Got my first B-3 Jacket today. Looking for fit advice. How should it fit?

[Ttown]

I was looking at simmon bliz just because of configurations that they offer. But I am open to any maker price is not an issue. I also really like Eastman leather 1942 Irvine. But sadly my size 42 is sold out & have to wait for two month to get that. Is there advantage of horsehide vs regular steer. I mean I know horsehide give it more structure & support etc. But would regular steer be that bad? And you think I should up my sheepskin to 22 mm? Kind of surprised that you get cold at 5f with 3/4 inch sheep skin.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Do you mean HH or steer trim across the sheepskin jacket and 22 mm fleece..??

 

[Ttown]

Do you mean HH or steer trim across the sheepskin jacket and 22 mm fleece..??

Yeah since jacket is all ready crazy heavy. Was just asking if getting HH worth it. Since it will add more weight & will limit restriction etc. At least that’s what I was told with 19 mm sheep skin & HH. So I was thinking up the sheepskin to 22 & get regular steer vs HH

 

[HoosierDaddy]

You do know that the whole shell of the jacket is not HH or steer. Just strip trim across the seams that do not add much weight or restriction at all to a sheepskin jacket. The thicker the fleece or wool part of the sheepskin can add heft though.

 

[Ttown]

You do know that the whole shell of the jacket is not HH or steer. Just strip trim across the seams that do not add much weight or restriction at all to a sheepskin jacket. The thicker the fleece or wool part of the sheepskin can add heft though.

Make sense thx u for feed back

 

[rocketeer]

Who is making yours? I think the Anj is a great jacket. I find the usage range to be 32f (no sun) down to about 5f. After that nothing keeps me warm. Underarm footballs provide good mobility. Horsehide facings make elbow bending a bit of a workout. Collar is big but warm. Like most jackets designed in that era there is a conspicuous lack of usable pockets as compared to most modern offering.

For practicality the worst offender is the B3. The B3 is fine as a warm practical replica of a historical item and looks great. The pocket is almost useless and non secure, the ANJ4's are slightly more useful but only really good for storing keys or a small thin phone or wallet.
With either the B3 and the ANJ4 at least those leather facings(of any hide) can help protect scuffs and scrapes that occurs in everyday live. I have one of each from Eastman neither really restrict driving, they loosen up pretty quick.
personally The ANJ4 is a prettier jacket and my favourite rather than the B3 with it's asymmetrical look. Both are super warm, both have great style, you will have to take your pick.
The modern versions named as B3s though are not really replica's, just sheepskin jackets that are nice and warm, as are Aviation Leathercraft's versions of the original Irvin, though their market appears to be aimed at sports car drivers rather than aviation enthusiasts.

 

[Lit Up]

The ANJ-4 is pure functionality

No winter jacket is functional without a hood. This is why I would try and get SB to make me a custom aviator jacket with a hood based off the RAF coastal command (like they do for Nigel Cabourne) or just buy a B7 with reduced shearling mm in the lining so I can wear it in slightly warmer weather.

I usually notice immediately that someone is wearing a B3 and it makes me think of some bombing run leaving destruction.

Ha, yes. Quite a lot of people were killed by people wearing that jacket! A problem with most of these aviator jackets.

 

[Ttown]

No winter jacket is functional without a hood. This is why I would try and get SB to make me a custom aviator jacket with a hood based off the RAF coastal command (like they do for Nigel Cabourne) or just buy a B7 with reduced shearling mm in the lining so I can wear it in slightly warmer weather.



Ha, yes. Quite a lot of people were killed by people wearing that jacket! A problem with most of these aviator jackets.

I think you would love cock pit USA jackets they all have bells & whistle that you seek. Pockets, coyote hood etc & look dam good.

 

[Lit Up]

I think you would love cock pit USA jackets they all have bells & whistle that you seek. Pockets, coyote hood etc & look dam good.

It will be SB for a custom jacket or Aero for a B7 given I live in the UK. I can actually visit those factories/showrooms and there's no subsitution to being able to try on a jacket in person.

