B3 vs RAF vs A-2 vs A-1: Which Flight Jacket Should You Buy?

If you want maximum warmth for a UK winter, buy a B3 or an RAF-style shearling jacket; they are the two genuinely cold-weather designs. If you want a jacket you can wear for most of the year, the A-2 is the most versatile, and the A-1 is the lightest and most vintage-looking of the four. The B3 vs RAF jacket choice itself comes down to detail and taste rather than warmth: both are heavy sheepskin, but the RAF style usually has more panels, a double-strapped collar and a waist belt, while the B3 is a little cleaner and more uniform.

All four started life as functional flying kit, and that history still explains how each one wears today. Below, our leather specialists walk through the differences in warmth, weight, collar, leather and fit, and help you match each style to the weather and wardrobe you actually have. If you already know you want sheepskin, start with our B3 bomber jacket collection; if you are still deciding, read on.

Key takeaways

• Warmest: the B3 and the RAF style, both made from sheepskin with the wool left on the inside. Comfortable from around freezing to about 10°C.
• Most versatile: the A-2, a lighter leather jacket with a flat shirt collar and knitted cuffs and waistband. Best from roughly 8°C to 18°C.
• Lightest and most vintage: the A-1, with its knitted stand-up collar. A spring and autumn jacket rather than a winter coat.
• B3 vs RAF: similar warmth, different looks. RAF styles tend to have panelled construction, two collar straps and a belt; B3s are simpler and slightly more streamlined.
• Fit: shearling jackets need a size that allows for the fleece inside; A-2 and A-1 jackets should fit closer, like a shirt jacket.
• First flight jacket: if you only buy one, choose by your coldest regular commute, not by the look alone.

Flight jacket types at a glance

The four names in the title are often used loosely by retailers, so it helps to know the original pattern behind each one. Here are the main flight jacket types and what defines them.

You will also see the G-1 mentioned alongside these. The G-1 flight jacket was the US Navy equivalent of the A-2, with a fur collar and a pleated, bi-swing back for arm movement. It sits between the A-2 and the B3 in warmth and has its own following, but it is the A-2 that most people compare it with.

The B3 bomber jacket: built for real cold

The B3 bomber jacket was designed for aircrew in unpressurised, unheated bombers flying at altitude, where temperatures were far below anything you will meet on a British high street. That is why it is made from sheepskin shearling: the hide and the wool are one piece, so the fleece is not a separate lining that can shift or flatten in the same way.

What to look for in a B3

• The collar: a deep shearling collar that can be turned up and fastened with a leather strap across the throat. It is the single most useful feature on a windy day.
• The front: a heavy zip, ideally with a wind flap behind it so draughts do not come through the teeth.
• The waist: many B3s have side straps or buckles that let you close the hem against wind.
• The finish: the outside of the sheepskin is usually finished to a smooth or slightly waxy surface. Darker brown and black finishes hide scuffs well.

A good example is our men’s premium black B3 shearling aviator jacket, which keeps the classic collar and straps in a colour that works with city clothes. If you prefer the traditional look, the classic dark brown B3 sheepskin jacket is closer to the wartime originals. For a deeper look at the history and construction, see our earlier guide, What is a B3 aviator jacket?

The honest downsides

A B3 is bulky and heavy. A well-made shearling jacket often weighs two to four times as much as an unlined leather jacket, and it will be too warm on a mild, damp day or on a crowded train. It is a winter coat in jacket form, not an all-rounder.

The RAF jacket: the British take on sheepskin

The RAF shearling jacket traces back to the Irvin flying jacket issued to British aircrew in the 1930s and through the Second World War. Wartime production used whatever sheepskin was available, so many originals were built from several smaller panels stitched together. That patchwork look became part of the style, and modern RAF-style jackets often recreate it deliberately.

Typical RAF features

• Panelled body and sleeves: visible seams that give a rugged, utilitarian texture.
• Two-strap collar: a broad shearling collar with two leather straps rather than one, which seals the neck very effectively.
• Waist belt: a belt or half-belt to pull the hem in against wind.
• Zipped cuffs: on many versions, so you can tighten the sleeve over gloves.

The men’s RAF B3 brown sheepskin bomber shows how the two traditions blend in modern designs: B3 warmth with RAF-style detailing.

B3 vs RAF jacket: what actually differs

This is the comparison we are asked about most, because the two look similar in a photo. In practice, the B3 vs RAF jacket decision is about style and small practical details rather than warmth. Both are sheepskin shearling, both have big collars, and both will keep you warm on a frosty morning.

