I ordered a custom Lightweight Irvin Sheepskin Jacket from Aviation Leathercraft (MotoLita) and it arrived yesterday, as promised, three working weeks after it was ordered.

I had decided on a jacket is using the lightweight fleece with the regular length body but the sleeve length of the long fitting. I also asked for a belt to have the same style as the heavier Irvin RAF Sheepskin Jacket . I had tried the heavier jacket but found it too heavy for my liking. For me the body length of the long fitting was too long but I needed the sleeve length so I decided to order a jacket custom made. They will make the custom size without any extra charge but the belt was and extra £15.50 plus VAT.

Their jackets may not be the least expensive but the quality is very high and I am very pleased with the result. The jacket is just wonderful with superb craftsmanship, the soft leather and fleece make it very comfortable and it fits me perfectly.

Usual disclaimers............just a happy customer etc. etc.

I have their full Irvin jacket; 'er indoors bought it for me for chrimbo & I'm thrilled with it. It is indeed heavy - 5kg in fact, but I have never owned a warmer garment. Even driving top down this winter in minus 6° I didn't feel even slightly chilly. I think I'm going to have to buy a lightweight one too for use in less extreme conditions

I tried a sheepskin flying jacket on today, but found it to be too short for my liking. Sounds like the long-length Irvin might suit me better - although the sleeves may then be too long (short arms, long pockets - as anyone in the pub would testify!). A custom made seems to be the most sensible way forward.

Alan. I recommend a trip to the MotoLita factory. If you go in the Morgan drive in the "out" road or you risk getting stuck on the speed hump.

You can try on for size and they will make what you want.

Hi guys .. maybe a photo or two?
M

Googled it. Fabulous!

I got my jacket made to measure by Cirrus Aviation over in Norfolk. You can specify the wool length, colour, body length, and any other dimension you wish. The lady who made my jacket was extremely knowledgeable about appropriate dimensions and sizes to make it more practical for use in a car - for example the standard Irvin pattern can prove a bit restrictive for some people in the area of arm movement when twirling a steering wheel. I paid around GBP500 in 2007 for my jacket, and it took just over 2 weeks from order to delivery.

I'm sure Aviation Leathercraft are excellent, just providing an alternative. No commercial connection, just a very satisfied customer

As well as my aviation leathercraft jacket we have an ex RAF Irving jacket we were given by my cousin - unfortunately too small for me but fine for the wife. The leather & lining are still in good condition, but a lot of the stitching has perished. Any ideas for someone who might be able to re-stitch it ?

I tried on an Irving at a classic car show and found it too heavy and bulky. Ended up buying a sheepskin flying jacket from Holden (nice that the jacket is made locally in Bromyard). It warm, light (ish) and very nicely made but part of me wishes I'd looked a bit harder at Irving and discovered their lighter version!

Giles, Try telephoning Eastman Leather Clothing, Ivybridge, Devon. 00441752896874. They were very helpful when I needed a repair.They make replica clothing for films etc. I have some of their stuff.