Men’s Style Archives examines a specific garment we think every man should own at one point in his life. These pieces are timeless, often rich in history as to how they came into popularity while continuing to always be in style. This week, we’re highlighting the M-65 Field Jacket.
What is a Field Jacket?
A field jacket is rooted in military use. They’re practical, functional, and durable as heck. Utility characteristics like double chest pockets, double hip pockets, roll-up hoods, inner pockets, and waterproof liners can determine what is or isn’t a field jacket. The presence of strong, water-repellent fabrics is vital in the construction of a field jacket.
The most popular silhouette of the field jacket is the M-65 issued to U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War. This jacket was worn to combat cool weather and hard rainfall from monsoons. Earlier iterations before the M-65 existed, such as the M-51 and the M-41.
Why is the M-65 Field Jacket so popular?
While many standard-issue military jackets existed before its time—and after its time—the M-65 seemed to catch on with civilian wear for two reasons. The first reason stems from the scenes of Vietnam War protestors wearing these coats as a gesture to protest involvement in the war.
The second reason is there is a belief many of the Army surplus stores would have had increased inventory of these jackets post-Vietnam. To get rid of them, prices would’ve been reduced, thus making it even more affordable to get a jacket you know could withstand any kind of weather.
Field jackets then started to slowly enter into popular culture, appearing in movies like Taxi Driver, Rambo, Forrest Gump, and more. People like Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro, John Kerry, Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Lennon, and many others have worn a field jacket at one point or another.
The field jacket has (one) affordability and practicality on its side, and (two) popularity in culture and the entertainment industry.
M-65 Field Jackets in Men’s Style Today
These days, M-65’s come in a wide array of colors and styles. Designers are often adding their own touch, but they typically keep many of the key features present.
How to Wear a Field Jacket
Field jackets go great with jeans, a t-shirt, and beat-up pair of sneakers—think white sneakers or Chucks. This easy outfit would be close to what the look was in the 1960s.
You can also elevate a field jacket with a button-up with a pair of nice khakis and boots. A military-inspired boot like a brown Danner boot or brown Clarks Desert boot will pair perfectly.
In general, you can layer a field jacket during the colder months with a hoodie or sweater. And in the warmer months you can wear it unbuttoned, with or without a tee.
Our Favorite Field Jackets
We’ve pulled together a few of our favorite field jackets below. You’ll find they come in all sorts of different colors and looks. Some honor the original M-65 down to a T, while others add their own modern flair to the original silhouette.
The Original M-65 Field Jacket: Alpha Industries M-65 Field Jacket
Buy now Via Amazon
The Most Affordable: Rothco Vintage M-65
Buy now via amazon
The Best Navy Field Jacket: Cape Heights Cordova Field Jacket
Buy now via huckberry
The Best Black Field Jacket: Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Hudson Jacket
The Best Streetwear-Inspired Field Jacket: A.P.C. Tan River Field Jacket
Buy now via ssense
John is the Style & Gear Editor for BroBible. You can contact him on Twitter @johnthompsoniv or via email John@brobible.com
The BroBible team writes about gear that we think you want. Occasionally, we write about items that are a part of one of our affiliate partnerships and we will get a percentage of the revenue from sales.