Men's RAF B3 Aviator Vest – Real Lambskin Leather with Faux Shearling Lining

The Blacktop Gear RAF B3 Aviator Shearling Vest is a men's sleeveless bomber vest in real lambskin leather, lined throughout with soft faux shearling and finished with a turn-up fur collar, zip front and inner and outer pockets. Handmade to order in sizes S to 6XL at $180, with free delivery within the USA.

Design & Build

The B3 was the sheepskin bomber RAF and USAAF crews wore in unheated bombers at altitude. This is that jacket with the sleeves taken off, which sounds like a compromise until you have ridden in one.

A full B3 is genuinely too warm for anything above freezing, and the bulk at the shoulders fights you on the bars. The vest keeps the part that matters, a thick insulated core over your chest and back, and leaves your arms free to move. Layer a hoodie or a leather jacket over it and you have the warmth without the bulk.

The shell is real lambskin leather in classic brown. The lining is soft faux shearling throughout, and the collar turns up and closes against the wind, which is the detail that makes the difference on a cold morning.

A sturdy zip closes the front. Inner and outer pockets, and heavier stitching at the stress points.

Specifications

Who buys this vest

• Cold-weather riders, core warmth without shoulder bulk, so you can still move on the bars
• Anyone who owns a B3 and finds it too hot, same insulation over the torso, none on the arms
• Layerers, works under a leather jacket or over a heavy sweater

How it is worn

Over a thick sweater or hoodie, with dark denim and boots. Collar up when the wind picks up, down otherwise. The brown sheepskin sits well with tan, olive and black, it is a warm colour, so keep the rest of the outfit muted.

Size Chart, Men's Vests

Measure your chest at the fullest part over your usual layer, then pick the row your measurement falls into.

Chest (garment) is the finished vest measurement, it sits above your body chest to allow for layering. For centimetres and the full measuring guide see our Size Guide. If you fall between sizes we build to your own measurements at no design charge.

Frequently asked questions

Why a shearling vest instead of the full B3 jacket?
A full B3 is very warm and bulky at the shoulders, which fights you when you are leaning on the bars. The vest keeps the insulated core over your chest and back and leaves your arms free, so you can layer a jacket over the top.

Is the outer shell real leather?
Yes, 100% real lambskin leather.

How warm is it?
Warm enough for winter riding as a mid-layer, or on its own over a heavy sweater in autumn. The fur collar turns up to close off the gap at your neck, which is where most of the cold gets in.

How many pockets does it have?
Inner and outer pockets.

Can I wear it under a jacket?
Yes, that is one of the main reasons to buy a vest rather than the full B3. Size up one if you plan to wear it over a thick sweater.

How do I care for lambskin?
Keep it dry where you can and let it air out after riding. Wipe marks with a barely damp cloth. Do not machine wash. A leather conditioner once a year keeps the shell supple. The faux lining needs nothing.

What sizes does it come in?
S through 6XL as standard, or built to your own measurements at no design charge.

How long does a made-to-order vest take?
2 to 3 weeks from order confirmation.

Where is it made?
Blacktop Gear is a US brand. Every piece is designed in the USA and handmade in our own factory rather than outsourced to a third-party manufacturer, which is how we control the leather grade and the stitching on every order. Delivery within the USA is free.

Make it your own

Different colour, custom sizing, collar or pocket layout, every Blacktop Gear piece can be built to your specification. See our Custom Leather Gear page.

Shipping
Allow 1-2 weeks for this product to be shipped..
We offer express worldwide shipping on all orders.
Returns
We have a hassle-free return policy of 30 days.
If you don't like the item or find any issues, you can request a return for a refund or exchange within 30 days of receipt.
Standard size orders can be returned for a full refund or exchange.
Made-to-measure or other customized orders can only be returned for alteration.

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Do's
Use a soft, dry, or slightly damp cloth to clean your leather bag.
Apply a dedicated quality leather cleaner once or twice a year.
Use leather conditioner to moisturize & prevent flaking and wrinkling.
Store your leather bag in a dust bag to avoid scratches.
Don'ts

Do not wash, bleach, or tumble dry your leather bag
Do not use cleaning products containing alcohol to prevent discoloration.
Do not keep your bag near direct heat sources.
Avoid plastic bags for storage. Use a ventilated soft fabric case.