US Uniforms Main Page

U.S. M1943
Field Uniform


M1943 Infantry Uniform Set
M1943 Paratrooper Uniform Set
M1943 Field Jacket
Field Jacket Liner
M1943 Field Trouser
Rigger Modified Field Trouser
Field Jacket Hoods
FAQ

Last Updated: July 2, 2009

US Army
M1943 Field Jacket and Trouser

History: The M1943 Field Uniform was the result of several years of experimentation and development by the US Army Quartermaster. It replaced the completely inadequate M1941 Field Jacket (which was more suited to a day on the golf course than combat in the ETO.) It consisted of a 4 pocket jacket and matching trousers made from windproof sateen cotton. The uniform was designed as a layered system, meant to be worn over the wool shirt and trouser and in conjunction with a wool sweater and liners in colder weather. The uniform was first issued to elements of the 3rd Infantry Division fighting at Anzio in Italy in February/ March 1944 for field testing. Despite the high praise the jacket received from those who wore it, General Omar Bradley considered it unsightly and inferior to the wool overcoat. Resistance by Bradley and other commanders in the ETO resulted in the uniform not being issued until shortages of all field jackets finally forced them to relent in the Fall of 1944. The supply situation for clothing for troops already in the ETO was described as "critical" and "very critical" until the end of January 1945. (Shipments of ammunition, fuel and food took precedence over clothing). Thus, troops fighting at Aachen, Hurtgen and the Battle of the Bulge will be seen wearing a mix of M41's, Tankers, M1943's and wool overcoats. The exceptions to this were the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions who were almost entirely re-equipped with the uniform just prior to operation "Market Garden" and troops in new units coming from the US. By February 1945, most troops in the ETO had finally been re-equipped with the new uniforms.
ATF's M1943's:
Although one large surplus corporation uses this same manufacturer for several garments, our uniforms are unique to ATF in color, pattern, labels and fabric quality. We used mint, unissued 1943 dated uniforms as samples. The results were stunning. The quality of these is equal to or better than any uniform we have manufactured at a price half what one we made would cost. We could easily remove the origin label, claim to have made them and no one would have a clue.

Insignia Recommendations for M43 Field Jackets:
In garrison, stateside or training in England, the unit shoulder patch and rank insignia was normally worn.
I have never seen period photos of troops wearing awards on M43 jackets.
Realistically, for combat troops, no insignia is most typical. Yes, I'd make more money encouraging people to cover their field jackets with all sorts of bling, but it's not correct. Yes, by the book, rank and unit patches could (and should have been) on these. However, once the shooting started, big, bright unit insignia was found to be a liability. I can personally attest to the ease with which one can spot a 2nd, 45th, or 101st patch at great distances. From examining period photos and film, a few units seemed to have retained their insignia for one reason or another more so than others. If you're trying to do a truly accurate impression, I recommend that you research your specific unit of interest before deciding.

Insignia Sewing Available: For more details and sewing rates go to the Insignia Sewing page. eout or original items. For rates on additional sewing, check the sewing service page.

M1943 Field Uniform Set
M1943 Field Jacket and Field Trouser
$130.00
Please check the tables below for size availability.
M1943 Paratrooper Uniform Set
M1943 Field Jacket and Rigger Modified Field Trouser.
$150.00
Please check the tables below for size availability.

Labels

Corded flybar
buttonholes

Early pattern
khaki lining

Storm Flap

M1943 Field Jacket
Excellent quality reproduction. Cotton sateen shell with early production olive drab #3 (khaki) poplin lining. We copied the early style jacket; the only label is the spec tag in the pocket. (The instructional labels and stencils came on later models.)
$80.00

Field Jacket Hoods, Original: $5.00

Sizing: Like originals, these are oversized. This jacket was designed to be worn over a tank-top, a wool shirt, an Ike jacket (or liner) and a sweater. They also run a bit long, like they should. For example an "XL" fits someone who wears a 45-48 inch chest. It does not mean that the jacket only measures 48".
If you wear a 42, order a "Large".
If you wear a 48, order an "XL".
If you wear a 40, don't even dream of ordering an XL. (That's the most common screwball upsizing trend we have.) These are huge. Do NOT upsize. We guarantee it will be too big.

