Field jacket, rollneck and flannels
A few readers last week asked about this outfit I included in our 'High/low dressing' post.
It's a combination I love, and shamelessly copied from an Italian gentleman I saw in Milan a few years ago.
Men should never be afraid of taking inspiration from others, primarily because it's what everyone always does and has always done.
I remember a friend saying a couple of years ago that he wore purple socks with his brown-suede shoes in honour of Michael Drake, who is often seen in that combination.
But then Michael told me a few months later about the older, French friend he had copied it from.
On the day we shot this outfit, I was going to be in our pop-up shop moving around boxes and furniture.
I needed clothes that were comfortable and could be worked in, but still looked chic enough for seeing people around Mayfair.
I therefore went without a jacket, but stuck with the classic menswear combination of grey trousers and navy top - just a rollneck sweater instead of a blazer.
The rubber-soled, brown-suede Saint Crispin's boots are very comfortable and good for lots of walking, but again quite smart.
And the vintage M-65 field jacket on top rather than, for example, a suede blouson, was driven by that memory from Milan.
The M-65 is from The Vintage Showroom in London, and I prefer it to the simpler M-43.
The room provided by the pleats in the back is also helpful if you're wearing bulky knitwear underneath.
In the same way, I generally don't like modern versions of these cotton field jackets that strip away all the pockets and details, as it removes all the character of the jacket.
The Saint Crispin's boots have become one of my absolute favourite pairs of shoes in the past year.
We had an initial problem with the fit where the narrowness I need for my ankle (they are made on my personalised last) made the sides rub painfully on my ankle bones.
But some discussion over email and a couple of pictures was enough to explain the problem, and they came back fixed perfectly. (The sides were moulded outwards to curve around the bones).
Given Saint Crispin's don't currently visit London, being able to do this remotely is very important.
Style-wise, like many of my favourite things the boots look simple and classic (and are therefore very useful) but are elevated by beautiful, subtle craft.
The Classic Last shape is so elegant, the welt so thin, and the narrow waist cut in so sharply.
The latter two points in particular make a non-menswear-nerd admire the shoe without quite knowing why.
Lastly, the tote bag from Connolly was a purchase I was unsure about, but have come to love in the past couple of months.
It is made from an extremely soft nubuck, and is entirely unlined and unstructured.
This makes it wonderful to hold and feel, but I was afraid it would be rather impractical.
So far it's been OK but I do find it's easier to use when there is something substantial inside it, such a chunky sweater or a box. It wouldn't be the design I'd recommend to someone for a first good bag.
I've also sprayed the nubuck with a water repellent, and it hasn't become noticeably soiled despite regular use.
The hat, by the way is a Permanent Style piece I made with Johnstons in Scotland - remaking the exact style of an old one I bought in Italy and haven't been able to find elsewhere.
It's just a question of small tweaks to size, thickness and rib, but these small things make me happy.
I hope to put it on the shop in the next couple of weeks, when the pop-up calms down a bit.
Photography: Jamie Ferguson @jkf_man
And the green socks? William Abraham?
Just Bresciani
Peculiar that London doesn’t feature on their trunk show schedule. Perhaps you can shed some light on this…
It’s not always a great market for shoe brands, given how many shoe makers are here already (compared to, say, Asia).
But generally it’s just a lack of capacity to do everywhere
Great that you are considering putting the hat on the PS shop again, will it be one size or multiple sizings available? I always struggle with most of the one size options, usually being somewhere between a small and a medium.
It hasn’t been on the shop before – I’m not sure if you’re getting confused with something else?
No, it’s one size.
Hi Simon,
Is the roll neck from A & S or elsewhere?
Its difficult to fins a nice roll neck cable knit. Thanks.
It’s Howlin, via Trunk. They come up large (this is a small) but it’s a nice, slimmish fit
It was included in our Top 10 knitwear post
N.Peal also do a fabulous classic cable roll neck in cashmere @ £299.
I’ve had a couple for a year and have worn them to death.
Can’t recommend them highly enough.
New & Lingwood do a lovely cashmere rollneck at £299. Lovely slim fit and a great choice of colours.
Thanks
Hey Simon,
Great post as always! I am learning so much from Permanent Style. Its one of my few go to Blogs about style. I am looking for a rollneck right now myself – something heavier, not a fine merino one and find it hard to find something good.
Can I ask you where the rollneck is from? Do you have some brand recommendations for rollnecks in general? That would be amazing!
