Buying a B3!

OhyeahitsJorn · Jan 2, 2021

Happy new year everyone! This is my first post here.

I just want to air a few thoughts regarding B3 jackets.

I have been looking for a B3 jacket for a long time, but can never quite decide. Now im ready to pull the trigger!

I am a big ww2 enthusiast, and i like clothing, sunglasses etc that are based / used during WW2.

I like the jackets from Aero and Eastman very much, but I do not think they suit me and my style to be completely honest. The jackets are very nice and I like the authentic copies.

But I think Schott's 257s (as they call B3) suit me much better. It is perhaps more fashionable for my style. Though i know this is more of a sheepskin jacket than a actually B3.

Anyway, what I'm wondering:

Besides the look of course, is there a big difference between the quality and the leather, thickness etc? Is a 257s as warm as Aero or Eastman? Does anyone know how they compare in quality?

I live in Norway so i get to use the jacket almost 6 months of the year during heavy winter and cold temperatures.

It is a very hard choice! Such big money to spend on a jacket. Having big trouble to decide. Especially when you buying online and cant try on any of the jackets.

Thanks to everyone that respond in this thread

Will Zach · Jan 2, 2021

Welcome! The beauty of the Fedora Lounge is that we have members from warm climates such as Hawaii, Florida and Oz, but also a good number from Scandinavia and other cold-weather countries (and everywhere in between)!

I am sure you will get some great advice.

MrProper · Jan 2, 2021

OhyeahitsJorn said:
Happy new year everyone! This is my first post here.

I just want to air a few thoughts regarding B3 jackets.

I have been looking for a B3 jacket for a long time, but can never quite decide. Now im ready to pull the trigger!

I am a big ww2 enthusiast, and i like clothing, sunglasses etc that are based / used during WW2.

I like the jackets from Aero and Eastman very much, but I do not think they suit me and my style to be completely honest. The jackets are very nice and I like the authentic copies.

But I think Schott's 257s (as they call B3) suit me much better. It is perhaps more fashionable for my style. Though i know this is more of a sheepskin jacket than a actually B3.

Anyway, what I'm wondering:

Besides the look of course, is there a big difference between the quality and the leather, thickness etc? Is a 257s as warm as Aero or Eastman? Does anyone know how they compare in quality?

I live in Norway so i get to use the jacket almost 6 months of the year during heavy winter and cold temperatures.

It is a very hard choice! Such big money to spend on a jacket. Having big trouble to decide. Especially when you buying online and cant try on any of the jackets.

Thanks to everyone that respond in this thread

Welcome. The Schott looks more like a fashion jacket or a D1 than a B3. But she will be warm for sure. Looks like 20mm shearling.If the original style of a B3 is not important to you, then there are certainly many options for shearling. Also cheaper possible

OhyeahitsJorn · Jan 2, 2021

Thanks for the respond.

It is a much harder choice then i tought it would be.

When you are bying a jacket for 1000$ + you want to choose the right one.

But you are right, there may be cheaper options that i dont know about.

im a tall and skinny guy as well. 190 cm and 65 kg. And my chest size is 36. Many jackets are either to short in that size, or to baggy in a size up. It looks like Schott are a bit longer than Aero or Eastman.

MrProper · Jan 2, 2021

OhyeahitsJorn said:
Thanks for the respond.

It is a much harder choice then i tought it would be.

When you are bying a jacket for 1000$ + you want to choose the right one.

But you are right, there may be cheaper options that i dont know about.

im a tall and skinny guy as well. 190 cm and 65 kg. And my chest size is 36. Many jackets are either to short in that size, or to baggy in a size up. It looks like Schott are a bit longer than Aero or Eastman.

I suspect you will have the same problem as me (196 cm). Because you probably won't fit any off-the-shelf jackets.
I.e. For a well-fitting jacket, you need a manufacturer who makes it to your measurements. Unfortunately, I myself have only had experience with Aero and FiveStar so far. But it works fine there.

the Aero

The 5*

s4rmark · Jan 2, 2021

Have you tried five star leather? They could make you an accurate looking B-3 in whatever length and size you want . They are also very good value for money

bn1966 · Jan 2, 2021

If I could only wear a B-3 for 3 months of the year I’d go 5*, if I could wear one 6 months of the year I’d have an Eastmans (and request a Long). As it is in the south of the UK I might get away with a B-3 for a couple of weeks so I purchased a D-1 (ELC).

KissMyMuscle · Jan 2, 2021

Schott 257s' thickness is around 15~16mm, Aero's B3 is thicker, but you can also choose the 15mm thickness.

I would choose Aero/Eastman over Schott.