Spare Buttons: Yes. Most jackets appear to have a bag of 4 in the breast pocket, but I'll stop shy of guaranteeing it. If you need more, click here.

M1943 Field Jacket
Availability
Restock expected Fall 2009
Size (Fits)
Sleeve*
Back
Stock
Small (33-37R)
33"
29"
Sold Out
Medium (38-41R)
35"
31.5"
Sold Out
Large (42-45R)
36.5"
33"
Sold Out
XL (46-49R)
37"
34"
In Stock
XXL (50-52R)
37"
34"
Sold Out
No other sizes available
*Measured from the center of the neck, like a dress shirt.


Field Jacket Liner
Pile lined coat designed to be worn in conjuction with the M1943 Field Jacket. These liners feature an olive drab poplin shell, pile lining, button front, slash pockets and knit cuffs and collar (like a tanker jacket). They are very much "spot-on" and compare very well to originals.This liner may be worn as a coat in itself (and often was) or underneath any other jacket for extra warmth. Sized the same as the Field Jacket. In other words, if you wear a "Large" Field Jacket, then order a "Large" liner. This is why field jackets are so roomy; they were designed to have these liners worn under them. Ding!
$75.00

Special Question Olympics
The G.I. reenactors always trounce the Germans reenactors in these events. Why??? Is it because the Wehrmacht had 8,000 variations of uniforms, making the G.I.'s feel left out? Unable to believe that there wasn't a "special" variation for every Tom, Dick and Harry? Do you think sending Gina into orbit turns her on? Where do you freaks come up with this nonsense?
1. Yes! We copied an O-R-I-G-I-N-A-L WWII liner. Not one from the 1950's or Desert Storm. These are rather scarce, but I honestly have a "real" one. So, yes, we are very f---ing certain these are correct.
2. Yes, there are several variations of US field jacket liners but most of them came after WWII.
3. This is the only style liner we will make.
4. Yes, the one your Daddy wore during Vietnam (or the one you wore during your Cheech & Chong days...) may look different.
5. No! There are no specific liner "models" for signal corps, tankers, jeep drivers, hookers, or chaplains.
6. Yes. Paratroopers wore the same liner as everyone else. They weren't special enough to have their own.

Sizing Follies:
For those of you who suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder and can only live if you overcomplicate things as much as possible, just listen to us and follow our sizing recommendations. These liners are snug-fitting. There's enough room to wear a wool shirt underneath, but they are not nearly so loose as a field jacket. For example, I wear a 44R which is a "Large" liner. The "Medium" is not comfortable to wear. It's too tight.
Therefore:
If you down-sized your Field Jacket (as many have done) to get that "Jordache" effect:
1. You may be S.O.L. as for wearing a liner underneath. There probably won't be room. You'll look and feel like an overstuffed pillow.
2. Although down-sizing your jacket may have been a positive fashion experience, it will not go so well with the liner. In the immortal words of Buford T. Justice, "don't do it." Thank you.

Field Jacket Liner Availability
Size
Fit Range
Stock
S
(33-37R)
In Stock
M
(38-41R)
In Stock
L
(42-45R)
In Stock
XL
(46-49R)
In Stock
XXL
(50-52R)
In Stock

Front detail. Tabs are
"forward buttoning".

Fly detail

Rear detail

M1943 Field Trousers
Standard field trouser, issued with the M43 Field Jacket as an integral component of the new uniform system. These are patterned after the early production trousers, with white twill lining and plastic buttons as used on the jackets. They are sized directly from original samples: meaning the waist sizes are slightly larger (3 inches) than marked as these were designed to be worn over the wool serge trousers. Order your normal size; if you try to outsmart us and compensate, they'll be too large. That's a promise!
$60.00 See chart below for size availability.

