AVI Leather’s D-1 Jacket Review

[Thomas Koehle]

Thanks for the detailed review @Brettafett !

The D1 suits you "mucho" better than the B6 btw.

 

[Jeff1966]

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.
View attachment 184205View attachment 184207
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.
View attachment 184209View attachment 184211
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.
View attachment 184215View attachment 184217
View attachment 184219View attachment 184221
AVI's properly beaten up SAAD D-1. Was this battle damage!!? Notice the seam tapes.
View attachment 184213
Continued...

 

[Jeff1966]

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.
View attachment 184205View attachment 184207
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.
View attachment 184209View attachment 184211
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.
View attachment 184215View attachment 184217
View attachment 184219View attachment 184221
AVI's properly beaten up SAAD D-1. Was this battle damage!!? Notice the seam tapes.
View attachment 184213
Continued...

 

[Brettafett]

Thanks for all the kind comments chaps.

 

[Jeff1966]

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.
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Congratulations on your new jacket it looks great, the fit of the jacket is good but too short for my taste. My only negative comment would be it was meant as a mechanics jacket, if I ordered one this is how I would use it ( people might say it's a very expensive mechanic's jacket but when I was working as a Millwright I thought nothing of buying a $250 dollar work jacket every year that would be trash by the end of winter so this isn't that far of a reach) I don't think that jacket ( at least the way that one is fitting you) would be comfortable to move around or work in and that is what the design of this jacket was all about.

 

[TobeDe]

Thanks for a interesting and detailed review, and congratulation to your new jacket.
/T...

 

[petermack09]

Great to read a review of a sheepskin jacket from a genuine owner and enthusiast, who 20 minutes later isn't putting it up for sale.These are the only reviews I take any notice of nowadays. Both Avi jackets look great,I would have no hesitation buying either jacket, would prefer a slightly less white fleece. The pics of original jackets looked terrific, although I couldn't bring myself to treat a sheepskin like that .

 

[daw]

As you point out, AVI's fleece is pretty white, I prefer a little more gold color....

 

[B-Man2]

As you point out, AVI's fleece is pretty white, I prefer a little more gold color....

That would be the thing that would push me off the fence . Prefer the golden colored fleece . Seems much more time period authentic than the white.

 

[bn1966]

Great review & much better looking than that B-6. Got the ELC D-1 version before any major price rises …. Very practical for current UK Winters in the South West … had an Irvin prior to which I moved on with the milder weather of recent times. Having pockets on a shearling is useful at times too (phone & wallet).

 

[Thomas Koehle]

That's the D1 made by "Noble House" for comparison ...

Alex's shop is about a 1 hr ride from my home and my son in law needed a new jacket - he finally decided for a mid-brown B6 ...

from the looks i like the AVI version of the D1 more ...

Also from the point of authenticity (see eg those 4 pcs sleeves)

 

[Brettafett]

Hell, it'll do the job!