B3s. Who's is the most accurate reproduction. The 'authenticity' factor.

[rocketeer]

Obviously due to winter coming on in some countries the subject of the B3 jacket looms large.
I have noticed a few comments about various companies and who makes the most authentic reproduction.
All the major replica makers get the details looking ok but the fact is; Instead of replying to the question with a plain and blunt "Eastman make the most accurate" or "Lost World make the most authentic" for example, can someone back up the statement and explain why that company make the best B3. Is it the fleece, stitching, collar snaps, zips, etc etc.
Can we keep this to B3s please. And no mall jackets with hand warmer pockets
Cheers, J.

 

[aswatland]

Having owned a large number of original B-3s over the years and many repro ones, the most accurate repros that I have owned are made by Eastman. I currently have their mixed batch Perry and the workmanship is top notch. All the small details, such as the buckles on the straps, the label and snaps, are correct. I know John Chapman makes great B-3 repros, but have never seen one in the flesh and besides living in the UK importing them from the USA with the weak pound is really prohibitive.

 

[John Lever]

An important factor of authenticity is wearability. No matter how impressive a jacket looks it has to be wearable and usable for every day activities such as driving when the arms are in a similar position to a gunner (?).

 

[aswatland]

Having worn this jacket for two winters it is totally wearable and is fine to drive in!

 

[John Lever]

Do you really have a size 44 chest ,or is the jacket oversized ?

 

[devilish]

The thing with the two heavy shearling jackets, Irvin and B3, is they have to be a loose fit. This is one case where the old adage of 'wartime fit=slim fit' isn't true. In order to be able to move in them you have to leave some room. Look at period photos. The arms and shoulders nearly always look at least a size too big.
As far as accuracy goes, if you can afford a Good Wear go for it but the Eastman is top of the tree too. Aswatland wouldn't recommend anything he wasn't happy with.

 

[John Lever]

My point exactly in my reply !

 

[rocketeer]

I guess historically this jacket was worn using a layering system of shirts, A2 leathers and whatever was meant to keep flyers warm so guess that is why arms have plenty of room at the shoulder. I just wear a T shirt with mine and find it easy to drive in, to hot to wear an A2 underneath but thats how they did it at 25,000ft. Guess it was like a flyers overcoat.

So what of the fleeces and finishes of past and present repro's? I have had a few over the years, the finish on Eastmans first Rough Wear was spot on, redskin is quite popular now and quite different to his first house jackets.

Anyone want to comment on various brand fleeces and finishes? I won't put in my opinions on these as I have only ever owned Eastman B3s or ANJ4 repro's.

 

[aswatland]

I'm a 42 John, but find size 44s more comfortable in ELC B-3s and most of their A2s.

 

[John Lever]

Me too Andrew, I think the lack of underarm gussets means that you have to go up a size for comfort. The RAF obviously recognised this.

 

[rocketeer]

Out of all the repro's I have seen the standard colours are the most common with redskins coming a close second. I have never seen a 'mixed batch' and only one white version. That one looked so dirty I would be worried about letting the dog sleep on it. Saw the white version at the old War & Peace show when it used to be at the Hop Farm but on an early weekday, was gone by the next day.

 

[heron163]

Lost Worlds B3 - I probably wore that jacket every day for five winters... it is now indistinguishable from an original.

it bordered on uncomfortably warm in even the coldest weather...

 

[aswatland]

Please can you post some photos of it as it is today Heron163.