fit

There are no knitted ribbed cuffs or synthetic waistband sections. Genuine black shearling extends beyond the leather at the sleeve ends and lower hem, producing a soft border around the jacket.

The cut has a structured, slightly roomy RAF-style profile with space through the body and sleeves for winter clothing. However, the thickness of genuine shearling occupies more internal room than an ordinary fabric lining. Customers should compare their body measurements with the Leather Frontier size guide, especially when planning to wear heavy layers underneath.

Its all-black finish makes the jacket easy to combine with dark denim, boots and simple winter knitwear. Customers looking for lighter or less heavily insulated outerwear can also browse the broader men’s leather jacket collection.

Product Specifications

• Product style: Men’s RAF-inspired aviator jacket

• Exterior material: Genuine sheepskin leather

• Leather thickness: Approximately 1.4 mm

• Colour: Black

• Interior: Genuine black shearling fur

• Front closure: Original YKK metal zipper

• Collar: Wide shearling collar with two adjustable buckle straps

• Exterior pockets: Two diagonal welt hand-warmer pockets

• Interior pocket: One top-entry patch pocket

• Waist adjustment: Leather side belts with metal buckles and eyelets

• Cuffs: Leather sleeves finished with exposed genuine shearling

• Hem: Straight leather hem with exposed genuine shearling

• Back design: Paneled back with central vertical and horizontal seams

• Visible stitching: Single-row topstitching with reinforced panel construction

• Recommended season: Winter and cold-weather wear

Care Instructions

Avoid putting this genuine shearling jacket in a washing machine, tumble dryer or ordinary dry-cleaning cycle. For deep cleaning, use a professional cleaner experienced specifically with sheepskin and genuine shearling garments.

Small dry particles can be removed with a soft suede or sheepskin brush. If a minor spill occurs, blot it carefully with a clean absorbent cloth without rubbing the leather or saturating the fur. Always test any specialist leather-care product on an inconspicuous area first.

Store the jacket on a broad, supportive hanger in a cool and ventilated place. Use a breathable cotton garment cover rather than an airtight plastic bag, and avoid compressing the shearling for extended periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a genuine shearling jacket be washed at home?

A genuine shearling jacket should not be machine-washed, soaked in water or cleaned with ordinary laundry detergent. Water saturation and agitation can shrink or stiffen the leather and may distort the jacket’s shape.

Routine surface care can be done gently at home, but deep stains should be handled by a cleaner who specializes in sheepskin and shearling garments.

What should I do if the jacket gets wet?

Shake off loose water and blot the surface gently with a clean, dry cloth. Place the jacket on a wide hanger and allow it to dry naturally at room temperature with good airflow.

Do not use a radiator, hair dryer or direct sunlight, as concentrated heat can harden and crack the leather. Once completely dry, the shearling may be lightly brushed to restore its texture.

How long can genuine shearling last?

A well-made genuine shearling jacket can remain wearable for many years when it is cleaned, dried and stored correctly. Its lifespan depends on frequency of use, exposure to moisture, storage conditions and the care products applied to the leather.

Regularly allowing the jacket to air out and addressing spills promptly will help preserve both the exterior leather and interior sheep fur.

How can I stop the shearling fur from becoming flattened?

Allow the jacket to rest and air naturally after wearing it instead of immediately placing it in a crowded wardrobe. Once the fur is dry, gently lift compressed areas using a clean, soft-bristled brush suitable for shearling.

Avoid aggressive brushing or applying ordinary hair products to the fur. Persistent matting should be treated by a professional sheepskin cleaner.

How should the jacket be stored during summer?

Use a broad or padded hanger that supports the shoulders without stretching them. Store the jacket in a dry, temperature-stable wardrobe inside a breathable cotton garment bag.

Do not fold it beneath other clothing or seal it in plastic, as prolonged compression and trapped moisture can affect the fur and leather.

Should I size up to wear layers underneath?

Genuine shearling is considerably thicker than a conventional satin or polyester lining, so internal space can feel closer even when the exterior measurements appear generous. Compare your chest, shoulder and sleeve measurements with the website’s size chart.

If your measurements fall between two sizes or you intend to wear thick knitwear underneath, the larger size will generally provide more comfortable layering room.