So being a 39 inch chest, the jacket would likely fit me with a sweater on? I don’t see myself ever wearing just a t shirt. I’d like to wear the jacket as a winter coat. I am 5’6, 150 lbs, 39 chest. Just wondering what size would be correct for me? I am thinking either 40 or 42? Thoughts
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Irvin RAF Flying Jackets
- Thread starter BJR
- Start date
Southoftheborder
Well-Known Member
If you have a 39" chest measured only over a T shirt then you need a size 40 in most things. This jacket might be too small for you to wear with a heavy sweater. It's difficult to estimate the effect of thick fleece on the inside measurement of a jacket compared to the outside. This jacket should have a label sized in numbers with: Number 3 to fit breast 39"" height 5' 6'' to 5' 8" or something like that. I can't remember the actual sizes for the numbers but it should be on the jacket.
For example a 44 Eastman BOB Irvin I had a couple of years ago measured 25" P2P outside. So 50" all round and 6" bigger outside than my chest size over a T shirt which was a smidgen under 44". It was a very good fit, but a fairly slim one with a thick shirt and heavy sweater. It had something like 17mm long shearling I think from memory. A D 1 jacket repro I have with short shearling is very much roomer but measures the same on the outside. So you need at least 6" P2P outside over your chest size, plus a bit for luck. Say 23" P2P outside. The Eastman BOB size 40 measures that.
In service they were worn over a uniform tunic and other clothing and or a heavy RAF 'frock'. A loose long wool smock type of sweater. Not a tight fitting naval deck jumper which people usually think they wore. So they were probably oversized by today's standards. But they were practical garments not designed to be looked at.
Just to add if you go for a lighter one from US Authentic it will not have the same fleece length or warmth and you will be able to get more on under it for a given size.
For example a 44 Eastman BOB Irvin I had a couple of years ago measured 25" P2P outside. So 50" all round and 6" bigger outside than my chest size over a T shirt which was a smidgen under 44". It was a very good fit, but a fairly slim one with a thick shirt and heavy sweater. It had something like 17mm long shearling I think from memory. A D 1 jacket repro I have with short shearling is very much roomer but measures the same on the outside. So you need at least 6" P2P outside over your chest size, plus a bit for luck. Say 23" P2P outside. The Eastman BOB size 40 measures that.
In service they were worn over a uniform tunic and other clothing and or a heavy RAF 'frock'. A loose long wool smock type of sweater. Not a tight fitting naval deck jumper which people usually think they wore. So they were probably oversized by today's standards. But they were practical garments not designed to be looked at.
Just to add if you go for a lighter one from US Authentic it will not have the same fleece length or warmth and you will be able to get more on under it for a given size.
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How do you prefer to wear your sheepskin? With just a t-shirt, medium layering, or relaxed? If on the fence, is plus 8” the way to go and a good compromise?
D97x7
Well-Known Member
I think medium layering is my favourite, e.g. a heavy flannel, plus 8 does give me that option but is a little tight with a heavy sweater.
That said, I do like the loose fit of the plus 10 on me on a not to windy day, it is a bit big around the waist though.
So yes I think plus 8 is a good compromise.
That said, I do like the loose fit of the plus 10 on me on a not to windy day, it is a bit big around the waist though.
So yes I think plus 8 is a good compromise.
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johnwayne
Well-Known Member
Anyone buy The Rake magazine? It's a tad pricey quality men's mag aimed at the more affluently minded out there ie lots of high watches and clothes with no prices shown etc but I get it passed on! This month(issue 61) and I'm sure Ken at Aero will have seen it but they feature a nice Aero 'Battle of Britain' Irvin (albeit they don't say Irvin) and it states that in 1940 leather was in short supply so the RAF redesigned their B3's, yes B3's, using more panels!! Nice plug for Aero though and must say it looks a lovely jacket.
Steve27752
Well-Known Member
Hi Paddy, Nice too see you back.
B-Man2
Well-Known Member
Aww man!! Love the pooch !!
Jacket looks great as well!
Silver Surfer
Well-Known Member
dont let that doggie eye snot get on your jacket, paddy. it will eat right through the hide.
Silver Surfer
Well-Known Member
hahahahaha. could be worse.......O-rings
Silver Surfer
Well-Known Member
last year when i went down to the hill country [texas], i went horse back riding, as i always do to get away from the family stuff. well i stopped to admire the scenery, and this mare that i riding, sneezed, and a big gob of horse snot caught me square in the back of my a-2. ....and plenty on the back of my head. turned my hair green, and i swear that there is a worn out faded area where the goop was. going down there this spring for some more horse play, and to celebrate my mother in laws 96th.
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