If you prefer fashion brand's B3, there are still some high-quality b3 out there. I have a few fashion brands B3, Schott and cockpit USA's; they are very warm and comfortable to wear.

OhyeahitsJorn · Jan 2, 2021

KissMyMuscle said:
Schott 257s' thickness is around 15~16mm, Aero's B3 is thicker, but you can also choose the 15mm thickness.

I would choose Aero/Eastman over Schott.

If you prefer fashion brand's B3, there are still some high-quality b3 out there. I have a few fashion brands B3, Schott and cockpit USA's; they are very warm and comfortable to wear.

Thanks for all the answers. I appreciate it.

Why is Aero/Eastman better than Schott? Besides the authentic look. Are there big difference in quality? Are Aero/Eastman much warmer than Schott?

I also consider both Aero/Eastman as well, although i like the look from Schott 257s slightly better. It is more fashionable that suits my style a bit better, but i also want the classic look.

But i want a jacket that is really warm. It can be -25 celsius where i live, and im tired of freezing every winter. Even though i have heavy parkas!

So it will be a purchase both for stylish and function.

KissMyMuscle · Jan 3, 2021

Last winter I spent my Chrismas in Banff where is below -30 C. My 257s is warm enough, even slightly warmer than my down jacket.

Schott's thickness is pretty similar to eastman, slightly thinner than Aero. But I do believe eastman source a better quality sheepskin than schott's. So if you really want a ultimate winter jacket, go for the aero or eastman. If you want a budget choice, five star is a good choice either, seems everyone already recommended.

But whatever you chose, they should all be warm enough for the -25 c weather.

OhyeahitsJorn · Jan 3, 2021

Thanks. Great to hear from people who actually know what they are talking about.

I have seen some of the B3’s from 5*. Looks great, but very bulky? Maybe i have seen some oversized versions, but the arms were huge. I know the real b3’s were bulky, but the 5* looks more bulky and big than both Aero and Eastman. But besides from that, do 5* version have the same warmth as well? I mean, when its a lot cheaper?

TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead · Jan 3, 2021

I've got an Aero B3 and live in Los Angeles. Yes I am crazy. I actuality, I've worn the jacket a lot more than I thought I would. But it's basically just my "30 minute" jacket. Taking dogs for a walk, hanging out in the backyard, etc. No way I could function with it in all day activities, even if the weather justified it. It's too bulky to be sitting in a car, doing any sort of physical activity, etc.

If I had to do over again, I'd probably get an Irvin. Seems to be more fashionable and functional. But if you really like the look of the B3, then I can't imagine them being any better than Aero's version at that price.

I got lucky and bought mine on classifieds for about half the price of new so I wasn't too picky. At first I thought the jacket would be tight because I wasn't sure how much to compensate in measurements for the shearling. But in actuality the jacket was big in the waist and torso. If I went next size down though, I think sleeves and length would have been short. So I suspect you're going to have a similar situation where you need to size up and then tailor down, or get lucky with a long size. I think with Aero you can build but they're like at 4 months lead time with shearling. So a next winter gift probably.

Also, on something like this, if you're already committed to spending $1k, I would stick with the high end producers if this is your dream jacket. The 5* will be great if you and they get everything right, but owning 3 Aeros and a 5*, it's a different class, of course at double the price. Details like the buckles, horsehide panels, etc. again, the 5* will be nice, but if you can afford higher end, I'd go there.

MrProper · Jan 3, 2021

OhyeahitsJorn said:
Thanks. Great to hear from people who actually know what they are talking about.

I have seen some of the B3’s from 5*. Looks great, but very bulky? Maybe i have seen some oversized versions, but the arms were huge. I know the real b3’s were bulky, but the 5* looks more bulky and big than both Aero and Eastman. But besides from that, do 5* version have the same warmth as well? I mean, when its a lot cheaper?

With 20 mm shearling, every jacket looks bulky, regardless of whether it is Aero, Eastman or 5 *
With your measurements you will "swim" in any off-the-rack jacket if the sleeves and body are long enough. It will simply be way too big.
If the jacket should fit and not be too bulky, you have to go the made2measure way.
At Aero you can order a size 36 and then extend it by many inches. but I don't know how much inches are ok for Aero so that the proportions are still right.
With 5 * you can determine each measurements and the design by yourself, which is an advantage if you don't like the classic B3 design anyway.
By the way ... 5* has further developed its shearling and it now looks even better.
Also a difference is, that 5* has no horsehide and use cow for the reinforcements.
My 20mm shearling was supposed to be delivered on Thursday. then I can report.

All are bulky:
Eastman

Aero:

5*

Bahabp100 · Jan 3, 2021

The

OhyeahitsJorn said:
Thanks. Great to hear from people who actually know what they are talking about.

