R.A.F Men's Sheepskin Double Faced Bomber Jacket
R.A.F Men's Sheepskin Double Faced Bomber Jacket
R.A.F. Men's Sheepskin Double-Faced Bomber Jacket
In the unheated bellies of Lancaster bombers flying night missions over occupied Europe, the temperature could drop to minus forty. The jacket that kept RAF Bomber Command crews alive through those raids wasn't insulated with feathers, fibres, or fill. It was made from a single piece of sheepskin — leather on the outside, wool on the inside, the warmest natural material the British war effort could put on a man's back. That jacket is the original RAF Sheepskin Bomber. This is its faithful continuation.
What "double-faced" actually means. Most shearling jackets use two materials sewn together: a leather outer and a separate wool lining. Double-faced sheepskin is different — it's a single hide, with the leather side facing out and the natural wool growing on the inside. Nothing is laminated, nothing is glued, nothing is sewn in as a separate liner. The warmth is built into the hide itself.
This matters for three reasons: the lining can never come loose or separate from the shell, the jacket holds heat more efficiently because there's no airgap between layers, and the wool wraps continuously through every panel — including the visible cuffs, collar, and hem — because it's all the same piece of sheepskin.
The RAF version, specifically. While the American B-3 became the famous WWII shearling bomber, the RAF developed its own — slightly trimmer, slightly more structured, with the signature belted waist that the American version lacks. The brass-buckled leather belt cinches the jacket at the waist, sealing in body heat where the body needs it most. The leather throat-latch strap fastens the collar fully closed against the wind. Side zip vents at the hem allow for sitting in a cockpit — a small detail straight from the original military pattern.
The materials are the whole story. Genuine brown sheepskin with a rich, vintage finish on the outside. Natural cream-tan shearling wool running through the inside and visible at every edge. Brass hardware throughout — buckle, zips, throat-latch — for that authentic military finish. This isn't a heritage-themed jacket. It's a jacket built the way the originals were built.
The warmth is the point. Double-faced sheepskin is one of the warmest natural materials a jacket can be made from — which is precisely why it was chosen for high-altitude bomber crews in the first place. This is a true cold-weather jacket, built to perform through serious winter conditions. It's not subtle, and it's not meant to be.
This is the jacket for the man who appreciates the real thing — genuine materials, genuine military heritage, genuine warmth. Faithful to the original because the original didn't need improving.
The specs, plainly: Genuine double-faced sheepskin — single-hide construction with leather outer and natural wool interior · Vintage brown finish · Natural cream-tan shearling visible at collar, cuffs, and hem · Leather throat-latch collar strap with brass buckle · Belted waist with brass buckle · Front zip closure, brass-tone hardware · Two front hand pockets · Side zip vents at hem · Two-piece back panel with centre seam · Structured aviator cut · Built for genuine cold-weather wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a double-faced sheepskin jacket? Double-faced sheepskin is made from a single hide where the leather side faces out and the natural wool grows on the inside. There's no separate lining sewn in — the leather and the wool are the same piece of sheepskin. It's the most authentic and effective construction for a shearling jacket.
What's the difference between an RAF jacket and a B-3? Both are WWII sheepskin bomber jackets — the RAF version was issued to British Bomber Command crews, while the B-3 was the American equivalent. The RAF jacket is typically slightly trimmer and features a belted waist with a brass buckle, which the American B-3 lacks. Both use genuine sheepskin and shearling for the same purpose: extreme cold-weather warmth.
Is the sheepskin and shearling genuine? Yes — this jacket is made from 100% genuine double-faced sheepskin. The leather shell and the wool interior are the same hide. The wool you see at the collar, cuffs, and hem is the natural shearling that lines the entire jacket.
How warm is it? Extremely warm. Double-faced sheepskin is one of the most effective natural insulators ever used in outerwear — which is exactly why it was chosen for high-altitude WWII bomber crews. This jacket is built for genuine deep-winter cold, not mild-weather layering.
Why does it have a belt at the waist? The belted waist is the signature feature of the RAF pattern (as opposed to the American B-3). It cinches the jacket close to the body, sealing in body heat and preventing cold air from getting in at the hem. It's both a practical and a visual detail from the original military design.
What are the side zip vents at the hem for? These are an original military detail. They allow the jacket to flex and open slightly when seated — important for the original aircrew sitting in cockpit positions for hours. They also help with mobility for the modern wearer.
Does it fit true to size? The jacket has a structured aviator cut, and the double-faced sheepskin takes up some interior room. It's designed to layer over a tee or thin knit rather than bulky sweaters. Check the size chart on this page carefully, and if you want layering room, size up one.
Is it heavy? Yes — genuine sheepskin and natural shearling make this a substantial jacket. That weight is part of what it is: real materials, real warmth, real military-grade construction. It is not a lightweight jacket and isn't meant to be.
How do I care for double-faced sheepskin? Brush the wool gently with a suede or wool brush to keep it lofted. Spot-clean the leather side with a damp cloth and use a sheepskin-specific protector. Never machine wash, never soak, never dry with direct heat. For deep cleaning, take it to a specialist experienced with sheepskin garments.
Can I wear it in the rain? Sheepskin handles light exposure, particularly with a protector applied, but should not be worn in heavy rain. If it gets wet, air dry it naturally away from heat and brush the shearling back up once dry.
