Suggestions for B-6 shearling jacket

[UnknownSuspect]

Hello friends, it's been awhile since I've been at these forums. I was hoping to get some recommendations from knowledgeable folk on B-6 shearling jackets, ones that would fit small and slim for a likewise slender build and person of small stature. Recommendations so far have been Buzz Rickson and Real McCoy's.

About two years ago I was researching into A-2 jackets and got fabulous information from here, bought myself one, but unfortunately it didn't work out too well.

My wife said, "That is a very nice jacket. It just doesn't look good on you."

'Nuff said. The "military bug" never really went away, and if anything my interest in military-styled jackets has only strengthened over the last two years, and I'm always looking for ways to incorporate that into a wardrobe of workwear and prep clothing.

Recently I saw a Real McCoy's B-6 shearling jacket at a local store and was really taken by it. Beautifully made and wonderfully soft and comfortable shearling. Call it cliche, but it fit me like a glove as well. The fact that they even had one on the shelves (and particularly in my size 36) was just pure chance. Some dude ordered it but couldn't complete the purchase after seeing and trying it in person. Apparently that left the jacket languishing on the shelves for a year, a bit of a curiosity for customers to look at and try on, even if it wouldn't fit.

It costs a pretty penny as we would expect. And as a married man, I'm aware that my wife does have to approve of it as well. It should be plenty warm for the relatively mild weather here even in the depths of winter, much as I hate the cold, and I do have a hooded down parka for those days.

Anyway, to summarise, do you own a B-6 jacket? What do you think of them? If you were looking to buy one, which brands would you recommend and are there particular features on quality and build I should look out for, and expected price to pay?

 

[Sloan1874]

Go to Aero for a tailored B-6. They can alter the length and sleeves to your taste along with a choice of sheepskin colours and leather tape colours. I have a D-1 with Vincenza russet strips but with the zips removed.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

My Aero B-6 that I purchased about ten years ago. I'm 6'1" and had this custom made to my measurements.....

 

[El Marro]

I own an Eastman Rough Wear B-6 that I bought new from History Preservation Aasociates a couple years back. It is a wonderfully made jacket, as are all Eastman products in my experience. The fit is trim and flattering in my opinion. I would highly recommend this jacket.

 

[Bfd70]

Not sure where you’re located but generally speaking BR and RM are twice the price of Aero or Eastman. No doubt br/rm are nice jackets but since you’ve mentioned cost is a factor I’d consider the others. Personally I’d favor the Aero since it is more customizable in size and generally a bit cheaper.

Want to add any details like approx size or location?

 

[UnknownSuspect]

Go to Aero for a tailored B-6. They can alter the length and sleeves to your taste along with a choice of sheepskin colours and leather tape colours. I have a D-1 with Vincenza russet strips but with the zips removed.

My Aero B-6 that I purchased about ten years ago. I'm 6'1" and had this custom made to my measurements.....

View attachment 157922

I own an Eastman Rough Wear B-6 that I bought new from History Preservation Aasociates a couple years back. It is a wonderfully made jacket, as are all Eastman products in my experience. The fit is trim and flattering in my opinion. I would highly recommend this jacket.

Thanks for your recommendations. Both Aero and Eastman look promising and I'll look into them.

Not sure where you’re located but generally speaking BR and RM are twice the price of Aero or Eastman. No doubt br/rm are nice jackets but since you’ve mentioned cost is a factor I’d consider the others. Personally I’d favor the Aero since it is more customizable in size and generally a bit cheaper.

Want to add any details like approx size or location?

Thanks. I'm located in Australia, so being realistic I understand that virtually anything is difficult to get, plus shipping costs generally being prohibitive and lengthy for a jacket of this size and weight. At this stage, assuming the missus thinks well of the jacket, I'm not opposed to paying more for quality and fit. In your opinion, would BR/RM be worth the premium price over Aero and Eastman?

RM looks the most expensive of the lot, however it's also the only one I've been able to try on in person and can vouch that it was a perfect fit for shoulders, chest, waist/hem (zipped up) and sleeve length. I don't have measurements on hand for the jacket itself (it was tagged 36) although I have extensively measured my other jackets in the past.

