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Designed for utility purposes, the field jacket was created
specifically for military practicality. And like all things functional and
really useful, it guaranteed longevity. The influence of the military on modern
men's clothing is vast; the trench coat, bomber jacket, and chinos are good
examples. Like the military jacket. The best known variant is the M-65 military
jacket, identifiable by its two pockets on the hip and two on the chest, often
olive green.
In civilian life, it has translated into a similar
purpose: as a tough,
everyday outerwear
garment. It is generally a casual garment, which goes very well with sneakers
and jeans. However, modern iterations have resulted in a variety of styles,
including more formal styles that can be worn as a hybrid between a blazer and
coat during the colder spring and fall months. Whatever your preference, read
on for a brief history of the M-65 military jacket, a selection of our top
picks, and how to wear it in a modern way.
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History
The original US military design was designed to MIL-C-43455,
with the M-1965 field jacket (abbreviated M-65) with a straight front and
water-repellent fabric. The M-65 was introduced to US military service in 1965,
replacing the M-51 field jacket, which itself was an improvement on the M-43
field jacket used in WWII. Major advancements included snap closures for
pockets and a zipper, the latter replacing buttons (to prevent them from
snagging in obstructions while crawling), stronger fabrics, a built-in hood
that can be rolled into a pocket at the back and velcro closures on the sleeve
and collar. Other features include shoulder pads and a drawstring around the
waist.
country jacket
Elvis Presley wearing an M-51 field jacket, while in
Germany and served in the US Army.
Robert De Niro wears a field jacket in the 1976 film Taxi
Driver
Mary and Ernest Hemingway in 1953 on expedition in Kenya
The M-65 field jacket gained its stripes during the Vietnam
War when it was widely used by American forces. It was ideal for the cool
weather situations after the monsoon rains. It remained in service until the
late 1980s, when it was superseded by a similar iteration as part of the United
States Army Combat Clothing Uniform (BDU). The EDR was issued until 2005, when
it was replaced by the army combat uniform used today.
Today
The field jacket, despite its roots firmly in military
history, was equally popular with the civilian population. As for why, the
questions remain unanswered. Some think it was an ironic icon of peace, while
others, less romantically, think it was due to an army surplus after the
Vietnam War that made price cuts possible.
The country jacket was popularized in mainstream culture by
celebrities like Elvis Presley and Robert De Niro in the 1976 film Taxi Driver.
We believe it became a menswear icon through a combination of all three, but
mainly because it is very practical and as useful as an everyday jacket. There
are a plethora of handy pockets available to hold purses and phones (modern
man's combat essentials), and the M-65 mid-weight cotton construction makes it
perfect for those transitional months between seasons.
Alpha Industries M-65 USA Classic Military Field Coat,
Made to Military Spec
Companies like Alpha Industries still produce their M-65 to
standard quality today, but many contemporary fashion brands have reinterpreted
it. Changes in fabrics, fit and color have evolved the field jacket for today's
tastes, ensuring that this "highly decorated" military legend lives
beyond the battlefield.
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How to wear the Field jacket
The M-65 country jacket is worn casually with a pair of
sturdy denim jeans, sneakers, and a crew neck T-shirt under a chambray shirt
(open or buttoned). Add a beanie to warm it up on brisk mornings and lose your
shirt in the height of summer. A typical field jacket is
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