AVI Leather’s D-1 Jacket Review

[Brettafett]

Been wanting to do a review of AVI’s D-1 for a while now. Thought I’d give it some wear over winter and see how it fares.
Turns out, its fared really well (not that winters over yet). I’ve worn it in lots of ‘weather’; cold, wet & windy and at least one downpour.
In a nutshell, a very comfortable, warm and well-made jacket. Looks, feels and works like a D-1 should.
For a WWII sheepskin repro, copied off an original jacket, with the most important materials and details to spec, it's a winner.
Im wearing a size Medium (5’10, 73kgs and 40” chest)
Its comfortable with just a T-shirt or layered with a wool jumper.

This size M fits me like a glove. It's light enough and surprisingly manoeuvre-free. Does not feel bulky at all.
On warmer days (read not freakin’ cold) I’ve worn the jacket open with a T-shirt, quite comfortably.
On freakin’ cold days, I’ve worn with a t-shirt layered under a merino jumper and it’s been amazing.
Very comfy and easy to wear.
• Note: I originally received AVI's B-6 (one size too big), but overall prefer the design & fit of the D-1.
It's not that much bulkier, but its warmer and the windflap makes a lot more sense to me.
Personally, I'd get a lot more use out of the D-1.

Pattern
I understand from AVI, that the pattern is copied off an original USAAF D-1 (MFG. SAAD), with adjustments made to accurately reflect the specifications of the classic D-1 in its most typical form.
I also understand that Mr Chapman (GW) had some input; identifying the beaten up original and reviewing pictures of the sample jackets during development (ultimately receiving his nod of approval).
• Note: AVI’s original B-6 was procured from Mr Chapman.

AVI's properly beaten up SAAD D-1. Was this battle damage!!? Notice the seam tapes.

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[Brettafett]

Leather
The seal brown sheepskin is terrific. Lots of character developing quite fast. There’s is the usual slight ‘cracking’ beginning to form on the surface, as originals.
Which leads me to ask… Sheepskin Pros… How do you condition your sheepskin jackets? What’s the best maintenance…?
The contrasting dark russet brown horsehide for the seam tapes is neat, well-stitched and feels strong.
Dark russet horsehide hang tab, same as the seam tapes I presume.

Fur/ fleece
The off-white/ cream fleece looks & feels correct to spec (length 8 mm). It's very warm and plush to the touch.
The jacket has not lost any fluff/ fur after a lot of wear, nor has there been any discolouration.

Zippers
The repro Talon zippers is the usual fare.
Of course they're not as sweet to the eye as NOS or higher grade repro zippers. But again, they are sturdy, do the job and keep costs down.
One could always swop out the pullers, if one feels the need to do so (I may do so down-the-line).
The leather pull tab is a nice inclusion. There's no chain with this jacket.

Collar buckle
No comment really, besides the same as for zippers above.
It does reach and buckle up with the strap, although I won’t ever use this.

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[Brettafett]

Label
Appears to be a more generic AVI label. Pity, I’d preferred a contract-specific label.
But ok, it’s a label and hardly visible past the surrounding fleece.
This jacket can't be THAT accurate or it will put the big-guys out of business!

Pockets
White cotton twill. Pockets feel sturdy, well-made, well-stitched and do the job they were intended to do.
Practically, they can hold a wallet or a phone, hands also, albeit a bit tricky.

Some details

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[Brettafett]

Conclusions
Another great jacket from AVI. A very wearable and super affordable sheepskin jacket that looks and feels the part.
Sure, some details could be upgraded (zips, buckles, label etc), but then costs/ prices go up.
The "devil in the details" is a costly prospect. One that the top end makers can help you with, with pleasure.

I've tried on Eastman's D-1 and B-6 numerous times, great jackets for sure. Love their D-1!
But my interests (money) are more focused on A-2s, B-10/ 15s and G-1s.
This is my first sheepskin and I love it. Will I be replacing it with a top end sheepskin in the near future? Doubtful.
This version will do me just fine.

How this jacket compares to other budget/ mid range makers, I can’t say. What I can say, is that the important details are mostly on point.
Genuine sheepskin in the correct colour and behaves as one would expect. Fleece is the correct thickness & colour.
Patterned on an original. It certainly has that classic WW2 profile.
Most importantly, it's comfortable, practically wearable and warm.

I want to make a point here. Cost comparisons (approximate as of Feb 2025)
AVI's jacket is almost a third the cost of the average high end maker's D-1.
One gets what one pays for, but in this case, you're getting a lot of jacket for the monies asked.

AVI Leather's D-1 jacket

 

[Brettafett]

AVI's D-1 (medium) compared to the B-6 (42 - I needed a 40)
The D-1 and B-6 are both great jackets, both with their specific design features.
I prefer the D-1. The D-1 is warmer, more versatile, especially when it's cold.
B-6's fleece is obviously a bit thinner, so the jacket's a bit lighter, comfy in the right size. To me, it competes with the more comfy B-10 and B-15 (and M-422As & G-1s).
Even sizing down with the B-6, I dont like the lack of a windflap, a design error if you ask me. Still a cracker of a jacket.