All the best from an avid reader from Berlin!
Hey Janik. So pleased it’s helpful. See comment above on where the rollneck is from. Also try Inis Meain for thicker ones
Hi Simon,
What product do you use to dye your beard?
I like you am in my 40s and have thinned out on top but don’t yet want to sport grey whiskers
Many thanks
I don’t dye it, I’m afraid. I don’t really plan to either
You’re a lucky man then, Simon – you’re moving thru your 40s with no grey hairs! We are not all as blessed…
Not sure about that – I’m only 36 and there are quite a few!
wow same age as me but your sartorial wisdom goes beyond your years Simon.
on this roll neck love, what do you guys wear underneath one? you cant wear a shirt I assume as the collar would get squashed under the roll neck. If its just a t doesnt the collar of the roll neck get a bit grubby brushing against the neck?
We’ve talked about this above I think Rups. Briefly, a shirt is usually fine unless the rollneck is super tight and thin (and can be helpful if you find a rollneck uncomfortable against the neck). But a T-shirt is usually fine as well – it will take quite a while for the the sweater to become dirty, and by that point you should probably wash it for other transfer of sweat anyway
Try John Sterner at Trunk. Swedish brand with some lovely mid-weight merino, and heavier weight Swedish wool. I have a couple of the Öland turtle necks and the rolled hem and cuffs lends a nice casual vibe.
Sorry Simon you remind me of Raffles
In the past I copied more shamelessly than anyone, and I’m proud of it. It’s a marvelous cycle: first you are the guy who copies, then you become the guy who is copied. When that happens, you can be original when you feel like it or you can copy if it strikes your fancy. For my part, I’m still trying to channel Bruce Boyer (for anyone who hasn’t seen it–and Simon I’m sure you already have–Google ‘Bruce Boyer-Armoury’ and you should see a magnificent photo of Boyer standing in front of the Armoury wearing a field jacket similar to Simon’s, on top of a full jacket and tie rig, with a brown trilby).
The suede boots are fab.
Hi Simon
A question.
Why do you not publish on your site comments from those who have some significant experience in the fields which you choose to cover which highlight the fact that your knowledge, whilst ever growing, is actually pretty superficial?
If you want to contribute to the seemingly limited understanding of a lot of your readers, why don’t you allow others to do the same?
Hi,
I’m happy to publish comments that contain substantial information and are not abusive. Unfortunately, that is fairly rare.
S
Simon – is the hat cashmere?
Yes
Hi Simón, this is a lovely combination.
I use rollnecks quite frecuently, and Cruciani is a good option.
Cheers
Thanks, nice recommendation
Hey Simon
Are the St Crispins boots lined or unlined? Would you say they are more comfortable than your bespoke Oxford shoes and if so how much of that is because chukka boots are generally more comfortable than “normal” shoes vs. St Crispin having done a great job in your opinion?
I have a pair of snuff suede chukka from Edward Green which I cherish for their comfort (and versatility) but always thought the comfort bit was because they were unlined !
Cheers
M
Unlined boots are often very comfortable – my unlined EGs are too. But here it’s just a question of Saint Crispins doing a great job, using great leather, and probably having a rubber sole. They are lined.
Cool but personally would prefer some sturdy brown country brogues. The shoes look too delicate for the rest.
Thanks Adam, yes I can see that point. Still pretty chunky given they’re boots, but that fine welt and tight waist do make them a bit more delicate
To be honest, you could wear a pair of high heels with that M65 and still look brilliant. Really jealous.
As someone who also has sloping shoulders and loves carrying bags slung over the back, the photo of you from the back is comforting.
Lovely ensemble, Simon. Endlessly practical without sacrificing character.
Thanks Joseph – exactly what I was aiming for
Beautiful outfit. I think it also would look great with jeans if they are in dark indigo.
I am thinking about buying an M65 and wonder if you have any recommendations. Alpha, Aspesi, vintage et cetera?
Generally I like the vintage ones, largely because they look genuinely worn rather than pretending to be
Of the other brands, I do like Aspesi, but they tend to be in synthetics or mixes rather than just cotton
Aspesi has cotton ones too, but I think all are a lot shorter than the original ones. Same problem with Incotex´s Montedoro.
Yes, good point
I would worry about the rubbing / chafing of boxes etc against the wool. Jeans really are the only “pragmatic trouser” for this type of thing, no?
