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Irvin RAF Flying Jackets

BJR

Member
Hello,

I'd like to get thoughts on the following items and which ones are of the best quality. I am looking to buy an Irvin RAF Flying Jacket.

https://www.flying-jacket.com/jackets/sheepskin-flying-jackets/original-irvin-flying-jacket/
Original Irvin Flying Jacket

https://www.eastmanleather.com/raf-1944-pattern-devon-fleece-p-260.html
JACKET - R.A.F. 1944 Pattern'Devon Fleece' model

https://www.eastmanleather.com/raf-1940-pattern-battle-of-britain-p-157.html
JACKET - R.A.F. 1940 PatternBattle of Britain model

https://www.eastmanleather.com/raf-1942-pattern-p-158.html
JACKET - R.A.F. 1942 Pattern


Thanks, and I appreciate any help you can provide!

-B
 

Steve27752

Well-Known Member
Welcome to VLJ BJB.
Unless you want a modern jacket with pockets I would not go with the modern Aviation leathercraft jacket.
The three eastman jackets are all good copies of WW11 'Irvin' flying jackets. But they are expensive.
Another option would be Aero Leather in Scotland. They also make an 'Irvin' jacket.
http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/product-detail.php?id=106
http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/product-detail.php?id=105
http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/product-detail.php?id=1391
May I suggest going here and introducing yourself?
https://www.vintageleatherjackets.org/forums/member-bios.21/
 

blackrat2

Well-Known Member
Aero are getting some great reviews and offer a couple of different Irvin
Welcome to the forum
 

BJR

Member
Welcome to VLJ BJB.
Unless you want a modern jacket with pockets I would not go with the modern Aviation leathercraft jacket.
The three eastman jackets are all good copies of WW11 'Irvin' flying jackets. But they are expensive.
Another option would be Aero Leather in Scotland. They also make an 'Irvin' jacket.
http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/product-detail.php?id=106
http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/product-detail.php?id=105
http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/product-detail.php?id=1391
May I suggest going here and introducing yourself?
https://www.vintageleatherjackets.org/forums/member-bios.21/
Hi Steve,

Thanks for the quick reply and links. I will be certain to check them out. So many options to choose from at various price points.
 

Bombing IP

Well-Known Member
Try these guys What Price Glory , the sheepskin is thinner easier to wear at ground level .Many people like them and there are reviews on the VLJ site for this product best bang for buck out there .

UK RAF Sheepskin Flying Jacket (Improved run)


click to see more


Code: 201607000
WPG's reproduction offers the same authentic WWII construction as the more expensive copies, but at nearly 1/3 the price. NO handwarmer pockets!.
Select Size/ Option (in-stock only)

Price: US$ 325.00

Retail Price: US$ 395.00



142 Reviews
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BIP
 

BJR

Member
Try these guys What Price Glory , the sheepskin is thinner easier to wear at ground level .Many people like them and there are reviews on the VLJ site for this product best bang for buck out there .

UK RAF Sheepskin Flying Jacket (Improved run)


click to see more


Code: 201607000
WPG's reproduction offers the same authentic WWII construction as the more expensive copies, but at nearly 1/3 the price. NO handwarmer pockets!.
Select Size/ Option (in-stock only)

Price: US$ 325.00

Retail Price: US$ 395.00



142 Reviews
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Write Review
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Read more: http://onlinemilitaria.net/products/c125-raf-list/?page=3&filter=yes#ixzz5TNwj3w62

BIP
Thank you BIP, this is much appreciated!
 

