AVI Leather’s D-1 Jacket Review

[Brettafett]

Been wanting to do a review of AVI’s D-1 for a while now. Thought I’d give it some wear over winter and see how it fares.
Turns out, its fared really well (not that winters over yet). I’ve worn it in lots of ‘weather’; cold, wet & windy and at least one downpour.
In a nutshell, a very comfortable, warm and well-made jacket. Looks, feels and works like a D-1 should.
For a WWII sheepskin repro, copied off an original jacket, with the most important materials and details to spec, it's a winner.
Im wearing a size Medium (5’10, 73kgs and 40” chest)
Its comfortable with just a T-shirt or layered with a wool jumper.

This size M fits me like a glove. It's light enough and surprisingly manoeuvre-free. Does not feel bulky at all.
On warmer days (read not freakin’ cold) I’ve worn the jacket open with a T-shirt, quite comfortably.
On freakin’ cold days, I’ve worn with a t-shirt layered under a merino jumper and it’s been amazing.
Very comfy and easy to wear.
• Note: I originally received AVI's B-6 (one size too big), but overall prefer the design & fit of the D-1.
It's not that much bulkier, but its warmer and the windflap makes a lot more sense to me.
Personally, I'd get a lot more use out of the D-1.

Pattern
I understand from AVI, that the pattern is copied off an original USAAF D-1 (MFG. SAAD), with adjustments made to accurately reflect the specifications of the classic D-1 in its most typical form.
I also understand that Mr Chapman (GW) had some input; identifying the beaten up original and reviewing pictures of the sample jackets during development (ultimately receiving his nod of approval).
• Note: AVI’s original B-6 was procured from Mr Chapman.

AVI's properly beaten up SAAD D-1. Was this battle damage!!? Notice the seam tapes.

Continued...

 

[Brettafett]

Leather
The seal brown sheepskin is terrific. Lots of character developing quite fast. There’s is the usual slight ‘cracking’ beginning to form on the surface, as originals.
Which leads me to ask… Sheepskin Pros… How do you condition your sheepskin jackets? What’s the best maintenance…?
The contrasting dark russet brown horsehide for the seam tapes is neat, well-stitched and feels strong.
Dark russet horsehide hang tab, same as the seam tapes I presume.

Fur/ fleece
The off-white/ cream fleece looks & feels correct to spec (length 8 mm). It's very warm and plush to the touch.
The jacket has not lost any fluff/ fur after a lot of wear, nor has there been any discolouration.

Zippers
The repro Talon zippers is the usual fare.
Of course they're not as sweet to the eye as NOS or higher grade repro zippers. But again, they are sturdy, do the job and keep costs down.
One could always swop out the pullers, if one feels the need to do so (I may do so down-the-line).
The leather pull tab is a nice inclusion. There's no chain with this jacket.

Collar buckle
No comment really, besides the same as for zippers above.
It does reach and buckle up with the strap, although I won’t ever use this.

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[Brettafett]

Label
Appears to be a more generic AVI label. Pity, I’d preferred a contract-specific label.
But ok, it’s a label and hardly visible past the surrounding fleece.
This jacket can't be THAT accurate or it will put the big-guys out of business!

Pockets
White cotton twill. Pockets feel sturdy, well-made, well-stitched and do the job they were intended to do.
Practically, they can hold a wallet or a phone, hands also, albeit a bit tricky.

Some details

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[Brettafett]

Conclusions
Another great jacket from AVI. A very wearable and super affordable sheepskin jacket that looks and feels the part.
Sure, some details could be upgraded (zips, buckles, label etc), but then costs/ prices go up.
The "devil in the details" is a costly prospect. One that the top end makers can help you with, with pleasure.

I've tried on Eastman's D-1 and B-6 numerous times, great jackets for sure. Love their D-1!
But my interests (money) are more focused on A-2s, B-10/ 15s and G-1s.
This is my first sheepskin and I love it. Will I be replacing it with a top end sheepskin in the near future? Doubtful.
This version will do me just fine.

