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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: March 7, 2010

About Original M1943 Field Uniforms
Page with more details and photos of original M1943 Uniforms

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. closeout or original items. For rates on additional sewing, check the sewing service page.

M1943 Field Uniform Set
M1943 Field Jacket and Field Trouser
$150.00
Please check the tables below for size availability.
M1943 Paratrooper Uniform Set
M1943 Field Jacket and Rigger Modified Field Trouser.
$160.00
Please check the tables below for size availability.

Od #3 Lining

Spec Labels

Corded flybar
buttonholes

Instruction
labels

Storm Flap

M1943 Field Jacket
Excellent quality reproduction. Cotton sateen shell with early production olive drab #3 (khaki) poplin lining. This new generation is a copy of the Feb '44 contract field jackets. These differ from the earliest jackets only in having the instruction label in the neck and the shell is slightly darker in color. The lining is about 30% heavier than previous jackets.
Buttons are now dark o.d. rather than caramel color. So you green-button freaks can stop soiling your panties....
$85.00
Sizing: We have only changed the way these are marked, not the actual sizing. Originals have the chest size marked in inches, rather than letter (M, L, XL) sizes. We have simply converted the letter size back to the corresponding inch size. (Since this has already caused mental anguish for a few people, I've added the "Same as" column to illustrate.)
As these are a combat uniform, like BDU's or ACU's, it has not proven necessary to offer every chest size. So, if you are a size 42R, then order a 44R. The difference in the chest is not going to be detrimental- especially when you're wearing an undershirt and carrying fieldgear.

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. Simply follow our sizing recommendations on the chart below.

M1943 Field Jacket
Availability
Size
Same as (Fit range)
Sleeve*
Back
Stock
36R
S (33-37R)
33"
29"
In Stock
40R
M (38-41R)
35"
31.5"
In Stock
44R
L (42-45R)
36.5"
33"
In Stock
48R
XL (46-49R)
37"
34"
In Stock
52R
XXL (50-52R)
37"
34"
In Stock
Long Sizes
40L
M (38-41L)
36.5"
33.5"
In Stock
44L
L (42-45L)
38"
35"
In Stock
48L
XL (46-49L)
39"
36"
In Stock
52L
XXL (50-52L)
39"
36"
In Stock
No other sizes available
Sizes larger than 52 will never be made again.
*Measured from the center of the neck, like a dress shirt.


Field Jacket Liner
Pile lined coat designed to be worn in conjunction 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
No Restock until 2011
Size
Fit Range
Stock
S
(33-37R)
In Stock
M
(38-41R)
In Stock
L
(42-45R)
Sold Out
XL
(46-49R)
Sold Out
XXL
(50-52R)
Sold Out
Restock expected in September 2010

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!
Sizes 30-44 $65.00
Sizes 46-48 $75.00

See chart below for size availability.

M1943 Field Trouser
Availability
Size
Stock
30 x 34
In Stock
32 x 34
In Stock
34 x 34
In Stock
36 x 34
In Stock
38 x 34
In Stock
40 x 34
In Stock
42 x 34
In Stock
44 x 34
In Stock
46 x 34
In Stock
48 x 34
In Stock
No other sizes available
 Size 46 & 48 will never be restocked.

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.)
Sizes 30-44 $75.00
Sizes 46-48 $85.00

M1943 Paratrooper Trouser
Availability
Size
Stock
30 x 34
In Stock
32 x 34
In Stock
34 x 34
In Stock
36 x 34
In Stock
38 x 34
In Stock
40 x 34
In Stock
42 x 34
In Stock
44 x 34
In Stock
46 x 34
Sold Out
48 x 34
In Stock
No other sizes available
 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.

Waterproof: Are these waterproofed? No. Neither were any originals. Anyone who tells you that is a blithering idiot. G.I.'s were issued raincoats and/or ponchos for rainy weather.
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.

 

 
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