Buzz Rickson Men's B-15B Flight Jacket with Rayon Cotton Shell and Alpaca Wool Pile Lining - USAAF Aero Medical Laboratory Test Sample Bomber Jacket Reproduction - Made in Japan (BR15741 Olive)

Buzz Rickson Men's B-15B Flight Jacket with Rayon Cotton Shell and Alpaca Wool Pile Lining - USAAF Aero Medical Laboratory Test Sample Bomber Jacket Reproduction - Made in Japan (BR15741 Olive)

Buzz Rickson

This men's B-15B flight jacket features an olive rayon-cotton blend outer shell and is made in Japan by Buzz Rickson, a militarywear-focused brand under Toyo Enterprises renowned for its vintage-inspired craftsmanship. Part of Buzz Rickson's U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) collection, this model is a faithful reproduction of a Type B-15B flying jacket test sample, also known as a bomber jacket, originally prototyped by the Aero Medical Laboratory during World War II. Developed as part of an experimental program to improve flight crew apparel, this jacket captures the rare pre-production specifications that preceded the standardized B-15B model. Expertly crafted with the brand's signature attention to detail, it has been reproduced to retain the authentic specifications, historical accuracy, and rugged character of a rare American military jacket, while blending naturally into today's casual style and bridging heritage aesthetics with modern wearability. This jacket is constructed with a two-layer design to provide enhanced warmth and durability. The outer shell is a rayon-cotton blend (50% rayon / 50% cotton) in an olive drab shade, featuring a fine, line-like weave with a distinctive horizontal grain and subtle tone-on-tone streaking. This shell fabric was experimentally employed during the developmental phase that preceded the official adoption of nylon as the standard outer material for flight jackets. The lining is a full alpaca-wool pile (50% wool / 50% alpaca) that extends through the body and sleeves to provide superior insulation. Additional authentic period details include a genuine sheepskin mouton collar with an integrated throat latch sewn to the underside of the left collar, designed to fasten across the neck for added wind protection and period-correct functionality. The jacket also features wool knit cuffs and a wool knit waistband that help retain warmth while providing natural stretch for ease of movement. The front uses a CROWN automatic-lock aluminum zipper closure with a spring-loaded puller in an offset configuration, backed by a zigzag-stitched internal storm flap for additional wind resistance. For storage, the jacket is equipped with two diagonally cut snap-closure hand-warmer pockets, a utility pocket on the left sleeve with a zip closure and four pen or pencil slots, and two interior vertical side-entry snap-closure pockets, one on each side, for secure internal storage. Additional flight-ready details include a rectangular horsehide oxygen mask tab positioned along the front zipper near the left chest, as well as two snap-down radio wire tabs located near the underarm area to help route and secure communication cables. This jacket is offered in U.S./EU sizes and features a regular fit that is neither too tight nor too loose, with a cropped length. The shorter body not only recreates the authentic silhouette of the vintage B-15B flight jacket but also minimizes excess fabric and prevents bunching when seated. A new original release from Buzz Rickson, it seamlessly combines vintage military aesthetics with the brand's renowned commitment to historical accuracy and craftsmanship.

Gender: Men.

Fit: This jacket is offered in U.S./EU sizes and features a regular fit that is neither too tight nor too loose, with a cropped length. The shorter body not only recreates the authentic silhouette of the vintage B-15B flight jacket but also minimizes excess fabric and prevents bunching when seated. To ensure a comfortable fit, please refer to the actual garment measurements listed below. All measurements are taken with the garment laid flat and are provided in both centimeters and inches. Please note that slight variations may occur due to manual measurement. Fit may also vary depending on the design of each style as well as individual preference. For best results, we recommend comparing these measurements with a similar garment you already own.

Our model is wearing a size 36. He stands 5'9" (175 cm) tall, weighs 127 lbs (58 kg), and has a 36-inch (91 cm) chest. He typically wears a US/EU size S (36) in most garments.

Available Sizes.