How this jacket compares to other budget/ mid range makers, I can’t say. What I can say, is that the important details are mostly on point.
Genuine sheepskin in the correct colour and behaves as one would expect. Fleece is the correct thickness & colour.
Patterned on an original. It certainly has that classic WW2 profile.
Most importantly, it's comfortable, practically wearable and warm.

I want to make a point here. Cost comparisons (approximate as of Feb 2025)
AVI's jacket is almost a third the cost of the average high end maker's D-1.
One gets what one pays for, but in this case, you're getting a lot of jacket for the monies asked.

AVI Leather's D-1 jacket

 

[Blackboxr1200S]

Great detailed review! Thanks for that.

A D-1 would prob be the best choice for our moderate winters we have here.
What scaring me is the way the jacket is built and I'm afraid ending up with a big tube-like jacket, missing the tapered fit round the waist. ( trying my best to explain things in English here)
It was designed to be able to move and work unrestricted, but I'm not planning on wearing it lying under a B-24
Jacket fits you just perfect, btw.

Again, well written review.

 

[Brettafett]

AVI's D-1 (medium) compared to the B-6 (42 - I needed a 40)
The D-1 and B-6 are both great jackets, both with their specific design features.
I prefer the D-1. The D-1 is warmer, more versatile, especially when it's cold.
B-6's fleece is obviously a bit thinner, so the jacket's a bit lighter, comfy in the right size. To me, it competes with the more comfy B-10 and B-15 (and M-422As & G-1s).
Even sizing down with the B-6, I dont like the lack of a windflap, a design error if you ask me. Still a cracker of a jacket.

 

[daw]

Thanks for the detailed write up! They do seem good value for the money. Interesting to see the two models next to one another.

 

[Skyranger]

Thanks for this great review!
And not thanks for making me want to have one...

 

[CBI]

Great review and super jacket. JC has been super helpful with many makers, generous with his time and input!

 

[Southoftheborder]

Continue

Leather
The seal brown sheepskin is terrific. Lots of character developing quite fast.
Which leads me to ask… Sheepskin Pros… How do you condition your sheepskin jackets? What’s the best maintenance…?



View attachment 184241
Continued...

I used petroleum jelly for decades then Pecard’s which is petroleum jelly with added waxes and no better really. More recently I’ve started using pure Lanolin - not the mixed stuff but the pure unadulterated. You don’t need much and it softens and waterproofs up to a point as well. Some people say it even goes in through the tanning if there is no heavy duty finish and adds shine to the fleece…

I’m not sure about that but you can use it to lanolise dried out wool garments to bring the shine back so it might have some effect.

 

[Kermit3D]

It's really a pleasure to read a truly detailed review. Congratulations on that, Brett.
This D-1 is a really nice jacket. If I understand correctly, you traded the B-6 for this D-1 ?
If I may say so, the B-6 you had before had a rather strange cut—I think AVI made some mistakes with the B-6’s pattern. You definitely made the right choice replacing it with this D-1. The fit looks spot on, and it really suits you !

 

[Brettafett]

Yes, got the B-6 and instead of sizing down, exchanged for the D-1.
I'd tried ELC's D-1 numerous times and really liked it, more than the 3 and 6. So, glad I got the D-1.
I think in the right size however, the B-6 would fit and drape better,

 

[coolhandluke]

What scaring me is the way the jacket is built and I'm afraid ending up with a big tube-like jacket, missing the tapered fit round the waist. ( trying my best to explain things in English here)

This perpetuated theme of all D-1's being boxy and poor fitting is exaggerated IMO. They get a bad reputation because of it. D-1's may not be as tapered or feature waist adjustments, but it's not like you're wearing a tent. There are good and bad repro patterns out there, like with every jacket, but originals were hardly ill-fitting.

 

[Brettafett]