Got my first B-3 Jacket today. Looking for fit advice. How should it fit?

[HoosierDaddy]

Still a great business although they made your B6 weight B3 too short..?? That's a hell of a compliment. Guess we'll see for sure at a later date.

 

[Shin]

Still a great business although they made your B6 weight B3 too short..?? That's a hell of a compliment. Guess we'll see for sure at a later date.

I said they were a great business to deal with, meaning the communication etc.
Receiving a short jacket is unfortunate, but I think such things are not rarities.
I seem to remember that in the past, even Aero made a jacket that ended up a little bit short for one lounger here.

Check this topic:
https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/b3-jacket-correct-length.83412/

Also here is another example from Eastman (while the fit is spot on, I think you would also consider it to be short). Look how the jacket is hanging at or above his jeans' belt line):
https://www.vintageleatherjackets.org/threads/my-new-to-me-eastman-b-3.19925/

So in all fairness, no company is entire infalliable when it comes to customer's expectations and requirements.

 

[Ttown]

The collar is 22 mm!
I haven't worn it outside for too long yet (haven't removed the tag) but I tried a little bit in my balcony and garden in -5 degree midnight here in Czech Republic. I wore only a thin t-shirt and this thing alone is actually warmer than a thick t shirt+ a thick wool sweater + a regular leather jacket combo.
Keep in mind that I'm a slim thin guy, so I don't have any body fat, meaning I get cold very easily, therefore I need heavy stuff to survive winters.

The construction quality is great, the redskin is just right (not too bright orange-ish like Eastman), and the smell is wonderful. It's damn heavy, too. When I removed it and wore my Levi's shearling trucker, it feels a world's apart in weight.
Debs is the person dealing with your needs at Simmons Bilt.
She's great and SB can accomodate a lot of your needs. Lots of customs options available. They have 15 mm, 18mm, 22mm and 25mm.
They also can add maybe about 5 cm in back length and sleeve length at no additional costs.
It took them 4 weeks to get my jacket done, so it's great!

Everything else is perfect, except for that front length.
I tried to contact SB yesterday so we'll see how it goes. Anyway they're a great business to deal with. Though I got a feeling SB is like a taboo name in amongst loungers, but that's not the point of here.

Thank you for your feed back man. Have said before & will say it again your jacket looks dam good & looks slim fit. Meaning not bulky like most b3 I have seen. I will most likely get 18 mm sheep skin. I know horsehide is extra 50 pounds. Did you get it or skip it? It defiantly adds weight thats for sure. Vs regular steer hide, I take it they will both last life time. Assuming proper care has been given etc

 

[Shin]

Thank you for your feed back man. Have said before & will say it again your jacket looks dam good & looks slim fit. Meaning not bulky like most b3 I have seen. I will most likely get 18 mm sheep skin. I know horsehide is extra 50 pounds. Did you get it or skip it? It defiantly adds weight thats for sure. Vs regular steer hide, I take it they will both last life time. Assuming proper care has been given etc

Yup I got the horsehide trim for +75 pounds extra I believe. Aero gives you horsehide on the get-go.
And thanks for your compliment!
It is indeed slim fit compared to other makers outside. The pit to pit is only 53 cm for size 38, compared to Eastman's 58 cm for the same size. So this is g reat since there won't be any pattern change at all, which can be quite costly, if you want to go for the non-bulky route.
Keep in mind that this fit is perfect for t-shirt + a light to midweight sweater combo, but yeah, not much layering options here.

 

[Ttown]

Yup I got the horsehide trim for +75 pounds extra I believe. Aero gives you horsehide on the get-go.
And thanks for your compliment!
It is indeed slim fit compared to other makers outside. The pit to pit is only 53 cm for size 38, compared to Eastman's 58 cm for the same size. So this is g reat since there won't be any pattern change at all, which can be quite costly, if you want to go for the non-bulky route.
Keep in mind that this fit is perfect for t-shirt + a light to midweight sweater combo, but yeah, not much layering options here.

It’s between b3 like yours or ANJ-4 but might just go with 22mm sheepskin & horse hide with 27 inch length. Since I just want to wear single shirt or very light skinny Marino wool sweater.

 

[Shin]

If it's too short, it's too short. If it's a serious thing you can't live with, do what you have to do... or live with it as-is right?

If it was my money, I could fully sympathize.

I'm with you all, which is why I'm having trouble fronting cash for a B-3 myself.

Having something *perfect*? It's not pie in the sky. you eventually have to make do with some imperfection in life.

I'm sorry if the Jacket was expensive and doesn't fit you the way it should. Hopefully you'll work something out.

I've scored Jackets that aren't right for me, and I have to agree, so don't get me wrong, you'll probably see a few of my Jackets winding up in the Classifieds here as well in due time.

That being said, I've seen short fitting B-3 Jackets and they're alright by me.

