Cockpit USA B-3 vs British RAF: How Do They Compare?

World War II produced some of the most enduring outerwear designs in history, and two of the most recognizable are the American B-3 and the British RAF shearling bomber. Both solved the same problem — keeping aircrew warm in unheated, unpressurized aircraft at altitude — but each branch of the Allied air forces approached the solution differently. Cockpit USA makes excellent reproductions of both.

The American B-3

The B-3 was developed by the U.S. Army Air Forces and issued to bomber crews flying heavy aircraft like the B-17 and B-24 over Europe. The design is characterized by its massive, round shearling collar, front zipper, and overall boxy, oversized fit meant to accommodate multiple layers underneath. It was built for warmth above everything else. Cockpit USA's B-3 — including the Pearl Harbor reproduction and the 100 Mission — uses full sheepskin shearling throughout.

The British RAF Shearling

The Royal Air Force developed their own shearling bombers — most notably the Irvin jacket — during the same period. British shearling bombers share the same core concept (sheepskin shearling, leather outer shell) but typically differ in the collar design, pocket placement, zipper position, and belt configuration. The British RAF jacket often features a more structured belt at the waist and slightly different collar proportions than the American B-3.

Design Differences

Collar: The B-3's collar is its most distinctive feature — enormous, round, and designed to be pulled up completely around the face and fastened at the chin. The British RAF collar is typically smaller and styled differently, sitting more like a traditional coat collar.

Belt: British RAF shearling jackets often feature a waist belt. The American B-3 does not — it relies on its oversized fit and overall insulation without a belt closure.

Pocket Configuration: Pockets and their placement vary between the designs. American B-3s typically feature two large side pockets accessible through openings at the front. British versions can have different pocket configurations.

Warmth

Both designs use genuine shearling and are among the warmest leather jackets ever produced. The B-3's larger collar and more voluminous construction may give it a slight edge in extreme cold, but both jackets were designed for the same basic operating conditions: high-altitude winter flying over Europe.

Which Is the Better Collector's Piece?

For American buyers, the B-3 is the more immediately recognizable jacket and carries stronger cultural resonance — Memphis Belle, Twelve O'Clock High, The Memphis Belle. For buyers with British heritage or RAF interest, the British RAF shearling is a more distinct and less commonly seen piece.

Cockpit USA's British RAF Sheepskin Bomber is available at Legendary USA alongside the full B-3 lineup including the Pearl Harbor and 100 Mission. Both are exceptional pieces built to the same Cockpit USA standards — genuine shearling, American manufacturing, and mil-spec construction methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a B-3 and a British RAF bomber jacket? Both use shearling but differ in collar design, belt configuration, and country of origin. The B-3 is American; the RAF shearling is British.

Is the British Irvin jacket the same as a B-3? They are different designs developed by different air forces for the same purpose. Both use shearling insulation but have distinct patterns.

Does Cockpit USA make a British RAF jacket? Yes. The Cockpit USA Men's British RAF Sheepskin Bomber is available at Legendary USA.

Which shearling jacket is warmer — B-3 or British RAF? Both are exceptionally warm. The B-3's oversized collar and fuller cut may give it a slight edge in extreme cold.

Where can I buy both styles? Legendary USA carries both the Cockpit USA B-3 and British RAF shearling bombers at legendaryusa.com/collections/cockpit-usa.