Please school me on sheepskin

[coolhandluke]

Recently, I've been kicking around the idea of purchasing my first sheepskin jacket. I'm not entirely sure of the exact model. AN-J-4, M-445, B-3, B-6, and D-1 are all possibilities.

Is it a mistake to potentially purchase a 5* or Avi or should I just patiently wait for a used ELC, GW, or Aero to pop up? I've pretty much sworn off Pakistani made jackets, but understand that the Avi sheepskin jackets are made in China. I've been tempted to purchase something from 5* during the sale that's ending today, but I'm hesitant to do so since for each nice looking 5* sheepskin jacket that I run across, there seems to be 2-3 other jackets that are poor fitting and the materials definitely reflect the price.

Aero's AN-J-4 is on my radar, but I just don't see many examples out there. Aside from @John Lever, has anyone here owned Avi's M-445? If so, how does it stack up against ELC's and Aero's AN-J-4's? Does it have the typical chemical smell and squeeks that seem to be the norm with budget jackets?

Lastly, is anyone aware of where Gizemo B-3's can be purchased as well as their pricing? I've seen photos on their Instagram account, but haven't located one for sale.

BTW, if anyone happens to have a jacket that they've outgrown and are looking to move, I'm approximately a 40" chest, 5'10", and 155 lbs.

Thanks in advance for any input that you might have.

 

[Spitfireace]

Personally if were to go that route. It would be Aero. Who can top Scottish sheep? I'm more leaning towards a B-6 or a D-1. You forgot the Irvin. For me, Aero wins because of their longstanding with making quality jackets.

 

[coolhandluke]

Personally if were to go that route. It would be Aero. Who can top Scottish sheep? I'm more leaning towards a B-6 or a D-1. You forgot the Irvin. For me, Aero wins because of their longstanding with making quality jackets.

Thanks for the recommendation. As for the Irvin, it's just a jacket that I don't think would suit me well. That's the only reason that I didn't list it.

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

Pick a good one.

 

[Spitfireace]

USAAF Type D-1

Buy USAAF Type D-1 on Aero Leather Clothing for £1,110.00

www.aeroleatherclothing.com

 

[Spitfireace]

That's the one I want.

 

[tempusfugit]

Aside from @John Lever, has anyone here owned Avi's M-445? If so, how does it stack up against ELC's and Aero's AN-J-4's? Does it have the typical chemical smell and squeeks that seem to be the norm with budget jackets?

I have one but have not used it that much yet because the weather has been mild.
Can't compare it to ELC or Aero since I have not seen those. But for what it's worth there is no smell nor squeaking on my jacket. Stitching seems pretty good, I've only found one part where it goes a bit wonky for a few cm. It is very warm, and surprisingly easy to move in, given the weight. The only part I have some minor complaints about are the wool blend storm cuffs. They are very long, and at least on me somewhat tight, which can cause some bunching up of the layers underneath the jacket. Dunno if this is a generic feature of M445s though, or specific to AVI.

 

[petermack09]

Here's my experience with sheepskin. I've owned jackets, a Alc irvin,eastman B3 & Anj4,and the latest, Goodwear monarch M-444A.I moved on both eastman jackets, they were great jacket,but apart from me really disliking the broken grain,they just didn't get worn.Here in Scotland they got out less than any jackets I've ever owned,it's too wet here, so they were worn maybe four/five times a year.
The ALC is far more comfortable, doesn't look as good,but is made of great sheepskin, supremely warm and has pockets. I bought that new 28years ago and it looks like new.The m-444a,it's on a different level altogether, as soon as there's a break in the rain,it's the 1st jacket i grab,sitting watching morning tv before the heating on ,I grab the jacket.a plus for me is there's no exposed sheepskin at the wrists to wear away, I hate that .my advice is put a m-444a on your list.

 

[Spitfireace]

I don't like the big collars mainly.

 

[Spitfireace]

I have an original Irvin. Darn if it isn't just sitting in the drawer. Lol.

 

[Spitfireace]

It's an amazing jacket. 1944 Irvin.

 

[Skyranger]

The most easily wearable on many occasions is the B-6, which given your body shape should fit you perfectly.
It is also the most comfortable with the bottom that tightens to avoid drafts and the sleeves as well. In addition, the pockets are perfectly functional (to put your hands in).
The ELC is purely magnificent and can be found second-hand at decent prices.

 

[CK90]

Not much more to add here @coolhandluke, plenty of good suggestions flying your way.

What I will say though, if you’re planning on having one and one sheepskin alone in the collection, might be worth hopping in J.C’s que for something special. @petermack09’s suggestion of an M-444A is a great one.

 

[John Lever]

My advice would be to buy second hand if you can, try to find an early Eastman or Aero. Almost everyone uses Chinese skins these days which seem to have low hair density.
China produces millions of hides a year; almost all independent tanneries producing the highest quality skins have gone. The remaining tanneries sell very expensive products and go to high end fashion houses.

 

[CK90]

My advice would be to buy second hand if you can. Almost everyone uses Chinese skins these days which seem to have low hair density.

@coolhandluke another reason to go GW. John uses some very, very nice American hides - just look at Peters, Jan’s, Kermit’s etc.

He can use the Chinese stuff as well but the American tannery he uses really has the most wonderful hides.

 

[John Lever]

Didn't include JC in my post he is a completely different business model.

 

[John Lever]

I think John hand colours all his materials to very specific requirements.

 

[bn1966]

Got an ELC D-1 and haven’t looked back! Thicker shearling just doesn’t appear to have a season here in the South West of England. January the first and it’s wet and mild .. it will be a Barbour today whilst out with the dawg. Temperatures drop tomorrow apparently and might just nudge into D-1 range

 

[Walt3r]

My shearling obsession began courtesy of John Levers posts, my thoughts on some of the jackets I've picked up:

5* D1 nice finish on the hide a little shiny perhaps nice seal colour, fleece the right length but weirdly very straight, also hardware not great
Aero D1 very nice finish on the hide super soft, colour almost black but the fleece was too long and the arms quite tight, not sure how accurate their pattern is, hardware very good as you'd expect from Aero
AVI B3 hide has a finish very much like Aero's super soft and almost black again but the fleece I think is a bit more like the originals than Aero's it has more of a dense curl to it, the horsehide trim is a very nice contrasting chestnut brown but the hardware feels a little cheap, I gotta say if I was going to go for an AVI sheepskin it would be their D1, Brett's looks great.
Finally my latest purchase is an early ELC B3 Rough wear redskin, A thing of beauty is a joy forever several notches above Aero I'd say in all departments, got it second hand off fleaBay, still quite a hefty price tag but half the price of a new one and pretty much as new

 

[mulceber]

my unordered thoughts:

• If you’re buying new and higher end, just go Good Wear. You’re in the US, so John’s both better and cheaper.
• The Gizemo B-3s look good too, and will likely be cheaper than everyone but AVI and Five Star but it’s my understanding they aren’t available yet. @Shanghai-Mayne likely has the scuttlebutt on when.
• Used isn’t a bad option though. There are some incredible older shearling jackets that come through now and again, and you could find a real gem: RMNZ, or an Eastman made in Fenland shearling, who knows?
• As for what type of jacket, I’m torn on what to recommend: B-3s are absolutely classic, and so badass, but how much wear would it get in Oklahoma? A B-6 or D-1 would be much better on that count, but if you’re only going to have one? Tough call. I’d forego the Navy jackets, since, with the storm cuffs they’re about as warm as a B-3, but aren’t as iconic. An Irvin isn’t a bad choice either, and you that introduces some lightweight options that might work for your climate.