Yours really does look amazing on you all things considered.

hey DD, thanks for replying and the compliment
It's indeed an expensive piece so I expected perfection.
The short length is indeed a bummer so I'll try to contact the maker and see if we can work out something.
If it turns out to be too much of a hassle then I have no choice but to keep it as-is. I wouldn't be the first guy wearing a B3 this short so it wouldn't kill me, I guess.

 

[Shin]

It’s between b3 like yours or ANJ-4 but might just go with 22mm sheepskin & horse hide with 27 inch length. Since I just want to wear single shirt or very light skinny Marino wool sweater.

For what it's worth, if you're between the fence, here's how I see it:
The B3 is for looks, for the classic aviator image and for that WW 2 nostaglia.
The ANJ-4 is pure functionality and comfort. It doesn't quite have that WW 2 aviator looks since it was introduced late and people didn't associate it with the "bomber" looks.

So it depends what you prefer I guess. If you want an attention grabber the B3 is for you. If you want to have an understated subtle piece that caters to your own comfort, get the ANJ4.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I said they were a great business to deal with, meaning the communication etc.
Receiving a short jacket is unfortunate, but I think such things are not rarities.
I seem to remember that in the past, even Aero made a jacket that ended up a little bit short for one lounger here.

Check this topic:
https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/b3-jacket-correct-length.83412/

Also here is another example from Eastman (while the fit is spot on, I think you would also consider it to be short). Look how the jacket is hanging at or above his jeans' belt line):
https://www.vintageleatherjackets.org/threads/my-new-to-me-eastman-b-3.19925/

So in all fairness, no company is entire infalliable when it comes to customer's expectations and requirements.

I think the jackets in your links fit the customer better or borderline rather than obviously too short.

Guess I've had better luck when presenting custom measurements to Aero. They've all come out spec'ed correctly for me.

Eastman really doesn't offer custom sizing except for regular and long versions which is less or right on an inch difference, if I understand correctly.

I thought that SB used customer custom measurements that weren't strictly limited ( like Aero is usually not ).

I do hope that SB makes it right.

HD

 

[Shin]

I think the jackets in your links fit the customer better or borderline rather than obviously too short.

Guess I've had better luck when presenting custom measurements to Aero. They've all come out spec'ed correctly for me.

Eastman really doesn't offer custom sizing except for regular and long versions which is less or right on an inch difference, if I understand correctly.

I thought that SB used customer custom measurements that weren't strictly limited ( like Aero is usually not ).

I do hope that SB makes it right.

HD

Just talked a bit with Ken from Aero. According to him, the front of my zipper is indeed about 1 to 1.5 inches shorter than it should be.
Looks like the front length of my jacket has a problem.

 

[Blackadder]

Interesting that most focus on the length. It is indeed a tight fit for the OP and while wearing a Tee with a B-3 may seem cool on a movie star on a set etc. On the street, it simply looks weird to me wearing something that thick and heavy with only a tee underneath. It is a good fit for the OP if it is say a A-2, G-1, A-1 or even a D-1 or B-6. But B-3? Not in my opinion.

 

[Shin]

Interesting that most focus on the length. It is indeed a tight fit for the OP and while wearing a Tee with a B-3 may seem cool on a movie star on a set etc. On the street, it simply looks weird to me wearing something that thick and heavy with only a tee underneath. It is a good fit for the OP if it is say a A-2, G-1, A-1 or even a D-1 or B-6. But B-3? Not in my opinion.

I like a closer fit and I can wear a wool shirt underneath as well or a cashmere jumper.
I like the fit just fine. Leather jackets should be slim fitted anyway. A bulky B3 jacket, from my own aethestic point of view, would make you extremely fat because: 1/ it's already a heavy jacket and 2/ the thick sheepskin sometimes makes you look as if you have guts and fat rolls in your arms. Too bulky of a jacket and you'll end up looking like a bear.

 

[Goel]

Most of my jackets have a longer back length by about 2 inches as well. I guess it depends on exactly where you measure but I don't think that part is off. When it comes to winter jackets I find it's best to overestimate the length needed and end up happier when it gets really cold. I'm doing an 18mm ANJ4 with a 27 inch back myself, and I'm a little shorter than you.

 

[Blackadder]

I like a closer fit and I can wear a wool shirt underneath as well or a cashmere jumper.
I like the fit just fine. Leather jackets should be slim fitted anyway. A bulky B3 jacket, from my own aethestic point of view, would make you extremely fat because: 1/ it's already a heavy jacket and 2/ the thick sheepskin sometimes makes you look as if you have guts and fat rolls in your arms. Too bulky of a jacket and you'll end up looking like a bear.

