Click an image to enlarge.

Sheepskin Jacket (Battle of Britain)

Styled on the famous Irvin Flying Jacket worn by Spitfire and Hurricane pilots during the Second World War our Men's flying jacket is from aviator-finished Anthracite (lightweight sheepskin) and is fully lined with soft British wool. The aviator flying jacket has a centre zip, slanted pockets, side, and neck buckles to adjust the fitting.

As aviation, advanced pilots could reach greater and greater altitudes. With increased altitude pilots found themselves flying in temperatures that were often sub-zero. This new reality of aerial combat inspired Leslie Leroy Irvin to create the Irvin Flying Jacket, originals kept in the IWM collection can be seen in images four and five. The original Irvin Flying Jacket was made from sheepskin and wool that allowed for easy movement in a cramped cock-pit but also provided superb insolation. During the Second World War demand for the Irvin flying Jacket demand from pilots was so high that sub contractors had to be brought in to meet demand.

Flying Jacket Specifications:

• Colour: Chocolate forest distressed brown
• Neck to hem: 70cm
• Material: Anthracite (lightweight sheepskin) and wool lining

Professional dry clean only or spot clean with leather/suede safe cleaners. Ideally patch testing in a discreet spot first.

Explore the story behind the image

• UNI 11041: Thermally Insulated Irvin Flying Jacket
  
• UNI 5800: Thermally Insulated ('Irvin Suit'): Royal Air Force
  
• CH 7974: Spitfire pilots from the U.S. using British flying kit, including Irvin Jacket

IWM is a charity. Every purchase helps us to tell stories that matter.