･Size 36: generally recommended for those who wear a US/EU size S or 36

･Size 38: generally recommended for those who wear a US/EU size M or 38

･Size 40: generally recommended for those who wear a US/EU size L or 40

･Size 42: generally recommended for those who wear a US/EU size XL or 42

･Size 44: generally recommended for those who wear a US/EU size XXL or 44

The following measurements show the garment itself, not your own body.
Please compare them with a similar piece from your wardrobe to get a better sense of fit.

In inches
･Size 36__Width: 21.3"__Length: 24.0"__Sleeve: 32.7"(24.0")__Shoulder: 17.3"
･Size 38__Width: 22.0"__Length: 24.8"__Sleeve: 33.9"(24.8")__Shoulder: 18.1"
･Size 40__Width: 22.8"__Length: 25.6"__Sleeve: 35.0"(25.6")__Shoulder: 18.9"
･Size 42__Width: 24.0"__Length: 26.0"__Sleeve: 35.8"(26.4")__Shoulder: 18.9"
･Size 44__Width: 25.2"__Length: 26.0"__Sleeve: 37.0"(27.2")__Shoulder: 19.7"

In centimeters
･Size 36__Width: 54cm__Length: 61cm__Sleeve: 83cm(61cm)__Shoulder: 44cm
･Size 38__Width: 56cm__Length: 63cm__Sleeve: 86cm(63cm)__Shoulder: 46cm
･Size 40__Width: 58cm__Length: 65cm__Sleeve: 89cm(65cm)__Shoulder: 48cm
･Size 42__Width: 61cm__Length: 66cm__Sleeve: 91cm(67cm)__Shoulder: 48cm
･Size 44__Width: 64cm__Length: 66cm__Sleeve: 94cm(69cm)__Shoulder: 50cm

Width is half chest: Lay the clothing flat and measure 3 cm under the armhole. Measure from side to side.

Sleeve is measured from center back of base of collar seam to the end of the cuff.

Sleeve length in parentheses is measured from top of the shoulder seam to end of cuff.

Shoulder Width: Measured straight across the back from the tip of one shoulder seam to the other.

Body Length: Measured from the base of the back collar (where the collar meets the body) straight down to the bottom hem.

Made in Japan.
Brand new with tags, in unused condition.
*All measurements are taken with the garment laid flat.
*Please note that slight variations in measurements may occur.
*Actual color may differ slightly from the photos due to lighting and screen settings.

Outer shell fabric: The outer shell is made from a high-density rayon-cotton blend (50% rayon / 50% cotton) in an olive drab shade. This non-stretch material is tightly woven for durability and a firm, structured hand, while the rayon content adds a supple feel. Viewed up close, the surface shows a fine, line-like weave with a distinctive horizontal grain and subtle tone-on-tone streaking. These slight variations in the yarns create a gently irregular, slub-like texture that gives the fabric a rugged, military-inspired character.

Lining (Body and Sleeves): The body and sleeves are fully lined with an alpaca-wool pile fabric composed of 50% alpaca and 50% wool. This natural fiber blend offers excellent thermal insulation and retains warmth effectively in cold weather. The texture is slightly coarse compared with modern synthetic linings, but it performs extremely well at maintaining body heat during the fall and winter seasons. Unlike synthetic padded insulation, this pile lining delivers substantial warmth while minimizing bulk. Please note that, due to the natural texture of the lining, you may notice a slight sense of friction when putting the jacket on or taking it off, and some fibers from the lining may transfer onto your inner garments.

Closure / Placket Construction: The jacket features an offset CROWN zipper with an internal storm flap reinforced by zigzag stitching for improved wind resistance. A genuine horsehide leather pull tab ensures easy operation even while wearing gloves. The closure design is historically accurate to vintage military garments.

