The Army Air Corps developed the B-3 jacket in 1934 to protect flight crews at high altitude. Aircraft were able to climb to over 30,000 feet where the temperature was 40 below zero, but they lacked pressurization and heaters.

Made from warm sheepskin shearling, the B-3 was the most popular winter flying jacket of World War II. Hollywood loved it too, and it was immortalized in countless World War II movies including Stalag 17, The War Lover, and 12 O’clock High.

Ground troops also liked the B-3 and scrounged them whenever they could. Nothing kept out the European cold and wind better than a shearling jacket. General George S. Patton wore a B-3 as his 3rd Army raced north to Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944.

Gibson & Barnes has adapted the B-3 for civilian use by adding two generous front pockets for your gear, rather than the Air Corp’s single patch pocket.

We make the B-3 from luxurious brown sheepskin shearling with thick cream-colored wool, an antiqued brass finish zipper and buckles.  When the weather is cold and windy, you can turn up the collar and buckle it closed.  You can even cinch in the waist with the leather straps and buckles.

Types Of Leather
Learn About Leather

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