What you wear every day, if not the majority of it, began its existence in battle. Your go-to white T-shirt, those chinos, and that bomber jacket all originated in military uniforms rather than designer mood boards over the years as they slowly made the switch from combat to civilian wardrobes.
The field jacket is leading the pack for this year. It's a lean, mean, style-enhancing machine that is lightweight, slightly boxy, and decidedly male fitting. It also offers more pockets than you can toss an unpinned grenade at. This is perhaps why it has been appropriated by designers like Brunello Cucinelli and Craig Green in an effort to make it the must-have item for SS16.
Field Jacket History
The field jacket first appeared in 1938 (in the form of the cotton M-1938 in olive drab color), with the M-1941 and M-1965 jackets that followed providing upgrades on the original style.
Although there are still some accurate copies available, they tend to seem a little too Taxi Driver-esque to be considered modern. Instead, you should prioritize designers' current interpretations of the four-pocket, water-repellent M-1965 field jacket (often used in the Vietnam War), whether that be an actual funnel-neck design or something that leans more toward a safari jacket (a shirt-collared, sometimes belted variant of the field jacket).
What to look for in a Field Jacket
The field jacket has evolved from its original olive green waxed cotton appearance and is now available in a variety of colors and fabrics to increase your style threat.
Authentic
We advise against skimping on a coat or jacket. If they are of poor quality, they won't last the test of time because these are investment pieces. Additionally, if they begin to seem worn-out, your entire ensemble will suffer.
Neutral Color
Avoiding costume is as crucial as not being frugal. The military nod should be powerful but not fierce. You don’t want to look like you just left the barracks. That means, stay away from the camouflage versions that can be a bit excessive.
Take color cues from the ring and avoid drawing attention to yourself by avoiding flashy hues. Although field jackets can come in vibrant hues, we advise you to go with something neutral. This will increase the variety of looks you can put together with your jacket.
High-Quality Fabric
Find your fabric next. The hallmark of a traditional field jacket is a waxed canvas exterior. This exterior is suitable for the traditional use of the country gentleman since it keeps heat in and keeps out thorns and shrubs. However, given the warmer spring weather, a lighter fabric like cotton is ideal for a laid-back weekend mood.
Finally, make sure it is constructed for combat. Consider a jacket's lining carefully because a good one suggests a high level of craftsmanship.