Well, a heavy cotton like jeans or a coarser chino would be more hard wearing, yes, but the work wasn’t that hardcore. More just needing to reach, lift etc which can be difficult in a jacket
Fair. What is a good alternative to Flannel if I wear my clothes seriously hard? I will constantly boris bike, lift things, occasionally move furniture etc etc. Even my jeans only have a shelf life of 2 years as I like having a few capsule clothes and am pretty frantic in my day to day… Still, however, want something that can bridge that smart / casual look more than jeans (and have a bit of texture!)…
Try a cav twill perhaps. In grey
Perhaps moleskin might be an option too? Hard wearing and lovely texture. It won’t hold a crease though 🙂
I recently discovered whipcord as another good option. Looks a bit like corduroy in terms of casualness, but much harder wearing, and doesn’t have quite the same “country squire” associations. I do like cotton twills but think they can look a bit too smooth when they are not garment washed (i.e. if you get them made bespoke)
What’s the bottom width on those pants? I’ve been venturing into custom pants and getting the hem width and length absolutely perfect has been a challenge.
15.5 inches circumference
Interesting – with all the pairs of bespoke shoes you have, the ones you’ve cited as favorites are RTW (EG) and made to measure (Saint Crispins). Any comment on why? Definitely seems to say a lot about the relative value of Saint Crispins!
I agree, Saint Crispin’s are great value.
Much as I like bespoke shoes (and I do) I find much of the appeal is in the aesthetics (pitched heel, cut of the waist) and if you have ad adjusted last, or regular last that fits you well (as EG does for me) then you’re just looking for these aesthetics – the burnishing and last shapes with EG, for instance, or those same bespoke finishing points on Saint Crispin’s
Interesting. While the waist on the SC shoes are great, my impression is that the heels are not pitched quite like a bespoke shoe (though the heels are made by hand, so this might be a choice on their part). Also many bespoke shoes are made with square waists, especially for traditionally stouter designs such as Norwegians.
Good point. Bespoke gives you the ability to do more styles, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you want everything super fine and super pitched. It can look a little fussy and narrow for some shoes
Hi Simon,
A very interesting piece! At first sight, this way of dressing seems quite easy. But it isn’t! To me, one of the great masters of it is Jake Grantham (now at Anglo-Italian). I thought of him when I saw the title of your previous post and this one. Unfortunately, I have to confess that I can’t ever be at ease with this style as he is.
And yet it is a very interesting area absolutely worth exploring! Perhaps, the main lesson I’ve learnt from Jake is that to successfully dress that way, it is imperative to opt for muted colors, the ones you like. Simon. Why? Because the point of this style has nothing to do with bright bright colors, the kinds embraced by Pitti Uomo folks!
John
What size of the M-65 do you wear, please? Do you size these down given they are not originally designed from a style perspective? I assume the army sources from a lot of makers but would still have some consistency in sizing, and I’m just looking at one on offer. Thank you Simon
It’s at home – let me check later.
Hi Simon,
Do you know anyone offering m65s in style similar to yours as MTM? I’m 204cm, so guess Alphas, or Aspesi or similar, will be difficult to get in a good fit. I know Private white offer MTM but don’t think they have a good m65..
Thanks in advance!
No, sorry. Hard to get a genuine vintage look when done MTM as well – even on new ones, the garment washing usually requires volume
Simon, what do you think about wearing a technical (i.e. cotton/nylon blend) down parka over a suit? I spend a lot of time outside, sometimes on construction sites and wanted something which would work in terms of weather resistance (waterproof, warm) and can also be worn casually on the weekend (mostly for the football).
I’m thinking of a Scandi one and not one of the more ubiquitous brands that you see EVERYONE wearing!
To be honest I’m not much of a fan of them. I’d more likely wear a trench coat or Mac
Simon,
Good post. Nice jacket. May I ask what size is it and how old? I understand the vintage versions are quite large. Also how does one clean a vintage jacket like this.
Thanks
Sorry, forgot to check the size. It’s cotton and can be washed carefully in a machine
Thank you. I saw your piece on the Drake’s D-43 and was cobsidering getting one. How do you compare the Drake’s to this vintage D-65 in terms of versatility? Would you wear any over a suit or off jacket and trousers?
The D-43 is shorter and more practical – water resistant, more rugged. It’s also shorter, though both are too short for me over a jacket
One has to be careful with one’s environment when it comes to this ‘high-low’ or louche dressing as I prefer to call it.
