Peter Graham
Well-Known Member
Thanks to the public spiritedness of Paddy Middleton I now have a decent example of both the classic WW2 heavyweights, the Irvin and the B-3 so I thought it would be fun to do a comparison test.
Both jackets are good sized 38's, the B-3 being a 38 regular by the HLB Corp N.Y. made in 1942 and the Irvin is a size 4 which equates to pretty much the same thing and was made by Links in 1943 or 44. Both jackets weigh in at 5lb on my bathroom scales and the condition of both is just how I like them, sound, but with a fair bit of wear. I wouldn't be worried about wearing either although I try not to wear the B-3 much, given it's history.
The average length of the fleece on the B-3 is 1.5cm and on the Irvin 1.2cm although the Irvin fleece is much denser so would probably have better thermal protection in extreme temperatures. Both jackets are generously cut with the classic baggy sleeves but the B-3 definitely has more room in the body and is about 6cm longer. The B-3 has a much larger collar which sits flat on the shoulders. The Irvin has a smaller collar which sits up more due to the heavy cowhide backing. I have not used the two buckles on the B-3 collar, nor the single strap on the Irvin so I can't comment on how effective they are at keeping wind out but I'd tend to think that the B-3 would work better. In my opinion the belt on the Irvin is a much better design than the B-3's straps as it easily allows adjustment depending on the layering. I do like the single pocket on the B-3 and the goatskin facing on the sleeves but style-wise it's down to personal preference. Both jackets have their good and bad points but it's a close run thing. I love them both but pushed I'd have to plump for the Irvin, by a whisker. Saying that, if the B-3 happened to be a redskin I might go the other way.
As I've said both jackets are in sound wearable condition. Irvin's have a reputation for being more durable than B-3's and the three that I've owned have all been very sound. This Irvin has a more solid feel than the B-3, but again, just by a whisker. They are both keepers ! Cheers chaps.
1942 HLB Corp B-3
1943/44 Links Irvin
Collar comparison. I prefer the smaller collar on the Irvin. The difference in the density and colour of the fleece is obvious here.
The difference in length.
Fit comparison. The Irvin comes to belt level on me and the B-3 a bit below. It's not really noticeable in the photos but it makes a big difference in the way the jackets feel when being worn. I think I prefer the length of the B-3 but I'm not sure. :?
Both jackets are good sized 38's, the B-3 being a 38 regular by the HLB Corp N.Y. made in 1942 and the Irvin is a size 4 which equates to pretty much the same thing and was made by Links in 1943 or 44. Both jackets weigh in at 5lb on my bathroom scales and the condition of both is just how I like them, sound, but with a fair bit of wear. I wouldn't be worried about wearing either although I try not to wear the B-3 much, given it's history.
The average length of the fleece on the B-3 is 1.5cm and on the Irvin 1.2cm although the Irvin fleece is much denser so would probably have better thermal protection in extreme temperatures. Both jackets are generously cut with the classic baggy sleeves but the B-3 definitely has more room in the body and is about 6cm longer. The B-3 has a much larger collar which sits flat on the shoulders. The Irvin has a smaller collar which sits up more due to the heavy cowhide backing. I have not used the two buckles on the B-3 collar, nor the single strap on the Irvin so I can't comment on how effective they are at keeping wind out but I'd tend to think that the B-3 would work better. In my opinion the belt on the Irvin is a much better design than the B-3's straps as it easily allows adjustment depending on the layering. I do like the single pocket on the B-3 and the goatskin facing on the sleeves but style-wise it's down to personal preference. Both jackets have their good and bad points but it's a close run thing. I love them both but pushed I'd have to plump for the Irvin, by a whisker. Saying that, if the B-3 happened to be a redskin I might go the other way.
As I've said both jackets are in sound wearable condition. Irvin's have a reputation for being more durable than B-3's and the three that I've owned have all been very sound. This Irvin has a more solid feel than the B-3, but again, just by a whisker. They are both keepers ! Cheers chaps.
1942 HLB Corp B-3
1943/44 Links Irvin
Collar comparison. I prefer the smaller collar on the Irvin. The difference in the density and colour of the fleece is obvious here.
The difference in length.
Fit comparison. The Irvin comes to belt level on me and the B-3 a bit below. It's not really noticeable in the photos but it makes a big difference in the way the jackets feel when being worn. I think I prefer the length of the B-3 but I'm not sure. :?
