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Please school me on sheepskin

B-Man2

Well-Known Member
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 :cool:
Is a D-1 under your Barbour an option for you?
I frequently wear an A2 under mine when I’m up north in the rain and snow .
Sorry Luke , not trying to hijack the thread .
 

coolhandluke

Well-Known Member

coolhandluke

Well-Known Member
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.

My next deposit with JC will likely be for a B-6. I was just hoping to purchase something sheepskin in the meantime to wear this winter. I'm honestly not sure how many days that I could potentially wear a B-3, AN-J-4, or M-445 here in central OK. It would likely all depend on the density of the fleece. I've seen more than one person mention that their 5* shearling jackets were not overly warm. Typically my RMC N-1 is sufficient for most of our coldest weather if I wear a warm base layer.

The budget jackets that I've been eyeballing most are 5*'s russet B-6, seal B-3, Avi's B-3A, and M-445. I'm just really leary of dropping $500-$600 and having buyers remorse due to the pattern or materials. Since the Avi B-3A is not an authentic model, I'm thinking that I might be a little less critical of it since there are no originals or higher quality reproductions to compare it with. The longer length and side entry pockets would likely be useful as well. I just don't want to end up with a smelly, squeeky jacket with an unattractive top coat finish.

I've been keeping an eye out for something pre-owned as that would be my preference, but there hasn't been anything listed in my size, here in the U.S. for many, many, months.
 

CK90

Well-Known Member
My next deposit with JC will likely be for a B-6. I was just hoping to purchase something sheepskin in the meantime to wear this winter. I'm honestly not sure how many days that I could potentially wear a B-3, AN-J-4, or M-445 here in central OK. It would likely all depend on the density of the fleece. I've seen more than one person mention that their 5* shearling jackets were not overly warm. Typically my RMC N-1 is sufficient for most of our coldest weather if I wear a warm base layer.

The budget jackets that I've been eyeballing most are 5*'s russet B-6, seal B-3, Avi's B-3A, and M-445. I'm just really leary of dropping $500-$600 and having buyers remorse due to the pattern or materials. Since the Avi B-3A is not an authentic model, I'm thinking that I might be a little less critical of it since there are no originals or higher quality reproductions to compare it with. The longer length and side entry pockets would likely be useful as well. I just don't want to end up with a smelly, squeeky jacket with an unattractive top coat finish.

I've been keeping an eye out for something pre-owned as that would be my preference, but there hasn't been anything listed in my size, here in the U.S. for many, many, months.
Wise words as ever from Jan, couldn't agree more.

Sounds like you've got it all under control, Coolhand. I have a B-6 coming up with J.C first half of this year, so adding that to Jan's and Kermit's works of art, should wet your appetite!!

For what it's worth, an Avi in the meantime wouldn't be the worst idea at all. From seeing Brett's in particular, have to admit I'm tempted as well.
 

Skyranger

Well-Known Member
This one is OK and in Canada.
I vouch for the seller from whom I bought my own B-6 in 44R, everything was perfect (including the price negotiation and the transfer to France).
ELC is good quality, you will not regret your purchase.


d1wk.jpg
 

TobeDe

New Member
Halo.
I am new here and I`m sorry if my english isn`t the best.
I have one ELC B3 and one ALC D1.
I like the D1 better because it feels softer an has pockets for my phone.
The B3 from ELC is purhaps more autentic ww2 when it made with the right sort of sheep and eweryting in both material
and the way it`s made but that?s not so importent to me.
The D1 is a fantastic jacket that`s feels realy nice.
The B3 is heavier in every way and the coolor is huge:)
For a start i would go for a D1 or a B6.
BUT the B3 is the real thing and once in the life everyone have to own B3... and I love my B3

/T..
 

Spitfireace

Well-Known Member
My next deposit with JC will likely be for a B-6. I was just hoping to purchase something sheepskin in the meantime to wear this winter. I'm honestly not sure how many days that I could potentially wear a B-3, AN-J-4, or M-445 here in central OK. It would likely all depend on the density of the fleece. I've seen more than one person mention that their 5* shearling jackets were not overly warm. Typically my RMC N-1 is sufficient for most of our coldest weather if I wear a warm base layer.

The budget jackets that I've been eyeballing most are 5*'s russet B-6, seal B-3, Avi's B-3A, and M-445. I'm just really leary of dropping $500-$600 and having buyers remorse due to the pattern or materials. Since the Avi B-3A is not an authentic model, I'm thinking that I might be a little less critical of it since there are no originals or higher quality reproductions to compare it with. The longer length and side entry pockets would likely be useful as well. I just don't want to end up with a smelly, squeeky jacket with an unattractive top coat finish.

I've been keeping an eye out for something pre-owned as that would be my preference, but there hasn't been anything listed in my size, here in the U.S. for many, many, months.
Like I said, if I went for it, I would get a bespoke Aero. Best bang for the buck. Don't need to complain about cheap hardware etc. The size would be what you order. In my case I can't wear off the rack because I'm short, so finding a shorter sleeve shearling is usually not possible. I think getting the best option is something you won't regret.
 

Southoftheborder

Well-Known Member
B-3s and B-6s may look more iconic, but the USN jackets are much more comfortable and practical. Depends if it is about style or practicality, IMHO. I have a B-3 and a B-6 but usually go for the M-444A or M-445B. (All GW.)
I’m not sure any of us really wears these jackets for practicality - even if you can make a case for it. They were practical for what they were designed for in the past but modern materials are much more practical now. We wear them because we like the look of them.
 
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