From bomber jackets to cargo pants, some of my favorite clothes are inspired by pieces that originated as military-issued garments.
Even when I'm not actively searching for military aesthetics, the influence can be seen all throughout menswear for two main reasons: timeless style and everyday practicality.
Despite how impactful military attire has been on my wardrobe, only one style had eluded me — a nice leather flight jacket. That was until I found Quince's Shearling Collar Leather Flight Jacket, a $200 take on the iconic style that still checks off all the boxes.
Made from genuine sheepskin leather and sheep shearling, Quince's Leather Flight Jacket is an affordable and stylish variation of the iconic B-3 bomber jacket.
Quince's affordable take is lighter weight and more flexible
Quince is known for classic and trendy styles at affordable prices, and this jacket was no miss. Taking inspiration from military flight jackets of the early-to-mid 1900s, the design combines classic elements of B-3, A-1, and A-2 bomber jackets, which were originally made for World War I and II pilots who had to withstand freezing temperatures and high altitudes.
Inspired by the traditional A-1 and A-2 designs, Quince's modernized flight jacket uses genuine top-grain sheep leather on the body, a cotton lining, and a knit waistband and cuffs. The genuine sheep shearling on the collar is reminiscent of the B-3's full shearling design but makes it a little lighter for daily use.
While the lack of a full shearling interior means this jacket isn't quite as warm as an authentic B-3 flight jacket, I actually prefer it this way. The Quince Shearling Collar Leather Flight Jacket is the perfect weight to comfortably wear throughout the fall. I'm not going on any sky-high missions in this jacket, and you probably aren't either.
At $200, the materials used are truly impressive. The leather looks slightly aged for a vintage look, the shearling is both stylish and warm when popped up and worn around the neck, and the hardware feels solid and sturdy. I've seen similarly priced jackets made using faux leather and shearling that completely miss the mark for me.
Quince's version is the ideal solution for anyone who doesn't want to spend close to $1,000 (or more, depending on the brand) on a flight jacket. Yes, you'll sacrifice some quality — especially when it comes to seam construction and tailoring — but it's worth it to me for the cost savings.
Sizing and fit
Authentic flight jackets or bombers are designed to be slightly fitted when zipped up and fall slightly below the waist. I'm 5-foot-5, wearing a size medium, and got the perfect true-to-size fit. If you're in between two sizes or you're specifically looking for an oversized fit, I'd recommend sizing up.
Read our full Quince review to learn more about our takes on sizing and fit.
The bottom line
Quince's Shearling Collar Leather Flight Jacket is one of the best menswear deals I've seen in a long time, and it didn't have to go on sale to achieve that.
If you've been looking for a military-inspired leather bomber that uses genuine materials but won't break the bank, this is an excellent choice.
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