To each his own. Leather jackets should be slim fitted is not necessary true for B-3 but I take it it is your personal preference. As to being a bear. Some people prefer those original style. Well, it is like those slim fitting MA-1. Some ppl do prefer the original cut that is bulky like a Michelin man. Same goes for a lot of military jackets that are layered design say a B-3 with a C-3 underneath. Why make a C-3 to go with it if the B-3 was meant to be slim fitting? Anyway, these clothing are fashion oriented now that they no longer serve the original purpose, anyone can find his/her own style.

 

[rocketeer]

Hi
So I just got my first B-3 jacket today. Length wise it feels a bit stranger than my usual leather jackets. Turns out the front length is actually shorter than the back length (whereas most of my leather jackets are the opposite). So the jacket ends up hanging juuust at my belt line. I know B-3s are supposed to be worn short, but do you think this is the right way to wear it?

I'm 188 cm or 6ft2, and the jacket's back length is 64 cm or 25.25 inches.

Anyways thanks for your advices.

20181205_113723

• Shin
• Dec 5, 2018

20181205_115043

• Shin
• Dec 5, 2018

This is me trying on a high waisted trousers to see if it helps with the front length shortness.

20181205_154201

• Shin
• Dec 5, 2018

More pictures are attached here:
https://imgur.com/a/YAXtO6N

That really looks great, the fit is spot on. Different lengths can look right or wrong on different people in photo's, I think any longer will look wron on you whereas Davs looks perfect on him.

Before proceeding I’ll say that NOBODY kills it in a B3 like Dav and that his reply should carry more weight than this or any that follow.

My opinion: Wow! Talk about NAILED IT! Gorgeous jacket and i think the fit looks just right. I think the slimness looks good on you and the sleeves are great.
I’ll add a caveat which i think should apply to all fit pics. Whenever a “how does this fit” picture is shown. However, how often do you assume a pose and will it be relevant to how you actually wear the jacket.
Edit* also, when you shoot a photo from a lower vantage it makes the jacket look short. Try posting one from the same angle as Dav.

"the wearer is standing still arms outstretched posing for lack of a better term" I believe this term is known as the 'Zombie Strangle' pose of which I have never seen anyone walking around or even driving a car with this look. If the cuffs would reach the wrists Zombie style, then I think they would be too long in the real world.

 

[bn1966]

I could live with your B-3

 

[Shin]

That really looks great, the fit is spot on. Different lengths can look right or wrong on different people in photo's, I think any longer will look wron on you whereas Davs looks perfect on him.


"the wearer is standing still arms outstretched posing for lack of a better term" I believe this term is known as the 'Zombie Strangle' pose of which I have never seen anyone walking around or even driving a car with this look. If the cuffs would reach the wrists Zombie style, then I think they would be too long in the real world.

Thank you!

I usually have problems with finding the right sleeve length as my arms are longer than average. Never had problems with jacket's length since my body proportions favor my limbs. When I opened this B3, I kept praying to myself that the sleeves would fit. Lo and behold, they fit just right! Then I realized the front felt a wee strange. According to the opinions I've gathered so far, the majority seems to think it might be an inch or two short. Some have also told me that it sits alright on my body because of how my arms are. Well, I can't believe there will come a day where I'd be fussing over an inch or an inch and a half in my jacket. But here I am.

 

[Bfd70]

For what it's worth, if you're between the fence, here's how I see it:
The B3 is for looks, for the classic aviator image and for that WW 2 nostaglia.
The ANJ-4 is pure functionality and comfort. It doesn't quite have that WW 2 aviator looks since it was introduced late and people didn't associate it with the "bomber" looks.

So it depends what you prefer I guess. If you want an attention grabber the B3 is for you. If you want to have an understated subtle piece that caters to your own comfort, get the ANJ4.

Have you owned an Anj?
Understated, subtle, and comfort are NOT the first three adjectives that come to mind.

 

[Shin]

Have you owned an Anj?
Understated, subtle, and comfort are NOT the first three adjectives that come to mind.

I tried it on a few times. I usually notice immediately that someone is wearing a B3 and it makes me think of some bombing run leaving destruction. An ANJ wouldn't grab my attention the way a B3 would. If you think differently then I guess we just got different eyes.

 

[Ttown]

Have you owned an Anj?
Understated, subtle, and comfort are NOT the first three adjectives that come to mind.

Hey bud your feed back will be greatly appreciated. I am getting one & it will be similar to yours. I think you had 19 mm sheepskin? Mine would be 18mm sheepskin. Hopefully can put it to good use in Chicago.

 

[Bfd70]

Who is making yours? I think the Anj is a great jacket. I find the usage range to be 32f (no sun) down to about 5f. After that nothing keeps me warm. Underarm footballs provide good mobility. Horsehide facings make elbow bending a bit of a workout. Collar is big but warm. Like most jackets designed in that era there is a conspicuous lack of usable pockets as compared to most modern offering.