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Origins
The M-65 Field Jacket was developed to meet the United States Army’s need for improved field clothing, providing better protection against the elements and harsh weather conditions. Its design represents the culmination of an evolution that began during World War II, following earlier models such as the M-41, M-43, and M-51.
In 1965, as the Vietnam War escalated, the U.S. Army required a new jacket that could withstand the tropical jungle climate, which was characterized by heavy rains, high humidity, and significant temperature variations between day and night. The M-65 was created to address the limitations of the M-51, offering a more functional and durable option for soldiers in the field. Notable improvements included: A new waterproof outer material, a zippered front closure with a protective flap, a concealed hood stored in the collar, larger front pockets for increased storage and adjustable Velcro cuffs, it could be also matched with an insulated inner liner for added warmth.
The M-65 quickly became the standard-issue military jacket for American soldiers serving in Vietnam. It was also highly customizable; soldiers often personalized their jackets with patches and insignia, displaying unit symbols, patriotic slogans, or political statements.
Cultural impact
After the Vietnam War ended in 1975, the M-65 Field Jacket became an iconic garment that transcended the military. Its widespread availability in surplus stores led to its adoption by veterans, activists, Hollywood actors, and counterculture movements, transforming it into a symbol rich with political and social significance.
Many soldiers continued to wear their military jackets after the war, often adorned with original Army patches, as a testament to their combat experience. However, the Vietnam War was highly controversial, and returning veterans did not always receive a warm welcome. Consequently, the M-65 became a symbol of veterans’ disillusionment with the government and American society.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the M-65 firmly established itself as a symbol of protest against the war and the system. Pacifist activists and anti-war demonstrators adopted the jacket to subvert its traditional meaning, transforming it from a military uniform into a statement against military intervention. Rebellious youth and students wore it as an expression of dissent, often pairing it with buttons, patches, and peace slogans. One of the most iconic figures associated with the M-65 is John Lennon, who frequently wore the jacket during the 1970s, making it a powerful symbol of the peace movement.
Screen appearances
The presence of the M-65 Field Jacket in popular culture has been significantly amplified by film and music, further enhancing its appeal.
The movie Rambo: First Blood (1982), starring Sylvester Stallone, captures the symbolic journey of the M-65 Field Jacket. The protagonist, John Rambo, a marginalized war veteran, wears the military jacket as an integral part of his identity—a forgotten soldier abandoned by society. Similarly, in Taxi Driver (1976), Robert De Niro‘s character, Travis Bickle, wears an M-65 in many of the film’s most iconic scenes. This film also tells the story of an alienated war veteran, reinforcing the connection between the jacket and the struggles faced by returning soldiers.
In Serpico (1973), Al Pacino portrays Frank Serpico, a nonconformist police officer who wears the M-65 to highlight his rebellious and unconventional nature. Meanwhile, in Terminator (1984), Arnold Schwarzenegger sports a variation of the jacket, which fits seamlessly into the film’s futuristic and post-apocalyptic aesthetic.
Woody Allen, as Alvy Singer in Annie Hall (1977), incorporates the M-65 into his everyday look, making it a defining element of his character. His casual yet timeless style reflects Alvy’s personality: intellectual, insecure, neurotic, and indifferent to conventional fashion trends.
Our version of an icon
A jacket designed for every season and every adventure, according to Vintage55. The concealed hood in the collar, four large gusseted pockets with flap closures, double-slider front zipper, adjustable waist drawstring, and adjustable cuffs are details that make all the difference, seamlessly blending functionality and style.
But this isn’t just a versatile piece—our take on the M-65 is crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and comfort in any condition. From the protective padded lining for winter to the lighter, unlined versions for warmer days, every season finds its perfect match. To elevate this jacket even further, we have chosen fabrics from British Millerain®, true masters in the production of waxed, weather-resistant, and highly functional textiles.
Essential, elegant, and timeless, the Vintage55 jacket is our tribute to an icon of clothing history, perfect for those who seek a piece that combines urban dynamism, practicality, and uncompromising quality. An evergreen—or rather, an ever(military)Green—that, season after season, continues to stand out for its ability to adapt to change while maintaining a distinctive and unique style.
