Treat for myself

[big ned]

Hi Ben,

I used to have a B3 jacket that was treated with a coating of some sort that quickly distressed over a few months to the ideal required finish, it came with a 'swatch' of sheepskin pinned to it to show what it would look like when it had been worn a bit, and it was dead right! Mind you, it was over £300 then, 24 years ago.... Eastman Leather Clothing do a similar coating called 'Timeworn' on their A1's and '44 pattern Irvin jackets, but that one is getting towards the thick end of a grand. Check it out:

Eastman Leather Clothing - British Flight Jackets : Raf1944

I wouldn't go buying an expensive jacket and start slathering it in any leather oil/food or suchlike though, it'll only darken it and ruin the effect, like putting Cherry Blossom on a pair of Dessies....

My advice would be buy the best you possibly can and let it 'break in' naturally.

Regards, Ned

[Ben Evans]

Cheers Ned, I have gone for the Irvin jacket, I will probably let wear naturally, its a lot of money to be messing around with, in time it will age nicely I think. I will just have to wear it a lot!

https://www.flying-jacket.com/product-details.aspx?id=1

Cheers

- - ------- - -

PS The Eastman did look nice but for me I wanted the Irvin one

[big ned]

Cheers Ned, I have gone for the Irvin jacket, I will probably let wear naturally, its a lot of money to be messing around with, in time it will age nicely I think. I will just have to wear it a lot!

https://www.flying-jacket.com/product-details.aspx?id=1

Cheers

- - ------- - -

PS The Eastman did look nice but for me I wanted the Irvin one

It's a class jacket. Are you gonna go with pockets or stay authentic? I'd go for the pockets, but i'm just a fraud.

[Ben Evans]

No mate I have gone for the pockets Need some where to put my phone (and hands)

[Scout]

A great looking jacket. Ive always admired them.

Paul, for what these cost I shall be patting it, hugging and it and calling it George!!

Hahaaah, for anyone who knows where that quote is from (and has an iota of humour), that should instantly crack at least a smile!
It took me by surprise and I laughed out loud - now people look at me, as if Im (even more of) a loon.
I blame Ben.....

[Ben Evans]

That saying makes me smile all the time lol childhood memories

[timothy]

That's a nice looking jacket Ben forgive me for asking I am not much up on allied flight gear is a Irvin one a British one? Looks like the ones you see in The Battle of Britton. timothy

[Ben Evans]

Yes Timothy, these were the WW2 fighter/bomber jackets, very iconic in the UK