M-65 Field Jacket

[Preppy Climber]

Rolled up sleeves are really a good idea for an M-65
I also wear mine from Helikon without lining.
View attachment 728037

Great look!

 

[Preppy Climber]

One preppy’s take on styling a vintage U.S. Army M-65 field jacket.

 

[Peacoat]

Clever.

You are looking good, PC, as always.

 

[Preppy Climber]

Clever.

You are looking good, PC, as always.

Thank you, Peacoat! If it weren't for you and your guidance and knowledge, I wouldn't be owning any U.S. Army M65 jackets nor U.S. Navy peacoats.

 

[Preppy Climber]

What is the best way to launder M65 field jackets so they come out smelling fresh? Do they need to be washed with a delicate setting? Cold or warm water? I plan to hang dry mine after washing.

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[Peacoat]

What is the best way to launder M65 field jackets so they come out smelling fresh? Do they need to be washed with a delicate setting? Cold or warm water? I plan to hang dry mine after washing.

Thanks in advance for your input!

The instructions on mine say hand wash or machine wash in warm water and drip dry.

 

[raf]

Launder with appropriate amount of detergent for weight of jacket. I use Woolite detergent since it has no "optical brighteners" included.

You may wish to pre-treat very greasy/oily spots with some dish detergent; rub it in and allow to sit for a while. Rinse off and re-apply if necessary.

Integral hood on M-65 is rather fragile, so best to hand wash the hood, rinse well, and stuff it back inside collar while washing the entire jacket. Zippers closed, velcro attached to itself. Remove hood from its compartment when drying the jacket.

Rinse the jacket 2X to remove all detergent.

Most all GI field Jackets have had their original "Quarpel" waterproofing laundered-out. You certainly can treat the jacket with waterproofing, just research the chem you want and apply as per directions. Buy more water repellant chem than you think you will need.

 

[Preppy Climber]

The instructions on mine say hand wash or machine wash in warm water and drip dry.

Thank you, Peacoat

 

[Preppy Climber]

Launder with appropriate amount of detergent for weight of jacket. I use Woolite detergent since it has no "optical brighteners" included.

You may wish to pre-treat very greasy/oily spots with some dish detergent; rub it in and allow to sit for a while. Rinse off and re-apply if necessary.

Integral hood on M-65 is rather fragile, so best to hand wash the hood, rinse well, and stuff it back inside collar while washing the entire jacket. Zippers closed, velcro attached to itself. Remove hood from its compartment when drying the jacket.

Rinse the jacket 2X to remove all detergent.

Most all GI field Jackets have had their original "Quarpel" waterproofing laundered-out. You certainly can treat the jacket with waterproofing, just research the chem you want and apply as per directions. Buy more water repellant chem than you think you will need.

Thank you for the detailed instructions, raf!

 

[barnabus]

Does anyone know where I can get a liner for an issue M-65. New or used, doesn't matter.

But I'd really like to find one in safety orange.

 

[spacemanspiff3000]

anyone have any exp with the Bronson M65 jackets?

https://bronsonshop.com/products/1969-m-65-field-jacket?variant=50774436806872

thinking about getting one

 

[BloodEagle]

anyone have any exp with the Bronson M65 jackets?

https://bronsonshop.com/products/1969-m-65-field-jacket?variant=50774436806872

thinking about getting one

Yes - I had a chance to check one out recently and I was very impressed - honestly I couldnt see a significant difference between it and the stupdily expensive Real McCoys version which I bought years ago. Don't hesitate - they're really nice (well, as "nice" as a reproduction of a military field jacket can be).

 

[Pandemic]

1971 (same as me!) M65 I snagged for $50, on its way to me now. I love those original silver zippers. My dad left the Marine Corp with his (never wore them in Vietnam, he said) and I used to borrow it as a kid. This reminds me of his.

 

[barnabus]

I just picked up a woodland camo Golden Mfg Co one for an absolute rude bargain.

It's in perfect (not actually perfect) condition, but does need a liner.

Weirdly, I never wanted a camo one. Until I did.

 

[spacemanspiff3000]

1971 (same as me!) M65 I snagged for $50, on its way to me now. I love those original silver zippers. My dad left the Marine Corp with his (never wore them in Vietnam, he said) and I used to borrow it as a kid. This reminds me of his.

ebay?

 

[Pandemic]

ebay?

Yep

 

[spacemanspiff3000]

Yes - I had a chance to check one out recently and I was very impressed - honestly I couldnt see a significant difference between it and the stupdily expensive Real McCoys version which I bought years ago. Don't hesitate - they're really nice (well, as "nice" as a reproduction of a military field jacket can be).

any thoughts on getting the taxi driver version vs the plain version?

I suppose the plain version is more versatile for different outfits

 

[Pandemic]

Several places on Amazon sell the Taxi Driver patches, if you want to add them later. At least it’s not stolen valor - that unit never existed

 

[BloodEagle]

any thoughts on getting the taxi driver version vs the plain version?

I suppose the plain version is more versatile for different outfits

Personally, I avoid wearing anything that has any kind of military insignia on it, real or imagined, because I dont feel comfortable doing so, but different strokes for different folks. It's a cool jacket, with or without the patches.

 

[Peacoat]

Personally, I avoid wearing anything that has any kind of military insignia on it, real or imagined, because I dont feel comfortable doing so, but different strokes for different folks. It's a cool jacket, with or without the patches.

Agreed. The only patches, badges and insignia I will wear are the ones I earned. If they aren't mine, I don't wear them.