This jacket and hat are not at home in Mayfair. They are simply way too casual next to the beautiful imposing buildings. The seaside or the mountains maybe – but then with jeans and rugged boots.
There are a multiplicity of coat options that would be infinitely preferable to the field jacket and with regard to headgear- a fedora or a cap yes, surely only a tourist would wear a watch hat in Mayfair ?
As a total look, this outfit commits the sartorial sin of trying too hard and mixes the apples with the oranges. Also, personally I hate to see men carrying bags in this way. It makes them look like they are either going to school or a building site.
But to end on a positive note – yes, the trousers, sweater and shoes are great and nice to see you getting with the roll neck evolution. They’ve been a staple of mine for a while and are so versatile.
Simon, I have a Howlin’ roll neck and find it bunches up at the front, just below the neck at the top of the chest. Is this something you experienced with yours or should I return?
Hard to say exactly, but I don’t think so Rob, no.
Some rollnecks have this issue because the knitwear is built essentially without a front or a back – the ribs leading to the neck on the front are the same as the back, and therefore the neck isn’t really pitched forward at all. But I haven’t had that experience with Howlin, no
Thanks Simon. Think I’ll return it and ask them to take a look.
Just reflecting on the comments from Art, I think it is quite wrong to post gobby comments with nothing to substantiate them and which are very personal (and potentially defamatory). Chapeau Simon for having the confidence to put it up.
We may all agree to disagree from time to time on what is always a wholly subjective topic (taste, style, etc.), but insults really have no place on an open forum such as this.
Nice post Simon,I love the hat.I intended buying one of the hats on the Johnston website,but I may as well wait for yours.When do you intend putting them out and at what price point?
It will be January – at £69 plus VAT
Thanks,I will wait till January,see you then.
Nice outfit Simon, reminds me of Frank Serpico. Thoughts on wearing a heavyweight cream rollneck sweater instead of the navy? I’d likely wear jeans rather than flannels and navy knitwear with navy jeans is a little dark and monochromatic I think.
Yes, cream would be nice. Or grey to avoid being too smart
Hi Simon,
Has your M-65 been alter at all (slimmin down sleeves or taking in chest for example)?
No, and I would probably avoid doing so given the fading there is around the seams.
No need for alterations unless you have a difficult shape, but I’d definitely recommend trying before you buy. I wear a 40-42 chest and usually grab a large of whatever I see on the peg, but the M65 is quite absurdly oversized (intentionally so, to allow for the liner and a bulky uniform beneath).
The M65 has been on my mind ever since I saw this post months ago, and I’d been thinking about it as a replacement for my Belstaff Trialmaster since my wife loathes the cold waxed fabric and it’s a little too heavy to carry around the world. Yesterday I found myself in a vintage shop with a few excellent examples in various sizes, and I was positively swamped by the large. The medium was OK but a little shapeless. The small-short – without the removable liner – was a perfect fit, just large enough for a shirt and a fine sweater, but probably a little snug for chunky knitwear. I haven’t worn anything in a small since sometime in the 90s.
I’d planned on buying online and sizing down to a medium, but I think that would have been a mistake. I’m a little bit in love with the small. Great ego boost, too 🙂
Hi Simon,
Nice bag there!
May I know which tote bag will you recommend for daily wear?
Thank you!
Frank Clegg’s range is very good, will made and practical
Simon, were the green socks a particular color from Bresciani? Have a loden pair from Bresciani, they are a little to dark vs my old M65. Also any advice regarding on-line stockists.
Thanks as ever.
Cliff
Cliff
Not that I recall – sorry Cliff.
In terms of stockists, I tend to use Mes Chaussettes Rouges.
Simon, thanks appreciate the stockist name.
Cliff
Hey, Simon,
Which brand would you recommend for the M-65 field jacket and above all why?
The Real McCoy or Alpha Industrie
I think The Real McCoy is “the real deal” but the price scares me off a bit and I don’t know what size I’m going to need…
With Alpha Industrie it would be a Small Regular since it is already oversized from the construction and I would have to take a number smaller (I know because I also had one), only I do not know if it is with The Real McCoy also so and what justifies the price so…
It would be nice if you could give me an answer.
Thanks
Hi
I’m afraid I don’t know Alpha well enough to compare I’m afraid. Sorry
Hi Simon,
I’m looking for a lightweight field jacket for the spring / summer. I like the look of the Anglo-Italian summer field but are there any other options I should consider? Many thanks.
