M-51 Fishtail Parka and such

[Doctor Damage]

Do you have the quilted insulated liner in yours?

It is quilted Doc but not overly warm I find, it’s often worn over here with the hood detached by Mod orientated scooter boys. The hoods on these I think were designed to fit over a helmet so aren’t small. I have the white winter camo outer shell too but have never worn that out in public

From photos of vintage parkas it's clear the liner isn't very thick, so I believe you when you say it's not overly warm.

 

[Fifty150]

I have the white winter camo outer shell too but have never worn that out in public

It's for more intimate, personal viewing, behind closed doors, between consenting parties?

 

[Fifty150]

From photos of vintage parkas it's clear the liner isn't very thick, so I believe you when you say it's not overly warm.

The modern, discount retail version isn't all that warm either. It was meant to be a top layer. And most of those guys in the photos were really bundled, with who knows how many layers. At least 1 of them could have been wearing 2 sweaters, 3 pairs of socks, or whatever.

In the winter, with snow, ice, and wind, this coat is fine when worn over a jacket, sweater, shirts, long underwear...... But for your money, you are probably better off with modern technical textile. The option did not exist in 1951. Today, you can get a waterproof breathable top layer. Maybe someone could manufacture a SoftShell M-51 Fishtail Parka, with a 300g weight Polartec liner. The hood could be redesigned with adjustment bungee for better fit. I would buy it.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Ken Takakura in the 1989 film "Black Rain"

 

[Doctor Damage]

 

[bn1966]

Reminds me of my misspent youth

 

[Doctor Damage]

here's Rothco's official measurements provided to me by their customer service department via email today:

M-51 Fishtail Parkas
unit = inch XS S M L XL 2XL
Chest 1/2 23 24 25 26 27 28
Shoulder 20.75 21.5 22.5 23 23.75 24.5
Sleeve 22.5 23 23.5 24 24.5 25
Back Length 39.25 40.75 42.25 43.75 45.5 47

 

[Doctor Damage]

 

[Fifty150]

here's Rothco's official measurements provided to me by their customer service department via email today:

M-51 Fishtail Parkas
unit = inch XS S M L XL 2XL
Chest 1/2 23 24 25 26 27 28
Shoulder 20.75 21.5 22.5 23 23.75 24.5
Sleeve 22.5 23 23.5 24 24.5 25
Back Length 39.25 40.75 42.25 43.75 45.5 47

There is a similar chart online.

 

[handymike]

I guess the reason I don’t wear mine (superdry) is that I bought it at my real size. When I put it on, it fits great but looks all wrong. I should’ve sized up. Those parkas are huge.

 

[Doctor Damage]

One thing I don't understand is what the snaps on the back skirt are for. I realize the fishtail vent and the drawstrings are to snug the bottom around each leg, but the snaps don't seem a part of that (and looking at vintage parks the snaps seem to face different directions on different parkas). Anyone with direct experience?

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

One thing I don't understand is what the snaps on the back skirt are for. I realize the fishtail vent and the drawstrings are to snug the bottom around each leg, but the snaps don't seem a part of that (and looking at vintage parks the snaps seem to face different directions on different parkas). Anyone with direct experience?

Snaps are to fold up the rear fish tail so it’s straight across when not tied around your legs.
I’ll look for my hood and post the whole rig i was issued in about 75’.
B

 

[Doctor Damage]

View attachment 228259 View attachment 228260 View attachment 228261
Snaps are to fold up the rear fish tail so it’s straight across when not tied around your legs.
I’ll look for my hood and post the whole rig i was issued in about 75’.
B

That explains it extremely well! A picture tells a thousands words, etc. Looking forward to seeing the full parka and hood. I'm guessing you've got the M-65 model, given that the hood is removable?

 

[Doctor Damage]

 

[Doctor Damage]

 

[Doctor Damage]

 

[Doctor Damage]

I'm told there's a South Korean brand called "Frizmworks" that does good repros of these, see below.

 

[Doctor Damage]

 

[Doctor Damage]

 

[Blackadder]

Ken Takakura in the 1989 film "Black Rain"

View attachment 226515

Unsanctioned uniform of Japanese TV/film detective characters