Here's How To Rock The Military Jacket Without Unintended Top Gun Vibes
By Corey Kelly for AskMen.com
From fall 2016’s breakthrough of bomber jackets to spring 2017’s courtship of camo, the fashion world has gone army strong for military-inspired outerwear. It’s safe to say that classic items, from pea coats to field jackets, will never go out of style. But trends surfacing out of New York, London, Milan, and Paris clearly reveal how the military is currently having its moment.
“Fashion always follows power,” explains Patrick Michael Hughes, a fashion and style historian at the Parsons School of Design. “The resurge of military garb has had steady momentum since the first Gulf War in the Nineties. Desert tones to new digitalized camouflage prints worn by troops have inspired numerous fashion brands to follow suit and re-invent the look.”
With winter slowly approaching, we’re breaking down the best seasonal outerwear that’s practical enough for any soldier yet cool enough for the catwalk. We present our rundown of the coolest military outerwear (under $250), broken down into three helpful categories, that’s sure to G.I. Jones its way right into your winter wardrobe.
Field Goals
The field jacket — widely known for its olive green, utilitarian design — is a prime example of the quintessential military jacket. Its mid-weight canvas exterior equipped with pouch pockets and shirt jacket detailing was initially designed for the practical purposes of the U.S. military. But civilian interest in the jacket grew after the public was exposed to it during important cultural moments in American history.
“The utilitarian nature [...] of the old WWII M-43 field jacket and the M-65 [style] are seared into cultural history through [movies], such as Scorsese’s [1976 film] Taxi Driver, starring Robert De Niro,” explains Patrick Michael Hughes. “From hero to rebel, and beyond the mainstream, we see the look surfacing as part of the underground art culture as well.”
Nowadays, contemporary designers and brands have updated the field jacket’s design to reflect a more modern approach. Today’s finishes, textures and styles may be slightly different from the original styles of WWII, but currently act as a go-to item to complete a stylish look.
Scotch & Soda Padded Field Jacket
Give it up for Scotch & Soda to elevate a classic military staple to new heights. The brand’s padded field jacket — available in night (blue) and army (green) — is made of a peached nylon blend. Padded with fake down, its diamond quilted exterior is equipped with conveniently placed pockets, snap-button waist adjusters and a button-out hood secretly tucked within its collar. — $245.00 at Amazon.com
Flight Club
Flight jackets range in style based on their origin in U.S. military history. We’ll focus on particular models gaining recent attention on the runways and the timeless classics unaffected by trends.
Let’s begin with the iconic A-2 leather flight jacket, instantly recognizable in popular TV series and films like Top Gun and Happy Days. Closely associated with World War II-era U.S. Air Force pilots, its classic design has spawned countless knockoffs since its creation.
The MA-1 bomber jacket — and the oh-so flashy souvenir jacket — are wardrobe staples for the too-cool-for-school set. Popular items on the street style scene, they were originally designed to protect Air Force pilots from colder conditions, since jet planes flew at higher altitudes.
Last but not least is the N-3B parka. Designed to protect flight crews against the extreme cold, its weatherproof shell, insulated liner, and signature zip-up, fur-lined hood have established its reliability as a mid-winter must-have.
Any one of these styles can elevate your fashion game and serve for practical purposes during the season.
Barney’s Faux Leather Bomber With Fleece Collar Jacket
Channeling your inner Lt. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell (a la Top Gun) should never require going for broke, but the price of an authentic vintage A-2 or G-1 flight jacket can set you back a very pretty penny. However, thanks to affordable price points at ASOS, you can easily buy a replica version of a classic flight jacket without breaking your budget. Trimmed with a fleece collar, Barney’s Faux Leather Bomber Jacket sports two exterior zip-front pockets to store away all of your everyday items. — $103.00 at ASOS.com
J. Crew’s Wallace & Barnes MA-1 Primaloft Bomber Jacket
Inspired by the original WWII flight jackets, J. Crew’s Wallace & Barnes MA-1 bomber jacket is a modern-day replica of its former self. Made of lightweight nylon but lined with Primaloft, it will keep you warm in colder temperatures. And thanks to its multiple pockets, located throughout its wine-colored exterior, you’ll never lose track of any of your small belongings again. — $248.00 at JCrew.com
Alpha Industries Reversible Souvenir Jacket
Allesandro Michele, the creative director behind Gucci’s whimsical collections, played a key role in launching the fashion world’s recent obsession with souvenir jackets. Just take a look at the latest men’s shows — from Ovadia & Sons to Louis Vuitton — and you’ll notice how his influence has created a fashion domino effect without any signs of slowing down.
To hop aboard this trend, we recommend purchasing the Souvenir flight jacket by Alpha Industries. Just like the original models that were customized by U.S. servicemen during WWII, this version is embellished with ornate Japanese-style embroidery. Water resistant and reversible, it’s the perfect statement piece to add some character to your wardrobe. — $225.00 at Nordstrom.com
Alpha Industries N-B3 Transmitter Parka
Filled with down and polyester, Alpha Industries’ updated version of the N-3B parka is designed to produce serious warmth in subzero temperatures. Originally intended for Air Force runway crews stationed in frigid climates, the “Snorkel Parka” — named for its zip-up, fur-trimmed hood — initially served a practical purpose. Nowadays, high-fashion brands — from Balenciaga to Marni — have elevated this military essential into a must-have for every guy’s winter wardrobe. That’s why Alpha Industries, the first company to manufacture the parka for the U.S military, is our go-to brand to get your hands on the real deal. — $165.00 at Amazon.com
Navy Sealed and Approved
You can thank the British Royal Navy for introducing some of the most iconic military outerwear styles onto the men’s fashion scene. Let’s begin with the pea coat, a wardrobe staple known for its double-breasted closure, broad lapels, and hip-length design. Sometimes referenced as an “officer’s coat,” its popularity became widespread during the 1720’s, once American newspapers mentioned its usage among high-ranking naval officers.
Next, we have the duffle coat, another popular style worn by British and American naval personnel. Named after its thick woolen exterior developed in Duffel, Belgium, it’s characterized by its toggle closures, attached hood, and boxy, thigh-length silhouette.
Both coats are timeless in style and can easily blend into a variety of outfits. Whenever the time is right, throw on a duffle coat over a casual sweater and a pair of jeans or seamlessly blend your business attire with a pea coat. No matter how they’re worn, they’ll easily last in your wardrobe for a lifetime.
Superdry Rookie Pea Coat
Superdry’s version of the quintessential naval pea coat is a much-needed staple for your winter wardrobe. Its double-breasted design creates a tailored silhouette unlike the bulkiness of other styles. Equipped with two front pockets for your hands and an inside pocket for storage, its wool-blended exterior embellished with Superdry’s flag logo patch will have you prepared for winter in high-style. — $139.50 at SuperDry.com
UO Toggle Duffle Coat
Urban Outfitters updated the classic duffle coat with a few modern touches. Its wool exterior — available in black or chartreuse — is cut long with an adjustable hood for protection from the elements. The coat’s toggle-button closure and deep patch pockets — features that are particularly common with this style — are completed with a rich satin lining for a luxurious finish. — $199.00 at UrbanOutfitters.com