Yes, quite a lot of people do them. Drake’s, Budd, Stoffa, Anderson & Sheppard, Private White, The Armoury
Nice outfit! Who is the maker of the cloth for the flanell trousers and what colour? Mid or light grey?
Mid-grey, and it’s VBC cloth – but I would recommend Fox flannel more now
Thanks! I have ordered a pair of mid-grey A&S trousers in Fox 11 Oz flannel cloth.
Hi Simon, would appreciate your thoughts on Private White’s new “Revere” field jacket (https://www.privatewhitevc.com/products/revere-jacket?variant=31499021942845). Thanks very much!
I haven’t tried it I’m afraid so can’t offer much. Sorry
Hey Simon,
BETWEEN THE REAL MCCOY‘S M-65 FIELD JACKET AND THE REAL MCCOY‘S M-65 ‘1ST MODEL‘?
Which model would you recommend?
@Simon – my impression is that M-65 are generously cut. I’m looking for confirmation of this as I’m on the hunt for one but most of the genuine articles I’m finding (that don’t cost the earth) are online so I have no way of trying one on. Thankfully, authentic pieces have measurements sewn into the interior of the jacket so going by that, think I should go with a “Small” but am unsure. What’s your experience?
Yes, they are generously cut. I would take a size down from what you normally get. Though obviously a lot easier if you can try something in person. (Or at least use a shop that has some good customer service and can give advice)
Simon,
I’ve got a similar jacket which I’ve bashed up and repaired more than once. The main difference is mine has buttons instead of snaps. I’m thinking about replacing the buttons with matte horn. What color (or other considerations) should I be thinking about?
Thanks
I guess the main consideration is whether you want buttons that are closer to the original (which would be more authentic) or dress it up more, with the replacement horn.
If you want horn, then I think it’s largely about the most subtle colour. Which would probably be a dark brown, with little variation in the colour. You don’t want to make it look like it’s trying to be something it’s not.
That’s helpful. I had been thinking that darker would have been more formal, so I was looking at lighter horn which stuck out is a way I couldn’t quite get my finger on. You’re right, the darker horn is closer to the olive plastic buttons
Hi Simon,
The Real McCoys offer 2 versions of the M-65, their “standard” or OG107 model and their “First Model”, supposedly a reproduction of the very first model that came prior to the one that became definitive (the OG107). Between these two, do you have a preference? Pictures in links below. Thanks in advance.
OG107: https://thearmoury.com/collections/the-real-mccoys-for-the-armoury-westbury/products/m-65-field-jacket?variant=32744179630151
S
First model: https://thearmoury.com/collections/the-real-mccoys-for-the-armoury-westbury/products/m-65-field-jacket-1st-model?variant=32744179236935
To be honest I haven’t tried either, and they look pretty similar in terms of style. I wouldn’t have thought the situations where and how you could use them would vary much
Thanks. I get your point – differences are minimal. For one, the First Model does not have epaulettes. And then more significantly the First Model is ever so slightly lighter in color. Recognizing that I’m splitting hairs here, would either or both of these sway you in either direction?
No it wouldn’t to be honest. I think both would be fine, and it’s at the level of personal preference
I love the m65, not the 1st model, but honestly, I start to like better the 1st model, because it’s a bit slimmer. Also the color is really nice.
but both are very useful.
Hi Simon,
Is the M65 jacket wearable during early spring? It looks kind of lightweight.
Thank you
Yes I think so. If you layer it, like with a roll neck here. It’s not that warm really, but still works in Spring. Not in Winter
This is one of my all time favourite PS looks, the epitome of high-low dressing. I thought I’d share a recommendation here for those looking for an M65 but struggling with either the uncertainty of vintage or the price of The Real Mccoys. Buzz Rickson’s, the Japanese repro brand stocked at Clutch and previously recommended by Simon, offers their own reproduction of this iconic style at about two-thirds the price of Mccoys’ versions. Mine arrived today, and the quality and details are exceptional. Though I can’t be sure, I believe the reproductions benefit from an updated cut compared to vintage editions. Certainly, the length is more than enough to cover a sports jacket – and my long arms to boot. I’ll now be shamelessly riffing on this outfit for weeks to come!
Hi Simon
the M-65 is such a versatile item and looks great on you. Vintage not much of an option here., Looking at The Real MacCoys and Buzz Rickson.(as recommended bt one of your readers). Have you any experience of either to make some sort of recommendation?