Rigger-Modified M1943 Field Trousers
 Field trousers as modified for Paratrooper use. Heavy O.D. canvas cargo pockets and leg ties were added to allow more ammunition to be carried on airborne operations. (Yes, these are identical to the standard trousers, with the addition of legs ties and pockets). As with originals, the pocket material is darker and heavier than that of the trousers. Order your normal waist size! Trousers are already oversized like originals. (About 3 inches larger than marked.)
$75.00
New: The new generation (2007-8) has the "correct", darker color cargo pockets and leg ties. They are no longer the same color as the trousers. Also, we are now installing genuine Scovil ™ brand durable snaps here in our shop to replace the less than reliable imported snaps.

M1943 Trouser
Availability
Size
Field Trouser
Paratrooper Trouser
30 x 34
Sold Out
In Stock
32 x 34
Sold Out
In Stock
34 x 34
Sold Out
In Stock
36 x 34
Sold Out.
In Stock
38 x 34
In Stock.
In Stock.
40 x 34
In Stock
In Stock
42 x 34
Sold Out
Sold Out
44 x 34
In Stock
In Stock
46 x 34
In Stock
Sold Out
48 x 34
In Stock
Sold Out
No other sizes available
No restocks until Fall 2009
Size 46 & 48 will never be restocked.
M1943 Field Jacket Hood
Original issue hood for the field jacket. Attaches using the buttons on the epaulets of the jacket. These are in excellent condition. Most are unissued, some still with shade tags. The vast majority have '44 or '45 production dates. A handful are 1951 production (but 1944 pattern date), but the only difference is the tiny date on the label. If this really causes your heart to race and your hypertension to go crazy, make a note and we can try to find one with a WWII date. All are size Medium, which will fit up to our XL jacket, despite what the stamp says. Yes, I tried them.
$5.00
Weenie Warning: There are several shades among these hoods. (No, not khaki. All are green but some are darker and some lighter.) Therefore, it is highly unlikely that they will perfectly match your field jacket. No, we do not offer "hand picked" matching hoods. These are original and that's that.

 

Field Uniform FAQ


Compare and contrast: How do these compare to....? I realize that this will be asked again and again. They are very close (look, feel, fit) to the original. That's all we give a crap about anyway. We don't copy repros...
As for how they compare: These are NOT the same jackets sold by WPG, SM, Sturm, Bayonet or Fred's Acme Military Mart or anyone else. Ours are the correct weight, weave, color, pattern, etc, etc.

Paratroopers: What would paratroopers wear? (WWPW?) Sorry, no specific "Airborne" model. The only thing different about the uniforms that the paratroopers wore was the addition of cargo pockets and leg ties to the trousers. Also, there is no difference between 101st, 82nd, or 17th M1943 Uniforms. (Not that anyone has probably heard of the 82nd or 17th Airborne Divisions, but just in case...)

506th: Is there an E Company 506th Special Edition? No. Sorry. Sew on a 101st patch and you've got it. There's no special modifications for the guys in the 506th.

Band of Brothers: Are these in the film???? These are NOT the same reproductions used in BOB. The ones in the film were made in Mexico and are actually of less than stellar quality. With dirt and wear, these will look the same as what you see in the BOB episodes. The fact that dirt, dust and wear causes color to change appears to be a major revelation to many people.

Weight: These are identical in weight to originals. Several other reproductions have been much lighter than authentic uniforms. You can put one of ours on a scale and compare it to the same size original and there is no difference. A few people on one of the "forums" have claimed otherwise, but they were either confused as to which repro they had fondled or had rocks in the pockets of the original they had examined. You're welcome to come here and use my originals and my scale.