I have seen some of the B3’s from 5*. Looks great, but very bulky? Maybe i have seen some oversized versions, but the arms were huge. I know the real b3’s were bulky, but the 5* looks more bulky and big than both Aero and Eastman. But besides from that, do 5* version have the same warmth as well? I mean, when its a lot cheaper?

I’ve Had a couple of Schott B3s and the made in the USA ones are quite substantial, high quality and heavy. The 257s - The brown, and the black versions are fine jackets
I prefer the black one and it sure is warm wearing it in the coldest New York City weather

Tom71 · Jan 3, 2021

MrProper said:
With 20 mm shearling, every jacket looks bulky, regardless of whether it is Aero, Eastman or 5 *
With your measurements you will "swim" in any off-the-rack jacket if the sleeves and body are long enough. It will simply be way too big.
If the jacket should fit and not be too bulky, you have to go the made2measure way.
At Aero you can order a size 36 and then extend it by many inches. but I don't know how much inches are ok for Aero so that the proportions are still right.
With 5 * you can determine each measurements and the design by yourself, which is an advantage if you don't like the classic B3 design anyway.
By the way ... 5* has further developed its shearling and it now looks even better.
Also a difference is, that 5* has no horsehide and use cow for the reinforcements.
My 20mm shearling was supposed to be delivered on Thursday. then I can report.

All are bulky:
Eastman
View attachment 297478

Aero:
View attachment 297479

5* View attachment 297480

I would like to second that. Eastman has notoriously short arms and body and limited options for changes to that. Aero should offer arms/body for your build. They are slightly cheaper than Eastman too. As for looks, this is totally subjective, of course...

Peter Mackin · Jan 3, 2021

Aero for me as I won’t ever buy broken grain again.And I say that as the owner of a Eastman Anj4.and very happy with it too.

OhyeahitsJorn · Jan 3, 2021

Thanks again for all the answers. So happy for the inputs! Its not easy to spend so much money on a jacket, especially when there are several good alternatives!

About the sizing, i know i will have some problems with the fit, so as mentioned i will need to add on a inch or two on the length with Aero and Eastman i guess.

But when i was in touch with Schott that didnt sound like a issue, even for the 36 size. Because their jackets are a bit longer I guess? Of course it will be shorter on me but still in the fitting range, is what i was told at least. I know Cockpitusa has a long version, but last time i order a long version in a jacket i was swimming in it, even being 190 cm. So its not easy to find the fit, especially in bomberjackers. When it comes to Parkas etc it is no problem. But with bomber and biker jackets it is always a issue. Either to big or to short.

Great to hear from people who has the Schott 257s as well. They dont get mentioned as much as Aero and Eastman in this discussions, so its hard to find good reviews on them. I know they dont have the authentic look, but on the other hand they are more fashionable ( for my taste and style).

My wife absolutely hate the Aero/Eastman version. And will probably kill me if i spend so much money on one of those

She is not crazy about the Schott version either, but likes it a lot better.

I feel that Aero/Eastman is maybe more for the WW2 enthusiast, wich appreciate the authentic look. And maybe the Schott version is more for fashion and people who dont know or care so much about the history of these jackets.

I guess im between. I love the history, the originals and the authentic repro jackets. Im all into WW2 history and clothing, sunglasses etc. But i also like the Schotts version and think it will suit my style better.

For the people who owns a Aero or Eastman, what do you pair them with? Does anyone have some outfit pictures wearing these jackets? Schott 257s as well

Post pictures if you have.

I wish i could buy two!

bn1966 · Jan 3, 2021

I mix my WW2 replica jackets with a combination of vintage and contemporary style clothing, footwear and hats. I’d hate to look like I’ve stepped off of a period film set. My main two clothing go to’s are:

https://www.pikebrothers.com/

Pike Brothers are based in Germany, super easy to buy from & produce some great vintage style clothing from early to mid 20th Century. Pike make some quality well priced denim in different cuts.

http://www.sjcforum.com/

SJC based in the UK produce early 20th Century style clothing, I mainly use them for early Polo Style shirts and silk scarves.

Before I really got into this hobby I wore Alpha B-3 type jackets and the like. Once I discovered Eastmans I nearly became bankrupt

TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead · Jan 3, 2021

Pinterest will give you plenty of ideas. But, jeans and Iron Ranger style boots can't go wrong.

OhyeahitsJorn · Jan 3, 2021

TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead said:
Pinterest will give you plenty of ideas. But, jeans and Iron Ranger style boots can't go wrong.

Very nice! From what brand is your jacket?

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