Thanks Malcolm
Not really, sorry Malcolm. Both will be very high quality though – I would just look out for any differences in proportions/sizing
Hi Simon
I have an M65 from Alpha Industries – they claim to be the original manufacturer of these for the US military, and still make them to the same spec. I bought mine over 20 years ago from an army surplus store – It’s pretty much indestuctible, and looks better with age. As you say, its a really versatile jacket.
Thanks
Rick
Hi Simon, I was wondering whether any reader would have a recommendation where to shop for a vintage M-65? Basically looking for a store with a well curated selection. Many thanks, Jan
Most vintage stores have some – Le Vif, Broadway, Rag Parade, Levisons. Even Clutch has a couple at the moment, and so do Marrkt online.
Just keep in mind that this is vintage, so you’re unlikely to have exactly the right size and condition you want available straight away
Good day Simon,
Many thanks for featuring this dress code. Is the construction of your M-65 military jacket 100% cotton or is it a nylon and cotton sateen mix?
Best,
Ehmme
I believe it’s 100% cotton, it certainly feels like that. A vintage expert would probably be the best person to tell me if I’m wrong.
Hi Simon, I am considering to invest a pair of dark brown chukka boots from Edward Green for this winter.
However, I have noticed that Edward Green’s dark brown Banbury only comes with Danite soles rather than their thin rubber sole. As I never tried the Danite soles before, I wanted to ask your opinion about wearing them in London.
Would you say they may look too chunky and a bit out of place to wear in London? I have copied a link below for your reference.
https://www.edwardgreen.com/shop/shoes/banbury-mink-suede-brown-202-last.html
Many thanks,
Jack
I certainly don’t think they would look out of place in London, because such a variety of clothing is worn.
The question more is, would they look too casual with the other things you wear?
I think I would mostly wear boots with a raglan coat and flannel trousers but not with a tailoring jacket. Does it sound okay? Or should I try to find the boots with thinner rubber soles?
No I think that’s sounds great Jack
Thanks, Simon.
Could I ask what you think of the boots below? I am unfamiliar with that leather. Would you consider these smart boots rather than casual boots?
https://www.edwardgreen.com/shop/camden-utah-delapre-dark-brown-82-last.html
It’s a nice leather – more casual in its slightly waxy texture and matte surface.
It’s between smart and casual. Smart make, smart shape; more casual style and more casual material
Thanks, Simon
Hi Simon
What size is the jacket you are wearing?
Thanks, Hannes
It’s not marked I’m afraid – lost its label at some point
Any idea whether your M65 is the 100% cotton sateen or the 70/30 nylon blend introduced in 1968? I’m looking at The Real McCoys vs Buzz Ricksons as a high quality repro, but the difference in fabric has me wondering how they will age. I typically go for natural fabrics, but want to make sure it ages as close to the originals as possible. Was hoping you’d have an idea, thanks.
Mine’s cotton, I’m afraid I don’t know how a mix would age, but I’d have similar concerns to you
Hi Simon,
I recognise it seems strange to comment on such an old post, but please bear with me.
I’m seriously considering buying an M65 Field Jacket. Possibly vintage, but may go for one from the Real McCoys. Therefore as I always do nowadays, when considering new purchases I research and always search PS.
Please could you advise:
Looking back over 5 years would you still consider the look in this post, a timely look? I personally think it looks great.
I’m in my sixties so also don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard or a bit archaic!
I know these are subjective questions, but you expert advice would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
Hey Stephen,
No posts are too old! They just mature, like a well-dressed 60 year old…
I think this look is still great, yes. The only aspect you could change if you were worried about that would be the roll neck. Use a navy crewneck instead and it’s easier still. Or if you want to be bolder, try white jeans/trousers
Thank you Simon,
Your feedback is very much appreciated. I like the the suggestion on the crew neck. It got me thinking as well, about wearing with a OCBD underneath and possibly chino’s, sort of Annie Hall era look.
Many thanks
P.s Looking forward to watching the interview with Jamie later.
Yes, that would be a bit more traditional/Ivy but nice
Thanks again
Hi Simon, apologies another question.
Whilst I realise vintage varies a fair bit, please could you let me know what size you are wearing in this post, for a general guide.
Thanks again
I don’t know I’m afraid Stephen, the label has gone on it
Hi Simon, I just wanted thank you for the advice on the M65 and associated styling. I did try a couple of vintage jackets, the Vintage Showroom were really helpful and let me try a couple in their hire shop. I did however go for one from the Real McCoy’s in the end and am extremely pleased with it.
