Simmons Bilt Type B6 Flight Jacket / Aviator Sheepskin 18mm - Chocolate Brown

To say that Simmons Bilt goes the extra mile would be a massive understatement. The level of passion and detail that one can immediately spot in each garment is truly something that sets them apart from similar brands. Simmons Bilt was born out of a passion for vintage inspired outerwear, constructed from the best materials available and designed to last for generations. Their jackets and designs are rooted in that old-world manufacturing ethos that puts craftsmanship at the forefront. Simmons Bilt has a team of dedicated artisans, all working out of their workshop nestled in the scenic hills of Moffat, Scotland.


On the tag of each jacket you’ll quickly see it marked with their Northern California origins; founded in Oakland near the turn of the 20th century. Their current location, a facility in the misty lowlands of South Eastern Scotland, is staffed by several skilled needleworkers and leather experts. But what is so profound and different about Simmons Bilt is that each individual garment is meticulously constructed by one lone craftsman at a time (you will even see their name proudly written on the tag of each jacket). Simmons Bilt puts a face to their products, just as it should be, considering the amount of skill and personal pride that goes into constructing each one.


There are only a handful of manufacturers that can produce these jackets to such a high standard, and yet not only are they supreme in quality but also rich in historical value. Each jacket contains a story, and the B6 Flight Jacket which is so carefully crafted by Simmons Bilt is no exception. In fact, this particular design comes from a deep historical context.


The original B6 was born out of hard times and rough conditions. The world would soon be at war for the second time, and US Air Force pilots were in desperate need of clothing that was both functional and practical for their combat missions. It was first produced around 1939 and came as a somewhat improved version of the earlier B3 jacket. A key difference between the B6 and the B3 is its relatively light weight and slimmer cut, single leather throat latch, and angled slash pockets. The need to create this type of flight jacket was largely because the fighter aircraft at that time lacked any heating facilities whatsoever. Inside these aircraft, flying at frigidly high altitudes, the only source of heat for the pilots was going to come from their clothing. This clothing had to be carefully designed to accommodate the harshest conditions of aerial combat. Planes of that era could climb to high altitudes which exposed pilots to temperatures as low as −50 °C in the unpressurized, unheated cockpits of long-range aircraft. And even today, the Simmons Bilt B6 is just as warm, just as water-resistant, and just as tough. It’s made to all the same specifications that kept those airmen warm and comfortable.


So let’s dive into the design that was so integral to the success of American pilots. The B6 jacket was initially designed by the military to protect pilots with heavy insulation, tight closures around the waist, wrist, and neck, and a tough, weather-resistant exterior. In World War II, the performance materials of the day were all natural products, so flight jackets were constructed with sheepskin, fur, and tough leathers. The B6’s by Simmons Bilt stay true to these would-be “limitations” by using the exact same natural products to construct their contemporary version of the B6 Jacket. And just as the jackets of the mid-20th century maintained high performance with these natural materials, so too does this B6. The B6 itself is defined by its front-facing double pockets, side-zips, and its sleek shape despite containing all that beautiful wool. The collar is pronounced, loaded with pile, and gives the jacket its signature look.


This B6 Jacket in Chocolate Brown was custom made for Denim Heads Prague and includes exclusive details which were specifically picked by us.
The jacket boasts 18mm Aviator Sheepskin leather with wool intact, skillfully sewn together using a traditional ‘walking foot’ sewing machine. The zipper is a Universal brass zipper with a contrast strip of leather looped through for easier zipping with gloved hands. The distinct light brown leather trim which lines the front and side zip enclosures, shoulder seams, and center-back and rear mid-section provides a gorgeous contrast and adds to the uniqueness of this custom model. The neck strap is constructed from a single piece of leather, also in a contrast brown, and the heavy-duty snaps on the cuffs work with the neck strap to lock in heat even during the coldest, windiest conditions. The side zips at the waist can cinch in the jacket to make it tighter and more heat retaining. The two front diagonal hand warming pockets are snug but spacious, and will keep your hands nice and toasty. The jacket also comes fitted with a bi-swing back, allowing for greater range of motion and better overall mobility. Every detail has a purpose and has had extensive amounts of time and deep thought put into making every part perfect and precise.


Getting a jacket like this is akin to buying a piece of art. The artist, history, function, and inherent beauty are all front and center. These jackets are crafted to be worn for a lifetime and passed down from generation to generation. Just like most things that are definitively high in quality, the Simmons Bilt B6 has longevity, timelessness in its design, and beautiful balance in its look. It can be worn casually, or even worn over a shirt and tie for a slightly more formal look (which was not uncommon for USAAF pilots when off duty). This jacket, while a standout piece, is unique in its versatility. It can handle the coldest conditions, but because of its construction it can be worn open or easily taken off when it gets warmer; no excessive layering required. Throw it over a T-shirt and you’re good to go in the fall and even winter months. This jacket is made with all natural and raw materials, so please understand that the jacket will have an initial break in period and then slowly conform to your proportions over time. The Simmons Bilt B6 experiences life with you and becomes that much more “you” as it wears in and patinas over time.


Come on by and try one on, we are excited to be able to offer such a significant piece of clothing in our store.


* 18mm Aviator leather
* Universal zipper (brass)
* Single leather buckle neck closing
* Two hand warming pockets
* Snap button cuffs closing
* Two side zipper adjustment closings

Made in Scotland