Generally, I'd be looking for the jacket to have a shoulder-shoulder measurement of 17 inches, chest of 18 inches (armpit-armpit), back length of 23-25 inches (from bottom of collar to the hem). I appreciate that those are pretty small measurements overall, and I usually need to be careful with jacket sizing or run the risk of looking like a kid wore his daddy's clothing.

 

[Mich486]

If the Real McCoy’s fits you perfect as is i’d go for it. It’s expensive but so it’s a jacket that costs half the price and if you wear it for several years I don’t think that really matters.


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[Bfd70]

Check out the website Grailed. There is a fellow selling a like new RM B6 and D1 there and he is in AU. Size should be pretty close.

 

[UnknownSuspect]

If the Real McCoy’s fits you perfect as is i’d go for it. It’s expensive but so it’s a jacket that costs half the price and if you wear it for several years I don’t think that really matters.

That’s true. I was looking into as many alternatives as possible. All the brands mentioned here so far seem to be very reputable but I didn’t want to end up paying significantly more just for the name.

Check out the website Grailed. There is a fellow selling a like new RM B6 and D1 there and he is in AU. Size should be pretty close.

Thanks, I might get in touch to see if he is located within driving distance. Did Real McCoy’s change the finish or overall look of their leather over the years or between runs? That Grailed jacket looks marginally different (leather is smoother) to what I remember seeing in the store (leather more crinkled).

 

[Dr H]

If you’re based on the Southern Hemisphere then I’d suggest looking on Rakuten and OneJP for a used/low wear RM jacket.
Should be some in your size in that region.

 

[rocketeer]

Am I the only one here that hates the B6 side zips? Both the zips and the waist straps(similar to B3) are historically correct and look so much neater. Eastman will not do them, or would not when I last asked but I am sure other companies would.

 

[Lord Flashheart]

Hi Unknown, there is a shop in Brunswick called Pickings and Parry who measure and take orders on behalf of Aero in Scotland. I know for a fact they have a B6 in there which is a smaller size (38 or 40 from memory) which might be of use. They also have samples of Aero hides and are generally a good bunch of guys. Drop bye if your near that area, I think it’s on Gertrude St.

Garry

 

[Edward]

Am I the only one here that hates the B6 side zips? Both the zips and the waist straps(similar to B3) are historically correct and look so much neater. Eastman will not do them, or would not when I last asked but I am sure other companies would.

I've always liked the zip option as one of the things that made the B6 different from all the other shearling jackets - especially the D1, on which it was originally based. I've not yet owned one, so don't know how they are in practice, though I had a cafe racer years ago with a similar side set-up and it was never a problem.

 

[Deacon211]

I also recommend the ELC. I have had the Roughwear for 18 years and it is a great and long lasting jacket.

It also fits fairly trimly in general.

Having said that, if you know of a jacket that fits exactly as you want, I’d say that you should get it. It’s easily a 10-20 year investment, as long as you don’t gain weight. Just be aware that every jacket has some variance to it, so don’t cut that fit too close (so to speak). [emoji6]


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[rocketeer]

I've always liked the zip option as one of the things that made the B6 different from all the other shearling jackets - especially the D1, on which it was originally based. I've not yet owned one, so don't know how they are in practice, though I had a cafe racer years ago with a similar side set-up and it was never a problem.

There are no problems with it working I just thought it was such an ugly option when the side strap looks so much better in my opinion, humble or whatever.

 

[Blab]

First time on the forum. Forgive any posting faux pas! I have been looking through the different posts while researching what jackets I want to get myself. I found a decent looking Avirex B-6 from 1986. The price was too good to pass up! Waiting for it to arrive. I have provided some pics from the eBay add for your viewing pleasure. Let me know what you think!

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Welcome to the forum but I must say doesn't look like a true B-6 to me. Never seen one with knits.

 

[Blab]

Welcome to the forum but I must say doesn't look like a true B-6 to me. Never seen one with knits.

‍ What can you do? It’s a great jacket, and super warm! Wasn’t too expensive and it’s a nice winter jacket. I’ll post a pic when I get home.

 

[Blab]

 

[Berto]

Found a SB B6 review