Also referring back to your article a while ago on the Real McCoy’s, I’ve bought two jackets from them and they are – in my opinion – very good. Whilst I had heard of them, your article was extremely informative especially around their styling and provenance, the latter of which does to some extent justify their higher end of the price spectrum.
Thanks again.
Wonderful, that’s so nice to hear Stephen, thank you
Hi,
Do you know where I can get the beanie hat you were wearing? If not a similar one for a decent price?
Yes, it’s a PS Watch Cap – a size I specifically designed.
Hi Simon – I’m interested to know if this is still a piece of outerwear that you reach for?
I’ve been torn between getting one of these or a ripstop jungle jacket for a while now. I’m leaning towards the jungle jacket, but feel the m65 is probably more practical.
It is, definitely. The jungle jacket I see more as a warm weather piece, but I guess there’s not a huge difference given they’re both cotton
Hi Simon,
I may be late in joining discussion, but I’ve been wearing m65 for casual jacket and been reading PS for quite some time. I’m wearing size Small Regular and am 179cm (5’11) and weigh 65kg (143lbs).
I know yours lost the tag, but upon reading the article i guess yours is also small reg (22.5inch pit-to-pit and 30.5 inch in length).
I found the size a bit longer on me and considering sizing down to Small Short (X-small Regular would be too snug on the chest).
I like the way you wear it and it fits perfectly, something that i’m unable to achieve with my current size.
Also may I know your built? (Height, weight) to consider the right size for me? Thanks so much!
Thank you Adi, and yes that does sound right in regards to mine.
I am six foot tall, 12.5 stone
Ah got it! That means I should’ve gone with Small Short to achieve the same fit as yours, as I found Small Regular too long for me. Thanks Simon!
No worries
Hi Simon, thoughts on this black field jacket? https://www.marrkt.com/products/private-white-field-jacket-01
Like your style and given your collaborations with PVC, thoughts on this and quality? PVC has always been a lil out of my price range but love their designs and how you incorporate them. Thank you
The quality will certainly be good Tenzing, and I like the colour. For style I’d rather have the cut of our Wax Walker, but I would think you’d guess that, and of course that’s more expensive
Hi Simon, I own the Private White Twin Track and while I love it (especially because it looks put together and still perfect for taking the kids out) it’s relatively warm and heavy which reduces the time of year I can wear it. I’ve recently been looking at an M-65 from Ten C which has the option of a removable liner.
I’m also trying to reduce my wardrobe so I wouldn’t really want to own both. As such, and I know this is very subjective, but do you think the M-65 would be a more useable replacement for the Twin Track? Or do you feel they’re both worn completely differently?
Thanks!
I think it could be, yes. I guess the M65 would be less good in the rain though?
Thanks Simon, much appreciated. Yes, agreed, especially if it’s raining hard. The M-65 isn’t exactly going to be the best protection but on the other hand at least I don’t need to be precious with it.
True
Hi Simon, I’ve been searching for a vintage military outerwear for several months but it’s quite difficult to source one that fits me well and is in a decent condition. But then I came across a jacket from The Real Mccoy’s which I like (https://therealmccoys.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/usn-al-1-flight-jacket_-olive), although it is rather very expensive for a cotton jacket.
Do you think this could be a worthwhile investment and would you say its style could be as versatile as M65 and M43?
Many thanks,
Jack
Well, anything from Real McCoy’s is certainly worth it in terms of the quality you get for your money. Note it’s lined with real alpaca.
It is a nice style, but it wouldn’t be quite as versatile as a field jacket for me, as it wouldn’t be a tailored-jacket length, more shorter
I see, thanks for your response.
I am aware from reading your vintage reviews that you appreciate vintage more for those kinds of cotton clothes as they have more character from being used and worn in, but I assume they won’t have a similar level of quality as The Real Mccoy’s. Should I expect better ageing in the long term?
To further elucidate the question of whether the jacket would be worth the amount, do you tend to buy vintage pieces because you believe they have more value than those products that are reproduced in both short and long term?
The Real McCoys will mostly be the same quality – the advantage of them over vintage is more that they are always available, in new condition, in a range of sizes. There may be little improvements, but I wouldn’t buy on that basis. The ageing will be pretty much the same.
I buy vintage examples usually for the ageing they already have, rather than questions of value.