J Peterman WW2 Type C-3 Shearling Leather Bomber Vest Large Military USAAF

The J Peterman version of the classic C-3 vest. Made from brown lamb leather and lined with shearling. Men's size large, shearling lined pockets, 52" at chest and 30" in length with full zip and leather pull. In excellent condition, looks unworn. History of the vest: The U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAF) Type C-3 vest was a shearling sheepskin vest standardized in 1936 as a cold-weather undergarment, intended to be worn under flight jackets like the A-2 or B-6 for added insulation. Its simple design featured a frontal zip closure and was made of shearling sheepskin to provide warmth in high-altitude flying conditions. The C-3 vest became a popular optional item, and its design is still replicated today in vintage and reproduction clothing. Purpose: The C-3 was designed as an additional layer of insulation, worn under other flying jackets or suits to provide warmth for aircrews flying at high altitudes. Standardization: It was standardized by the USAAF on May 28, 1936. Construction: It was typically made from shearling sheepskin, featuring a simple, 8-piece construction with a brass zip closure down the front. Function: The vest's primary function was to provide warmth. The shearling fleece provided a layer of insulation, and it was designed to complement other flight jackets without being bulky. Popularity: The C-3 became a popular optional garment because of its versatility and effective insulation, even though it is less well-known than some other USAAF flight clothing.