 

[Ttown]

It will be SB for a custom jacket or Aero for a B7 given I live in the UK. I can actually visit those factories/showrooms and there's no subsitution to being able to try on a jacket in person.

Totally make sense in your case my man !!

 

[Shin]

Hi everyone. Thanks for your help so far.
It's been extremely helpful.
here's an update regarding my correspondence with SB

I have sent my pictures and actual measurements of the jacket back to SB's production for evaluation.
They told me that the front was indeed increased in line with my increased back length.
Therefore the jacket was made as it was intended. They said they've never had issues with their previous B3s before.
However, Debs told me that if I'm still unhappy with the jacket, she can send me the return form and they'll refund me.

I think now I'll take some time to get used to this jacket and consider if there are other remedies to this shorter length. Sending the jacket back should be the absolute last resort.

 

[Ttown]

Hi everyone. Thanks for your help so far.
It's been extremely helpful.
here's an update regarding my correspondence with SB

I have sent my pictures and actual measurements of the jacket back to SB's production for evaluation.
They told me that the front was indeed increased in line with my increased back length.
Therefore the jacket was made as it was intended. They said they've never had issues with their previous B3s before.
However, Debs told me that if I'm still unhappy with the jacket, she can send me the return form and they'll refund me.

I think now I'll take some time to get used to this jacket and consider if there are other remedies to this shorter length. Sending the jacket back should be the absolute last resort.

For what is worth jacket looks dam good on you. And it definitely looks slim & not make you look like a bear. I would keep it & enjoy unless it’s really bothersome for you because of length. And it’s good to know that SB is taking care of you.

 

[Goel]

Is the 22mm collar much thicker than the 18mm body? Can't tell easily from the pics but it doesn't look much bigger.

 

[Shin]

For what is worth jacket looks dam good on you. And it definitely looks slim & not make you look like a bear. I would keep it & enjoy unless it’s really bothersome for you because of length. And it’s good to know that SB is taking care of you.

Hi. Thanks again for that.
It depends how you want it to be, I guess. This is a B3, but the short length remindsd me a lot of some Irvins, which typically are shorter. And SB's customer care has been superb so far. So happy hunting if you want to take the SB route.

 

[Shin]

Is the 22mm collar much thicker than the 18mm body? Can't tell easily from the pics but it doesn't look much bigger.

I can definitely feel the difference. The picture doesn't do it much justice.

 

[Ttown]

I can definitely feel the difference. The picture doesn't do it much justice.

So going 22 mm route for entire jacket. Would you say it would be too much bulk wise & too warm. Just from your small portion of collar.

 

[Shin]

So going 22 mm route for entire jacket. Would you say it would be too much bulk wise & too warm. Just from your small portion of collar.

It depends. Where do you oive and how cold does it get in your area?

 

[Ttown]

It depends. Where do you oive and how cold does it get in your area?

Chicago man right now it’s 21 deg F. Do let me know once you have take your jacket out for spin. So have some what idea how warm 18mm it is sir.

 

[Shin]

Chicago man right now it’s 21 deg F. Do let me know once you have take your jacket out for spin. So have some what idea how warm 18mm it is sir.

Possibly a bit colder than where I am. For me 18 mm is sufficient for anything below 0 to -10 Celsius. Beyond that I would definitely love to have 22mm.
Keep in my I'm a have a slim build. 188 cm and 75 kg, so not much meat or fat on me. I get cold easily as a result. Your mileage may differ. If you're the type that gets cold easily, definitely go for the 22mm and don't worry about it.

 

[Ttown]

Possibly a bit colder than where I am. For me 18 mm is sufficient for anything below 0 to -10 Celsius. Beyond that I would definitely love to have 22mm.
Keep in my I'm a have a slim build. 188 cm and 75 kg, so not much meat or fat on me. I get cold easily as a result. Your mileage may differ. If you're the type that gets cold easily, definitely go for the 22mm and don't worry about it.

Thanks man for your input !!