Cockpit USA B-3 Fit

[LEOPOLDO ORTIZ AGUERO]

Im looking to buy from Cockpit USA, Im 5'6" and have a medium body I usually wear size S or 38 in roomier jackets like a Barbour I even got the size 36 since Im short and I would like a modern slim fit, would you recommend going for a size 38, 36 or 34? I wear 38 in almost every jacket my pants are 31 to 32 depending on brand.

 

[powersci]

Im looking to buy from Cockpit USA, Im 5'6" and have a medium body I usually wear size S or 38 in roomier jackets like a Barbour I even got the size 36 since Im short and I would like a modern slim fit, would you recommend going for a size 38, 36 or 34? I wear 38 in almost every jacket my pants are 31 to 32 depending on brand.

I'd recommend a size 36. Many years ago I had a 36" chest and wore 31" and 32" pants. Most of my jackets were either size small or 38. So I bought a size 38 from Cockpit and found it to be too big. It seems consensus to size down with Cockpit's B3s.

 

[LEOPOLDO ORTIZ AGUERO]

I'd recommend a size 36. Many years ago I had a 36" chest and wore 31" and 32" pants. Most of my jackets were either size small or 38. So I bought a size 38 from Cockpit and found it to be too big. It seems consensus to size down with Cockpit's B3s.

Awesome thank you, I'll order size 36 and make sure to reply with the results

 

[alfyman]

Very Nice Jacket, the 38 fits you perfectly..

 

[Edward]

I'd expect these to be fairly 'baggy' by design, bearing in mind that the original design was worn over the top of a lot of layers (I've even seen photos of some aircrew wearing an A2 under a B3). To me it seems to rather defeat the point to size down for a snug fit over only a t-shirt, but then that may well depend on the climate where you live and how hot you personally run. Every individual's heat tolerances vary: you'll hear plenty of folks on here say that they can't wear an Irvin or a b3 in London, where I've always found them ideal for Winter - plus several layers underneath.

OP's second jacket certainly looks to be a better fit that then first; I wouldn't have sized down any further from the 38, myself.

 

[bobm]

I'd expect these to be fairly 'baggy' by design, bearing in mind that the original design was worn over the top of a lot of layers (I've even seen photos of some aircrew wearing an A2 under a B3). To me it seems to rather defeat the point to size down for a snug fit over only a t-shirt, but then that may well depend on the climate where you live and how hot you personally run. Every individual's heat tolerances vary: you'll hear plenty of folks on here say that they can't wear an Irvin or a b3 in London, where I've always found them ideal for Winter - plus several layers underneath.

OP's second jacket certainly looks to be a better fit that then first; I wouldn't have sized down any further from the 38, myself.

I have that (or very similar) B3 and agree 100% on your assessment. The fit should not be "skin tight" and that 38 on the OP fits him well. Having worn that jacket for some years now, I can attest to its incredible warmth.

 

[TXFlyGuy]

The recommendations on sizing, from three different manufacturers, on three different jackets, were all one size too large.
G&B, Cockpit, and USWings.
Never had to return a coat for being too small, quite the opposite.

Every photo I have seen of B3’s in action was WWII B-17 crews, many times waist gunners, while on a mission. These were worn over multiple garments, so the fit was something less than “stylish”.

That B3 is gorgeous. May you wear it in good health!