B-Man2

Well-Known Member
BJR
Hey...... are you Northern Virginia or down south? I lived in Northern Virginia for a number of years.
Ok Irvin jackets. I see you’ve already gotten some pretty good advise from Steve, Bombing IP and Blackrat2
When it comes to Irvin’s, as you’ve already been advised, decide if you want the modern day style with pockets or a WWII reproduction without any pockets . While there are several great companies making Irvin Style jackets , my personal choice is Eastman simply because I prefer the most accurate replica of a WWII Irvin I can find , and at the time I purchased mine that was an Eastman. The problem with Eastman is that we here in the US have to pay shipping fees around $100.00 plus dollars, higher exchange rates because of the dollar fluctuations, and import duty that will cost another $100.
You should also know that Eastman recently had another price increase so a BOB Eastman base price before all that Jazz is about $1535 or more. So you might want to consider a used jacket that’s already here in the states and avoid all those extra fees. Depending on your size they pop up on EBay from time to time.
So that’s my thoughts in the subject . Hope that helps out.
Cheers
B-Man2
 

BJR

Member
BJR
Hey...... are you Northern Virginia or down south? I lived in Northern Virginia for a number of years.
Ok Irvin jackets. I see you’ve already gotten some pretty good advise from Steve, Bombing IP and Blackrat2
When it comes to Irvin’s, as you’ve already been advised, decide if you want the modern day style with pockets or a WWII reproduction without any pockets . While there are several great companies making Irvin Style jackets , my personal choice is Eastman simply because I prefer the most accurate replica of a WWII Irvin I can find , and at the time I purchased mine that was an Eastman. The problem with Eastman is that we here in the US have to pay shipping fees around $100.00 plus dollars, higher exchange rates because of the dollar fluctuations, and import duty that will cost another $100.
You should also know that Eastman recently had another price increase so a BOB Eastman base price before all that Jazz is about $1535 or more. So you might want to consider a used jacket that’s already here in the states and avoid all those extra fees. Depending on your size they pop up on EBay from time to time.
So that’s my thoughts in the subject . Hope that helps out.
Cheers
B-Man2
Hi B-Man2,

Thanks for the through reply. I am leaning towards Eastman, but I want to learn and gather as much information as possible before making a decision. Yes, I am in NOVA. Have a great evening!

BJR
 

Pilot

Well-Known Member
Having handled all ( incl. Aces High )see my sales or posts here.
The older ELC’s ( from approx 10-12 years ago) are much better in matters of shearlings and comfort.
The newer versions from Eastman are very stiff and not easy to break in...very heavy as well.
The newer revamped Aero’s are great by all means, very close to originals ( WW2 Wearings ) plus the skins are more flexible and easy to break in...the coating is not cracking nor scuffing as the newer ELC tend to do..AERO’s Irvin’s are also a bit lighter and more comfy to wear....My 1 cent opinion and experience.
 

Greg Gale

Well-Known Member
If you can afford, go for an Aero or an ELC. If you want a more budget friendly solution, I can wholeheartedly recommend WPG's Irvin. I have one, it's still quite heavy, looks very accurate, and the quality is not so bad either. They do run large, though.
 

D97x7

Well-Known Member
Aero and Eastman, both very different, both superb.
The Aero is a lighter fleece and curlier, the Eastman being fluffier and thicker.
Eastman zips are heavier than the Aero
Aero belt leather is thicker than Eastman
Both cover slightly different bases for me, but if i had to choose one I think it would be the Eastman, I just love the soft feel of it. The Eastman is only five months though, Aero four years, so it may well bed down some more in coming years.
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Pilot

Well-Known Member
Best (recent) review ever for those two jackets. Last (also) excellent reviews are from 2014/15.... a Bravo and thanks for sharing.
Recent Aero´s have a thicker and still curlier fleece though....but great review.
 
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tjoenn

Well-Known Member
Fantastic Irvins but I definitely prefer the broken grain finish of the ELC. Does anyone know how the broken grain is achieved?
 

Smithy

Well-Known Member
I have an ELC 1940 Pattern Irvin which I bought new from them in 2007. I wouldn't sell it for all the tea in China.

ELC fleece also looks the best to me by a long chalk. Some others remind me of 70s shagpile carpet.
 

blackrat2

Well-Known Member
There is a review from our very own Mr Lever in two of Aeros new Irvin in the review section
I so toy with the idea of getting one but think cloth or nylon in the UK would get more use, that said have purchased a cheeky little rag top, so winter motoring may change all this
I have messaged Ken and he is quick to answer messages and as usual a font of knowledge, as are Andrew (Roughwear) and John Lever
The thing for me that disappointed me with a ELC was the plastic bits on the zipper, though these may have gone??
 
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