Our rule of thumb: if you will wear it with a wool overcoat-level wardrobe (chinos, knitwear, smart boots), the cleaner B3 is easier to dress. If your style is workwear, denim and heavy boots, the RAF jacket’s seams and belt look right at home. Be aware that retailers, including us, often combine the names in product titles because the two styles have merged over the decades; judge the jacket on its features rather than the label.

The A-2 jacket: the all-rounder

The A-2 is the jacket most people picture when they hear the words flight jacket. It is a hip-length leather jacket with a flat, pointed shirt collar, shoulder epaulettes, two flapped patch pockets and a zip front, finished with knitted cuffs and a knitted waistband. Originals were made from horsehide, which is dense and hard-wearing, and later from goatskin.

Because it has no shearling, the A-2 is far lighter than a B3 and works from early autumn into late spring. It also layers well: a hoodie or a merino jumper underneath stretches it comfortably into colder weeks. Take a look at the men’s brown horseskin A2 flying jacket if you want the traditional heavier leather, which breaks in slowly and ages beautifully.

A2 vs A1 jacket

The A2 vs A1 jacket question is mostly about the collar. The A-1 came first and has a knitted stand-up collar, a bit like a baseball jacket, and the earliest versions buttoned rather than zipped. The A-2 replaced it with a leather shirt collar and a zip, which made it tidier and easier to wear with a shirt and tie.

• Choose the A-1 if you like a soft, sporty neckline and a distinctly vintage feel.
• Choose the A-2 if you want a collar you can turn up against the wind and a jacket that looks at home with smarter clothes.

The A-1 jacket: light and vintage

The A-1 is the lightest of the four. With a knitted collar, cuffs and hem, it sits close to the body and blocks wind at the edges, but it does not have the insulation for a British January on its own. It shines in spring and autumn, worn over a T-shirt or an Oxford shirt.

The men’s vintage A-1 brown leather flight jacket is a good illustration of the style: compact, rib-trimmed and easy to throw on. Because the knit collar does not fold, it sits nicely under a scarf, which is how we suggest extending it into colder weather.

Warmth: which jacket for which UK weather?

The UK rarely gets extreme cold, but it does get long spells of damp, windy weather around 2°C to 8°C, which feels colder than the number suggests. Met Office long-term averages put typical winter daytime highs in much of lowland England in the mid to high single figures, with colder nights and colder conditions further north and on higher ground. Wind and drizzle matter as much as temperature.

Shearling has one more advantage: wool keeps insulating reasonably well when it gets a little damp, and it lets moisture escape, so you are less likely to feel clammy than in a synthetic puffer. For more on dressing for each temperature, see our guide to the best leather jackets for autumn in the UK.

Leather, lining and weight

The hide changes how a jacket feels on day one and how it ages.

• Sheepskin shearling (B3, RAF): the wool is the lining. Very warm, quite heavy, and the outer surface is softer than cowhide, so it scuffs more easily but also takes on character.
• Horsehide (traditional A-2): dense, stiff when new and very durable. Needs a few weeks of wear to soften.
• Goatskin (A-1, A-2, G-1): lighter than horsehide, with a pebbly grain and good abrasion resistance.
• Lambskin: used in many modern A-2 and bomber interpretations. Soft and comfortable from the first wear, but more delicate.
• Cowhide: sturdy and protective, in between horsehide and lambskin for stiffness.

Weight matters more than people expect. If you walk a lot or use public transport, a heavy shearling jacket can become something you carry rather than wear. If you mostly drive, cycle short distances or stand outside watching sport, that weight is exactly what keeps you warm.

Fit and sizing for each style

Flight jackets were cut to be worn, not posed in, so the right fit is practical.

B3 and RAF fit

• Chest: the fleece takes up room inside, so you need more ease than with an unlined jacket. With a light jumper on, you should be able to zip it fully and still cross your arms.
• Shoulders: the seam should sit at or just beyond your shoulder bone. Shearling does not stretch much, so tight shoulders will stay tight.
• Length: at or just below the waistband of your trousers. Longer versions behave more like a short coat.
• Sleeves: to the base of the thumb with arms relaxed, so your wrists stay covered when you reach forward.

A-2 and A-1 fit

• Close but not tight: room for a shirt or a fine knit, with the knitted waistband sitting on your hips without riding up.
• Blousing: a little fullness above the waistband is correct; that is how the style was designed.
• Sleeves: the knitted cuff should sit at the wrist, with a small amount of leather gathering above it.

Before ordering, measure a jacket you already like and compare it with our size guide. Our earlier article on how to choose the right size aviator jacket goes into more detail, including how to measure yourself at home.