About the CROWN Zipper: This garment is equipped with a CROWN automatic-lock aluminum zipper with a spring-loaded puller ("Automatic Lock Aluminum Spring Puller Zipper"). The puller uses CROWN's original spring cam-lock mechanism, in which an internal spring automatically pushes the slider down when the pull tab is released, engaging the lock. This automatic-lock function prevents the slider from creeping down on its own, even when the garment is under tension or subjected to movement and vibration during wear. To open or close the zipper, the wearer simply lifts the pull tab, releasing the spring tension and disengaging the lock so the slider can move smoothly along the teeth. Toyo Enterprises has revived the CROWN zipper for the modern era by combining carefully preserved original components with newly re-engineered reproduction parts, faithfully recreating the slider's distinctive functional beauty and period-correct design. Collar Construction: The collar features a genuine mouton fur panel backed with a rayon-cotton blend fabric that helps it maintain its shape and allows it to stand when needed. The sheepskin mouton fur provides thermal insulation and wind resistance. A fixed, non-detachable throat latch (chin strap) with a buttonhole is sewn to the underside of the folded-over left portion of the collar. On the corresponding right-rear side of the collar, two horizontally aligned buttons are positioned to allow for a two-step closure. This configuration enables the wearer to raise the collar and fasten the throat latch in either position, providing adjustable protection against wind and cold. When not in use, the throat latch can be neatly secured to a keeper button on the back of the left collar, maintaining a streamlined, unobstructed profile.

Pocket Configuration: The jacket features a multi-functional pocket arrangement. On the front torso, two diagonally slanted, single-welt hand-warmer pockets with snap closures are positioned near the center. These pockets are lined with cotton corduroy to help keep the hands warm. Inside the jacket, two vertical side-entry pockets are integrated into the lining and secured with snap closures; they are lined with unbleached cotton drill. In addition, a utility pocket is mounted on the upper left sleeve, commonly referred to as a cigarette pocket, and is secured with a metal zipper fitted with a genuine horsehide leather pull tab that can be easily operated while wearing gloves. This sleeve-mounted pocket also incorporates four pen or pencil slots.

Cuffs and Waistband: The cuffs and waistband are constructed from a 100% wool rib knit that offers both elasticity and thermal retention. They are made in a folded, double-layer structure to help prevent cold air from entering. The rib knit on the cuffs transitions from a finer (higher-gauge) texture at the opening to a coarser (lower-gauge) knit toward the base of the cuff, creating a snug yet flexible fit that effectively seals out wind and cold.

Pattern Type: Solid color with no printed insignia. This model faithfully reproduces a pre-issue test sample that was produced before the jacket type was officially adopted, so the U.S. Air Forces marking that would normally appear on the left shoulder is deliberately omitted, just as on the original vintage test sample.

Sleeve Style: Set-in sleeves.

Sleeve Length: Full-length sleeves.

Neck Label: Woven neck label at the back of the collar reads "EXPERIMENTAL TEST SAMPLE, PERSONAL EQUIPMENT LABORATORY, AIR TECH. SERV. COMMAND, AERO MEDICAL LABORATORY CLOTHING BRANCH."

Additional Functional Details: A rectangular oxygen mask tab made from genuine horsehide leather is sewn vertically along the front zipper near the left chest. This tab is designed to secure an oxygen mask retainer clip, as seen on original military flight jackets. In addition, two snap-down radio wire tabs are positioned near the underarm area on each side of the jacket to manage and secure headset and microphone wiring leads, helping to prevent entanglement during use. These tabs provide effective cable management and help prevent interference with flight operations, in keeping with specifications found on mid-war and late-war U.S. Army Air Forces flight garments.

Model Name: BR15741 Buzz Rickson Men's Wool Alpaca Sherpa Lined Cotton Jacket - Reproduction of the USAAF Type B-15B Test Sample by AERO MEDICAL LABORATORY / Replica of the U.S. Army Air Forces Type B-15B Experimental Flight Jacket - AERO MEDICAL LABORATORY Development Model / Men's Military Cold-Weather Bomber Jacket / Vintage-Style Pilot Outerwear / Reissue of the Prototype B-15B Military Flying Jacket.


