Cockpit USA B-3 Jacket - Style and Fit?

[Drewdog2323]

Looking at getting the last leather jacket on my list now…the B-3 by Cockpit USA. It would be my one and only sheepskin jacket.

I found someone local looking to sell theirs new with tags still attached. It’s labeled a size 44. I wear a size 44 in Cockpit’s G-1 and a 42 in their A-2 jacket. The seller helped take photos of me in it so I can look back at them before deciding.

Would anyone be kind enough to give me their honest feedback about how the style looks on me and if the size 44 is too big and a 42 would be better? I don’t want to make an expensive mistake! I noticed the bottom of the jacket hangs away from my waist but it does have waist buckles to cinch it closed.

I see myself wearing it over a light to mid-weight crewneck pullover in freezing temps, but mostly just over a dress shirt as in the picture.

Thanks for any help!

 

[MrProper]

Looking at getting the last leather jacket on my list now…the B-3 by Cockpit USA. It would be my one and only sheepskin jacket.

I found someone local looking to sell theirs new with tags still attached. It’s labeled a size 44. I wear a size 44 in Cockpit’s G-1 and a 42 in their A-2 jacket. The seller helped take photos of me in it so I can look back at them before deciding.

Would anyone be kind enough to give me their honest feedback about how the style looks on me and if the size 44 is too big and a 42 would be better? I don’t want to make an expensive mistake! I noticed the bottom of the jacket hangs away from my waist but it does have waist buckles to cinch it closed.

I see myself wearing it over a light to mid-weight crewneck pullover in freezing temps, but mostly just over a dress shirt as in the picture.

Thanks for any help!

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It seems very long to me for this style. Especially from behind. Visually, the smaller size will be better, I think. Especially if you're only going to wear shirts underneath anyway.

 

[RDS]

I’m not sure if historical accuracy is a factor or you just want a shearling jacket, however the Cockpit B-3 isn’t really a B3.
Among other things it doesn’t have any of the horsehide facings to the sleeves and the pockets are hand-warmers and not the single patch type.
Of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that but it does mean it’s just a generic sheepskin ‘flying’ jacket; and while the fit isn’t too far off, especially if you want room to also layer, depending on what the price being asked is you might well be able to pick something better for less.

 

[Drewdog2323]

I’m not sure if historical accuracy is a factor or you just want a shearling jacket, however the Cockpit B-3 isn’t really a B3.
Among other things it doesn’t have any of the horsehide facings to the sleeves and the pockets are hand-warmers and not the single patch type.
Of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that but it does mean it’s just a generic sheepskin ‘flying’ jacket; and while the fit isn’t too far off, especially if you want room to also layer, depending on what the price being asked is you might well be able to pick something better for less.

Yeah I noticed the hand warmer pockets instead of the single patch. I suppose historical accuracy isn’t quite as important to me for this jacket. I wanted a shearling flight jacket and I think it hits on what I’m looking for. I’m also concerned whether it looks too big on me or if going down from a 44 to a 42 will be too small and/or make the sleeves too short.

 

[Peter Mackin]

If your not interested in historical accuracy and want to stay warm it's great.it being longer in the back is a bonus.same with the pockets.if the price is right for you go for it,you look happy and comfortable wearing it.

 

[raf]

If you're not concerned about historical accuracy, what matters most is the quality of the materials/workmanship, fit, and price.

Fit looks OK to me. FWIW, I am of the school that believes a garment that is a little too big is much preferable than one a little too small. The sleeves may diminish in length slightly due to the leather creasing a bit--or maybe not. The back length may be an asset, since this garment is unlikely to be worn with the matching shearling bibs. Try it out when entering/leaving and driving a car and see what you think; the jacket will try to 'raise' itself on your body a bit when getting seated but can usually be adjusted downward without undue difficulty when finally seated. Some tinkering with the adjustment straps may be required.

Given your circumstances, I'd consider the handwarmer pocket a "plus".

If the handwarmer pockets are not sufficiently capacious and/or secure enough for your cell phone, consider a lightweight full-zip fleece inner jacket with an upper chest pocket for your cell phone. A "Mandarin" collar on the fleece unit, like the turtleneck garment you proposed before, will keep your neck warm, and the fleece clean. Since most buildings during wintertime are somewhat "cool", you will likely appreciate the added inner garment once the shearling jacket is doffed.

If you buy this shearling jacket (or any other), strongly suggest you investigate how to care for it, and how to store it properly.

Above are personal opinions, having owned/used jackets very similar, based on personal experience. Your wishes are paramount.

 

[TartuWolf]

I guess I'll use this chance to ask one question I've been wondering about for a long while:
Every sheerling jacket I've ever considered has a HUGE shoulder width in relation to other measurements.
Does it have to be that way?
In OPs photos it's also obvious and I hate that drooping shoulder look.
I understand that you want to have a bit of extra width as it's a thick jacket and should accomodate layering, but definitely don't see the need for that much.

 

[MrProper]

Does it have to be that way?
In OPs photos it's also obvious and I hate that drooping shoulder look.

I would argue that this is simply because the jackets are too big. Unless I want to wear a second jacket underneath, I don't need the extra space.

 

[TartuWolf]

I would argue that this is simply because the jackets are too big. Unless I want to wear a second jacket underneath, I don't need the extra space.

Yeah but even the smallest sizes like 34-36 seem to have 46cm+ shoulders, that's what always baffles me.

 

[MrProper]

Yeah but even the smallest sizes like 34-36 seem to have 46cm+ shoulders, that's what always baffles me.

Well, I can't confirm that for mine. Maybe slightly wider to compensate for the thick fur, but definitely not overly wide.

 

[raf]

Is it possible that the shoulder seams were intentionally made further down the shoulders?

AFAIK, sheepskin is not "exactly" the most durable of leathers, especially at the juncture of stitched panels/shoulders. Suggest that the reinforcing leather "overlays/reinforcements" of stitched seams in shearling garments were put there for a reason, especially given extra cost and war-time production pressure.

An inquiry/search at vintageleatherjackets.org might be useful.

 

[Drewdog2323]

Update: Found someone selling the jacket for lower in a size 42 so I decided to order it and give it a go! Will post pictures once it comes in.

 

[Drewdog2323]

I received the Cockpit B-3 in size 42 from a seller on eBay. Fit pictures below wearing an undershirt, dress shirt, and tie. The sleeves still seem long enough and there’s plenty of room in the chest. I had to cinch the waist buckle one notch past default so it didn’t have too much of a gap.

I’m not super familiar with how these jackets should fit. Should the chest and body be more fitted than shown? Do the arms look too big? I have a 42” chest when tape measured and am on the taller athletic side. Part of me thinks maybe I should look for a size 40 but then the jacket length and sleeve length shorten by about 0.5 inches. What do ya’ll think? @raf @Peter Mackin

Otherwise it’s super nice. Apparently it was purchased in 2004, probably close to the time Avirex transitioned to the Cockpit name. The leather has a nice color, although it seems a bit dry with lots of visible creases in the sheepskin. Recommendations for leather conditioning of the sheepskin?

 

[Drewdog2323]

Just wanted to bump the thread for anyone’s opinion on the actual fit of the size 42.