Price and value

As a general guide, shearling jackets cost more than unlined leather because a full sheepskin with the wool intact is a more expensive raw material and takes longer to cut and sew. An A-1 or A-2 in good leather usually sits below a B3 or RAF jacket of similar quality. Be wary of very cheap shearling-look jackets: many use a synthetic pile lining glued or sewn into thin leather, which is lighter and cheaper but much less warm and less durable.

A quick test when shopping: real shearling has wool roots coming straight out of the back of the skin, with no woven backing visible when you part the fleece.

How to wear each one

• B3: dark jeans or heavy chinos, a roll-neck or a crew-neck jumper, and leather boots. Keep the rest of the outfit simple; the collar does the talking. Our guide to how to wear a shearling aviator jacket has more outfit ideas.
• RAF: workwear trousers, raw denim, flannel shirts and chunky boots suit its rugged seams.
• A-2: the most flexible. Works with a white T-shirt and jeans, an Oxford shirt and chinos, or even a knitted tie for a smart-casual office.
• A-1: plays well with vintage and sporty pieces: a grey sweatshirt, straight-leg jeans and trainers or desert boots.

If you are torn between a flight jacket and a broader bomber, our comparison of aviator vs bomber jackets explains where the names overlap.

Caring for your flight jacket

• Rain: let any leather jacket dry naturally at room temperature on a broad hanger, away from radiators. For shearling, shake it out and let the wool dry fully before storing.
• Conditioning: a light leather conditioner once or twice a season is plenty for A-1 and A-2 jackets. For shearling, use a product made for sheepskin and test on a hidden area first.
• Storage: a wide wooden or padded hanger, a breathable cover and space in the wardrobe. Never store leather in plastic.
• Cleaning: spot-clean only. Shearling in particular should go to a specialist cleaner rather than a standard dry cleaner.

Common mistakes

• Buying a B3 for a warm commute: if you spend most of your day on trains and in heated offices, a shearling jacket can be too much. An A-2 plus a good jumper may serve you better.
• Sizing a shearling jacket like a T-shirt: the fleece takes up space. Try it with the layer you will actually wear underneath.
• Sizing up an A-2 too far: an oversized A-2 balloons at the waistband and loses its shape.
• Trusting the name over the features: check the collar, lining and leather rather than relying on B3, RAF or A-2 in a product title.
• Drying shearling on a radiator: direct heat can shrink and stiffen sheepskin permanently.
• Ignoring weight: a jacket you find too heavy to wear is no warmer than one left in the wardrobe.

Frequently asked questions

B3 vs RAF jacket: which is warmer?

Neither, in any meaningful way. Both are sheepskin shearling with the wool inside, so warmth depends far more on the thickness of the sheepskin and the fit than on which name is on the label.

Which flight jacket is best for a UK winter?

For regular days around 0°C to 8°C, a B3 or RAF-style shearling jacket. If your winters are mostly mild and you layer well, an A-2 with a warm jumper underneath can cover most days.

What is the difference between an A2 and an A1 jacket?

The collar and closure. The A-1 has a knitted stand-up collar and originally buttoned; the A-2 has a leather shirt collar, epaulettes and a zip.

What is a G-1 flight jacket?

The US Navy counterpart to the A-2, usually in goatskin, with a fur collar and a pleated back for movement. It is a little warmer than an A-2 but nowhere near as warm as a B3.

Can I wear a B3 bomber jacket in the rain?

Light rain is fine. In heavy rain, shearling will get heavy and take a long time to dry, so an umbrella or a different coat is sensible on very wet days.

Should a shearling flight jacket be oversized?

Roomy, not oversized. You need space for the fleece and a jumper, but the shoulders should still fit.

How heavy is a B3 jacket?

Expect it to feel noticeably heavier than any unlined leather jacket you own. Try lifting it on a hanger before you commit if weight is a concern.

Do A-2 jackets stretch?

Lambskin and goatskin A-2s soften and give slightly across the body and elbows with wear. Horsehide softens but stretches very little. Do not buy a size too small expecting it to grow.

Are flight jackets suitable for women?

Yes. All four styles are made in women’s cuts with narrower shoulders and a shaped waist. Our leather aviator jackets collection includes both men’s and women’s styles.

Which flight jacket should I buy first?

If you need a winter coat, a B3. If you already own a warm coat and want a leather jacket for most of the year, an A-2.

The short version

B3 and RAF jackets are the winter heavyweights: sheepskin shearling, big strapped collars and real warmth, with the RAF style a little more rugged and panelled. The A-2 is the best all-rounder, and the A-1 is the lightest, most vintage option for spring and autumn. Choose by the coldest weather you face regularly, check the collar, leather and lining rather than the name, and size for the layers you will wear underneath. When you are ready, browse our men’s shearling jackets or go straight to the B3 bomber jacket collection.