About the B-15 Flight Jacket Series

･The B-15 series represents a pivotal stage in the evolution of U.S. Army Air Forces flight jackets, introduced as the successor to the earlier B-10 model (circa 1943). The initial Type B-15, adopted in the mid-1940s during World War II, featured an olive drab cotton twill outer shell paired with an alpaca-wool pile lining.

･Over time, the B-15 was refined into several sub-models to meet the evolving needs of aircrew and to keep pace with technological advancements in aviation:

･B-15A: Retained the same cotton-and-alpaca construction but introduced an offset zipper closure designed to reduce interference with oxygen masks, parachute harnesses, and other flight equipment.

･B-15B: Marked the transition to synthetic materials, using an olive drab nylon outer shell with a wool-cotton pile insulation layer. This change improved water resistance and reduced weight while maintaining thermal performance.

･B-15C: Further standardized the design with a U.S. Air Force "Air Force Blue" nylon shell, introduced after the establishment of the independent USAF in 1947.

･B-15D: The final variant in the series, featuring a sage green nylon shell with a pile insulation layer. This updated color aligned with new USAF uniform specifications introduced in the early 1950s.

･The B-15 series also served as the developmental foundation for the Modified (MOD.) variants, which eliminated the mouton fur collar and replaced it with a wool knit collar. This modification reduced bulk around the neck and improved compatibility with pilot helmets and communication gear, ultimately paving the way for the development of the iconic MA-1 flight jacket.


AERO MEDICAL LABORATORY: Experimental Garment Development

･The AERO MEDICAL LABORATORY functioned as a U.S. military research and testing organization responsible for the ergonomic and functional optimization of aviation garments and life-support equipment. Garment prototypes, commonly referred to as test samples or developmental pre-spec models, were produced in extremely limited numbers and issued to select flight personnel for in-field evaluation.

･These garments underwent real-world testing, after which design specifications were refined and finalized for standardization and mass production. Due to the urgency of wartime research and development, many prototypes incorporated non-standard materials or construction methods that did not appear in later production models.

･An example is the B-15B test sample, which predated the official B-15B specification and was constructed from a rayon-blend cotton twill shell, in contrast to the standardized nylon shell used in mass production. These developmental jackets are exceedingly rare and are regarded as artifacts of transitional military garment engineering. As pre-standardization prototypes, they often lack certain production-level features, such as the Air Forces insignia stencil on the left sleeve.


Product Summary: Reproduction of B-15B Test Sample

･This jacket is a faithful reproduction of an original B-15B test sample. Every aspect, from the texture of the fabric to the construction specifications, has been meticulously recreated to mirror the authentic prototype. Most notably, the use of a rayon-blend cotton shell, an exceptionally rare feature found only on experimental models, stands as the jacket's most distinctive and compelling characteristic.


Care Instructions
･This garment cannot be washed at home (Do Not Wash).
･Chlorine and oxygen-based bleach must not be used (Do Not Bleach).
･Do not iron this item (Do Not Iron).
･Dry cleaning is not permitted (Do Not Dryclean).
･For any cleaning or maintenance, please consult a professional leather or specialty garment cleaner.

Aftercare for TOYS McCOY's Flight Jackets (Cotton & Nylon)

･Washing, tumble drying, or dry cleaning is not recommended for TOYS McCOY's flight jackets. These garments are made using a variety of natural materials to ensure authentic reproduction, and improper cleaning methods can cause serious damage or distortion to the overall shape.

･Each jacket combines several materials that are sensitive to water and heat-such as mouton collars, wool-pile or alpaca-mohair linings, and wool ribbing at the cuffs, hem, and collar, as well as leather parts. Exposure to moisture or high temperatures may cause shrinkage, warping, or other permanent changes.

･Please also note that some models feature an "Air Force" insignia applied with heat transfer film, faithfully reproduced using special ink identical to the original. Dry cleaning may cause this mark to fade or disappear completely.

･If the jacket becomes heavily soiled, the safest method is to wipe the surface gently with a soft cloth dampened with diluted neutral detergent. Always test on an inconspicuous area first, as discoloration or uneven fading may occur.