Style guide
The aviator jacket, explained
A bomber with a sheepskin collar and the warmest cut we make. How the aviator differs from a bomber, how to fit the collar and how to look after it.
What makes an aviator
An aviator is a bomber built for cold: the same straight zip and ribbed knit hem and cuffs, with a sheepskin collar that turns up against the wind and a quilted body underneath. The original flight jackets were sheepskin inside and out; ours keep the collar and the shape in a lighter, wearable weight.
- Sheepskin collar, usually with a throat tab or snap
- Straight front zip with a storm flap
- Ribbed knit hem and cuffs
- Two flap pockets, sometimes a sleeve pocket
- Roomy through the body for layers
Our Aviator and Aviator Women's are cut in sheepskin nappa with a sheepskin collar and a quilted lining.
Who it suits
Anyone whose winter has frost. The aviator is the one leather jacket we make that replaces a coat on a cold day, and the collar is the reason: turned up and snapped, it covers the neck to the jaw. It suits people who want warmth without a long coat.
How it should fit
Roomy but not loose. You will wear a knit under it, so check the fit with one on: the zip should close with a hand's width of ease, the knit hem should sit at the waist and grip, and the sleeves should reach the wrist bone with the arm bent. The collar should sit flat on the shoulders when down and meet under the chin when up. If the collar gapes at the back, the chest is too big; go down a size.
Leather, colour and care
The body is sheepskin nappa; the collar is sheepskin with the wool on. Dark brown and cognac are the classic aviator colours; black with a dark collar is the quieter version. The collar needs its own care: brush it with a soft brush when it flattens, keep it dry, and never use leather balm on the wool side. The care guide has the full routine.
Aviator or bomber?
Same cut, different season. The Pilot bomber has a shirt collar and is lighter, better under a coat and easier indoors; the aviator is for the days you would otherwise wear a coat. Many people own one of each and wear the bomber nine months of the year.
Embroidery
The aviator's back and chest take embroidery like the bomber; the collar does not. Flight-style patches on the chest and a plaque on the back are the classic placements. See the embroidery page.
Make it yours
The aviator collar is not in the builder yet; build a Pilot in the same cut, or write to us for an aviator in your size.
