Irvin Jackets

[Rockafella]

Friends,

I have just recently got into leather jackets. I was searching for a warm winter jacket to keep me warm in the Scandinavian winter and found a cheap "B3 bomber jacket" from ebay.
I love the jacket! - it's stylish, it keeps me warm and it makes me feel like a million bucks! No piece of clothing has ever done it to me quite like this. Still, I keep thinking about how great would high-quality jacket be if the cheap one is this good?

Here is where I need your help:
My initial thought was to go with Cockpit USA RAF Z2109 jacket. However, now I have discovered a few other options:
Eastman - R.A.F. 1940 PATTERN jacket
Aviation Leathercraft - Original Irvin Flying Jacket
Aero leathers - RAF Pre War jacket

What is the consensus regarding these jackets? Could someone also comment on what makes Eastman and Cockpit almost double the price of other jackets on the list?

Attached pic of my current jacket.

 

[OperationCoffee]

Just buy the Eastman Irvin. Trust me.

 

[mulceber]

Eastman. Or Aero, if you can get their Merino Irvin.

 

[Pa12]

Anything but the cockpit.

 

[Pa12]

Has jc ever done an Irvin?

 

[Rockafella]

Anything but the cockpit.

What's the story here, what's wrong with cockpit? I have read similar criticism here before.

 

[Pa12]

They had their day. In the 80’s. The other makers left them in their dust long ago. Different if they were cheap maybe.

 

[Pa12]

Just checked out the cockpit for the first time in decades. 1500 bucks for their Irvin. Wtf.

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

Eastman or Aero , everything on the jacket is better quality.

 

[Rockafella]

Is it a problem with their leather or shearling quality?
I like the monotone color look (no vertical or horizontal lines across the jacket) and two pockets. I know it's not accurate historically, but I like the added convenience of keeping my arms warm in my pockets.

 

[OperationCoffee]

What's the story here, what's wrong with cockpit? I have read similar criticism here before.

What's the story here, what's wrong with cockpit? I have read similar criticism here before

What's the story here, what's wrong with cockpit? I have read similar criticism here before.

Sorry for the multiples

Is it a problem with their leather or shearling quality?
I like the monotone color look with two pockets(no vertical or horizontal lines across the jacket). I know it's not accurate historically, but I like the added convenience of keeping my arms warm in my pockets.

If you just like shearling then the jacket you already own is good enough for your needs, save your money.

 

[Smithy]

There's nothing inherently wrong with your jacket at all. It's just not a very accurate rendition of an actual Irvin. If you're happy and accuracy isn't a biggie then look no further, wear and enjoy.

With that said I have an Eastman Irvin and it is my favourite jacket. They're bloody spectacular.

Btw, I also live in Scandinavia (inside the Arctic Circle) and use my ELC a lot.

 

[B-Man2]

Cockpit Irvin ?????

 

[mulceber]

There's nothing inherently wrong with your jacket at all. It's just not a very accurate rendition of an actual Irvin. If you're happy and accuracy isn't a biggie then look no further, wear and enjoy.

With that said I have an Eastman Irvin and it is my favourite jacket. They're bloody spectacular.

Btw, I also live in Scandinavia (inside the Arctic Circle) and use my ELC a lot.

Yep, this should be reiterated. We as a forum are obsessed with accuracy to the original jackets. That isn't for everyone. If you're happy with the jacket you've got, enjoy it. No need to spend another 4 figures (seriously) on a shearling jacket that may be flawlessly constructed, but lack the pockets you like.

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

^_^but I like the added convenience of keeping my arms warm in my pockets.

Just personal opinion, if you need pocket for practical reason, why not accruing a hand warm pocket?

 

[MrProper]

I only have an Irvin from Aero (Coastal Command) and I would buy it again and again. Unfortunately, I don't know any others.

 

[John Lever]

Will list my early Eastman Irvin very soon.

March is not 'very soon...'

 

[Pilot]

March is not 'very soon...'

Right… selling it earlier since I have no use of it anymore…
Will be an EU deal essentially, since heavy and bulky..Courier costs out of EU are exorbitant.

The B-3 shipping ( to Nick ) prior Brexit was already 137 Euro :-(

 

[FreddyF9]

Sorry for the multiples

If you just like shearling then the jacket you already own is good enough for your needs, save your money.

I agree.
As a former owner of a Cockpit USA jacket, I have to say that they are not worth all that much money. Don’t get me wrong, the jackets are good, but, the materials are just one step over decent quality and the hardware isn’t all that impressive.
If you are willing to spend that much on a jacket just get the Eastman. If you really want hand pockets, Aero Leather could add them on request (not sure though, try asking them before!). But beware of the taxes on imported goods!

 

[MrProper]

Aero Leather could add them on request (not sure though, try asking them before!).

Apart from the dimensions, Aero does not allow any modifications to its military jackets. I had already asked about this in the past.