Color: How is the "match quality"? These uniforms are dead on to originals. However, I realize that there is something of much more critical importance to the 21st Century Re-enactor; jacket and trouser match perfection. Although all jackets and trousers are indeed made from the identical cloth, it is possible that those of you with color-mass-spectrometers will be able to detect subtle shade differences. Just like originals and all other reproductions. Someday, perhaps facts of life and physics may matter again. But for now, we'll have to keep fighting the fantasies.

Special Orders: "Tell me the name of the manufacturer. I want them to make me a custom size." Sure. But the minimum order is 1,000 of any one type of uniform. Can you sell the other 999 size "62 shorts"? Yes, we've quite a few of these in stock. It was hell fitting them into my Mom's basement.

Washing: Can I broil and bleach it to look like a kombat vet??? Go ahead. But we won't take it back when you turn it orange. Recommendation #1; don't wash it. That's the most realistic. If you gotta be clean, recommendation #2 would be cold wash (hand is best) and hang dry. That should avoid any shrinkage or other antics. Customer reports on washing have all been positive. Minimal fade and shrinkage. (Cold wash, hang dry.)

Fabric Samples? No. We've requested some, but since we DO NOT manufacture these in our shop, we currently don't have any. The cloth and color are very correct.

Buttons: The WWII Paratrooper Chat Ring says they should be dark forest green! There has been more stroking over "field jacket button color" than anything else in recent memory. Originals came in several colors. Cross my heart and hope to die. WWII field jacket buttons range in color from dark olive drab, to dark brown, to medium brown, to piss green. Ours are a brownish olive drab. We copied buttons directly from an early production (May 1943) field jacket. If your buddy tells you that they are wrong 'cause they were all green he's an idiot. There is no one "right" color. There are about 10. Get over it.

Primer for the inexperienced.
Here are some facts about original M43 Field Jackets.
We get some rather bizarre complaints about the color(s) on our uniforms- I suspect as a result of a few less than educated types blabbering away on their "My Life as a Paratrooper Re-enactor" blog or the Toledo BOB chat ring. I hate those damned things. Any moron can suddenly appear to be an authoritative source for all sorts of information.

Here's some basic info concerning original WWII, they-were-there-in-the-real-War uniforms. Not the horsecrap posted on Jeff's Airsofter's Nexus or the Norwegian Field Jacket collector's forum. We copy originals. This seems to be news to many. Yes, we really get knucklehead complaints of this nature. Many of you all think I'm making this up, but it's true.
Jacket Color
"Too dark", "too light", "not green enough", or "they aren't khaki". All M43's were some shade of green on the outside. But there is no one and only color. Just like the "khaki" inquisitions. Ignorance rules. But the ignorant have no rule as to just what the "correct" color is. So, here's some help.

Unissued originals and one of ours. Guess. I made it real easy...
None of them match...even ours aren't all the identical shade. Call your congressman (or woman).

Original, unissued hoods; these are made from the same fabric as the jackets and trousers. . They don't match and it makes me cry. Call the War Department

Lining Color
You fruitcakes complain because our HBT's (and sometimes these M43's) aren't khaki...then squeal because the lining is khaki. Remember. There is no color but khaki, the all seeing, all knowing, all merciful, all powerful color that is KHAKI.
Fact: The earlier production (there is no "model number", just going by the dates on the spec labels) M43 Jackets used the same fabric as M41 Field Jackets were made from for their lining. Later jackets (1944-45 production) used a dark green color lining. Here are two originals to prove my point. Both are 1943 dated. Just like real (original) M41's, the color varies from pea green to gold. There were several million field jackets made during the War. They did not all match. That's the way it was in the 1940's. Not in re-enactor La-La land.


We don't make this up. We really, honestly have originals to work from and we aren't going to screw up the colors or sizes then try to claim that they are "right". We'll leave such antics to other people. I'm crude, crass and tactless and I'll occasionally post awful things to scorch your eyeballs or injure the sensibilities of the overly sensitive and not suffer one ounce of remorse. But our stuff is correct.

 
430 Rose Ln.
Columbia, KY 42728		 PHONE:   (270) 384-1965
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