Take their flight jacket, for instance. It’s based on the G-1, which started life as the M-422A in the 1930s for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps pilots before being officially standardized as the G-1 in 1947. This jacket didn’t just keep aviators warm—it became an icon, thanks to its classic design (and a little Hollywood magic courtesy of Top Gun). Buck Mason’s take stays true to the OG, featuring a buttery goatskin outer and a shearling collar. The fit is relaxed but cropped just enough to make your upper body look like it belongs in a recruitment poster. Now all you need is a pair of aviators and a questionable urge to enroll in flight school.
Best Era-Authentic Shearling Coat: Schott Genuine Sheepskin Bomber Jacket
Schott
Genuine Shearling Collar Sheepskin Bomber Jacket
Pros & Cons
Pros
- A minimal approach to a classic B-3 jacket
- Made in the USA
Cons
- There are no adjustable leather waist or neck straps
Our 2025 wardrobe essentials for men include a leather jacket from Schott—because when it comes to Perfecto leathers, they’re the undisputed champs. But don’t sleep on their shearling game. Schott’s take on the classic B-3 bomber jacket nails the details with precision. This beast features a thick, plush shearling lining—left exposed at the collar, cuffs, and hem—for insulation that practically shrugs off winter's cold-weather wrath.
They’ve given it an updated touch by ditching the adjustable leather straps at the waist and neck found on some versions. But with a heavy-duty zipper ready to take on the elements and buttery-soft leather—all made in the USA—Schott makes a strong case for being your one-stop shop for killer outerwear.
Best Shearling Coat for Italian Playboys: Valstar Suede Shearling Rancher Jacket
Valstar
Suede Shearling Rancher Jacket
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Boxier fit, so it’s easier to layer with
- Two large-as-hell front pockets
Cons
- Would like buttons or snaps for adjustable wrists
The Italian label—over a century old—built its reputation on a handsome-ass suede jacket, so naturally, they already had half of what it takes to make a killer shearling coat. Enter the Ernest rancher jacket, a soon-to-be mainstay in their collection. This jacket blends the tough functionality of workwear with the effortless swagger of Western wear. Cut from sheepskin shearling, it’s made in Italy and features two large patch pockets, plus thoughtful details like a curved back yoke reminiscent of a classic Western shirt. I imagine a cowboy tipping his hat while brewing espresso in a moka pot would wear this—pure, grit with charm.
Best Shearling Coat for Fashion Guys: Prada Nappa Leather and Shearling Jacket
Prada
Nappa Leather and Shearling Jacket
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Anatomical sleeves that contour to your shape
- Adjustable leather straps at the waist and wrists
Cons
- Might want to purchase a few scratch-offs before attempting to cop this
Prada knows a thing or two about dressing stars—just check the price tag on their shearling coat. It’s got the Hollywood budget to match, and it’s easily the furthest departure from a classic shearling silhouette. But that’s not a bad thing. Prada’s take is made from Nappa leather, a buttery-soft full-grain leather typically made from sheepskin, lambskin, or calfskin. Unlike corrected-grain leathers, Nappa is left mostly untouched, preserving its natural texture and developing a patina that’s uniquely yours—kind of like fine wine, but, you know, wearable.
Beyond the high-quality leather and shearling collar, where your money really goes is in the sleeves. Prada uses anatomical sleeves, designed to follow the natural movement of your arms for better mobility, comfort, and fit. That means less resistance and no awkward bunching when you bend your elbow—practicality at its peak, especially for a $15K coat. Not too shabby, right? The exterior looks burnished, but it’s actually achieved through a bleaching treatment, giving it that perfectly broken-in look straight off the rack. Now, I'm just waiting to see what NBA player will be strutting into the arena before Game 7 in this.
More Shearling Coats We Love
Todd Snyder Shearling Chore Jacket
Todd Snyder
Shearling Chore Jacket
A chore coat is function at its finest—but Todd Snyder decided to flip the script. His take swaps out the usual workwear fabric for a sumptuous calf leather on the outside and lush lamb shearling on the inside, resulting in a downright luxe made in Italy masterpiece. It’s an investment, no doubt, but hey—it’s on sale. So at least your wallet won’t cry as hard.
Banana Republic Shearling Rancher Jacket
Banana Republic
Shearling Rancher Jacket
Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or trapped in a particularly large pile of outdated khakis), you should know by now—Banana Republic is back back! Don’t believe me? Just feast your eyes on this shearling ranch jacket. Scoring something this outrageous at your local mall feels borderline illegal—but hey, who am I to call the fashion police?
J.Crew Suede Double-Breasted Coat With Italian Merino Shearling
J.Crew
Suede Double-Breasted Coat With Italian Merino Shearling
A shearling jacket is already a pretty bonkers style move, but a double-breasted one is out of the style-o-sphere. Go headfirst into the Northeast aesthetic by pairing it with one of their classic rugby shirts—you’ll look like you just stepped out of a 90s fever dream (in the best way possible).
Entire Studios Bulk Shearling Jacket
Entire Studios
Bulk Shearling Jacket
Already dominating the best zip-up hoodies and puffer jackets, Entire Studios is now coming for the outerwear throne with its cracked lambskin jacket. It’s like they’ve been training in the fashion equivalent of a heavyweight gym—ready to knock out the competition, one stylish coat at a time.
Bode Ranch Reversible Shearling Coat
Bode
Ranch Reversible Shearling Coat
From see-through shirts to embroidered one-of-one tops, Bode knows how to dress the man who sweats the details—not to mention the GQ Bowl, where she debuted her Spring 2025 Bode Rec. collection. It’s her focus on history that makes the brand stand out, which is evident in her reversible 1950s ranch-style coat. You’re pretty much getting two jackets in one.
Alex Mill Owen Barry x Alex Mill Amy Aviator Shearling Coat
Alex Mill
Owen Barry x Alex Mill Amy Aviator Shearling Coat
We've proven it’s more than okay to shop across the aisle for some fit inspiration. Alex Mill joined forces with the family-owned British maker Owen Barry to handcraft this jacket using recycled Icelandic shearling—and the result? An absolutely stunning B-3-inspired coat that might just make you rethink your whole wardrobe.
The Real McCoy’s Type B-3 Shearling Jacket
The Real McCoy's
Type B-3 Shearling Jacket
No one does repros quite like The Real McCoy’s, and this is yet another shining example. From the brass DOT button closures to the 40s-style, bell-shaped Talon front zipper, and of course, the fit—if you want 'em just like they used to make 'em, look no further.
Wait, What Is Shearling?
Glad you asked. Shearling is made from sheepskin with the wool still attached, which is then tanned with the fleece intact, yielding a soft, insulating material that’s warm and breathable. The highest-quality shearling comes from lambs, giving it a finer, denser texture, though some versions use mature sheep for a more hardy feel.
Folks from nomadic tribes to European shepherds have relied on shearling for warmth since ancient times, but it really took off—sorry—in the military. During World War I and II, shearling coats became essential gear for pilots braving brutal altitudes in open-air cockpits. The B-3 bomber jacket, introduced in the 1930s, remains one of the most iconic shearling designs in history, famously worn by US Army Air Corps pilots for decades. Crucially, these coats weren’t just about looking good—they were survival gear, built for maximum insulation in subzero conditions.
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Style is subjective, we know—that’s the fun of it. But we’re serious about helping our audience get dressed. Whether it’s the best white sneakers, the flyest affordable suits, or the need-to-know menswear drops of the week, GQ Recommends’ perspective is built on years of hands-on experience, an insider awareness of what’s in and what’s next, and a mission to find the best version of everything out there, at every price point.
