It’s safe to assume that for most of us, leather jackets, dinner jackets, bomber jackets, and puffers are among the styles that we’re more familiar with. Field jackets don’t seem to get as much love. However, it’s a great style to incorporate into your wardrobe. Dare we say a must-have?
What is a Field Jacket?
For starters, you may not be too familiar with what a field jacket exactly is. Field jackets have a military origin. Its utilitarian design, featuring double chest pockets and double hip pockets all with flap closures, made it a practical choice for soldiers. In addition to the distinct pockets, its sturdy yet light material made it ideal to wear for British soldiers stationed under the Indian heat. Years later, the M-43 field jacket that was worn by soldiers during the First World War was intended to keep the soldiers warm and dry. It was then followed by the M-65 field jacket that was worn during the Vietnam War and also intended to protect American soldiers during the monsoon season. It was particularly characterized by its olive green color tone, extended front pockets, shoulder epaulettes, and hooded design. Field jackets in an earthy camel tone became popular as the design was later worn on the African continent. It became a choice garment for hunters and those on safari, offering camouflage, functionality, as well as breathability in the African heat. Pairing this iconic jacket with the right footwear, such as stylish shoes for dresses, can elevate your look, blending rugged sophistication with timeless elegance.
The field jacket design crossed over from the military zones and into the fashion world thanks in large part to designer Yves Saint Laurent. The legendary designer brought the military and safari-inspired style to fame in the sixties. The style was a big success and became a huge trend. It was then further popularized by both stylish Hollywood leading men and big-screen characters, including James Bond.
The Field Jacket today
Today’s field jacket comes in various interpretations but its essence and distinctive style remain the same. The modern field jacket stays true to its original utilitarian aesthetic with the button-down front, multiple front pockets with flap closures and the sturdy yet light fabric that make it the perfect outwear garment for transitional weather, particularly in the spring and fall seasons. Stylish men have the option of wearing field jackets with various other design features, including pleated or flat pockets, funnel neck or shirt collars, epaulettes, a belt, a detachable hood and straps on the sleeves, just to name a few. In terms of colour, most field jackets still echo their military and safari origins and come in earthy and neutral shades of olive green and camel, with additional colour options such as blue, grey, beige and black.
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| Long Army Green Field Jacket | Long Beige Field Jacket | Black Field Jacket with Vents |
How should a Field Jacket fit?
But how should a field jacket actually fit and how can one wear it? When it comes to fit, you want your field jacket to sit close to your body. However, you definitely don’t want it to fit too tight, especially when worn closed, or too loose and baggy. It should fit you comfortably, allowing you to move, with allowance to wear layers underneath, while not looking too bulky or cumbersome.
How to wear a Field Jacket?
The field jacket is a truly versatile garment that you can wear for various occasions. David Gandy, prefers a dressed-up, smart casual take in styling his field jacket. The model opted for a crisp blue button dress shirt, worn with dark navy trousers, a matching navy necktie, and brown leather monk strap shoes. Instead of donning the usual suit jacket, he added more character to his look by wearing an olive green field jacket instead.
On another occasion, Gandy wore a similar look but with a different take on colour combinations. For a stylish day out, he chose a blue dress shirt and slim fit beige trousers, worn with a medium-dark brown necktie, the same brown leather monk strap shoes and a coordinating brown field jacket.
You can definitely take notes from these stylish men on how to incorporate the field jacket into your own wardrobe. Regardless of which style you prefer, both gentlemen prove that a field jacket can be worn for a range of occasions. No need to enlist or go on an African safari to wear your own field jacket. It’s the perfect outerwear garment to add an extra dose of style to your day and night outfits.
The field jacket is a new product on Hockerty website and we are happy to bring you many styles and colors. Design your field jacket and welcome this season with this latest trend!
Styling inspiration from our bloggers in Hockerty field jackets
Watch this video to get even more inspiration on how to style your new field jacket!
And Safari Jackets?
