As the wool service coat was found to be unsuitable for field use, the War Department Uniform Board was ordered to create a new jacket in November 1939. One year later, the Army ordered a run of 15,000 of the new jackets for tests, and by February of 1941 they had approved the design and were issuing contracts.

This reproduction is of the first mass produced OD Field Jackets (the actual Army name for these). They differ from the test jackets in that they use the same fabrics as the later "M41" versions. The shell is a tightly woven, light weight cotton poplin in olive drab no. 2 shade and the shell was flannel. The labels now carried the designation "Spec 20".

In addition to the pocket flaps, there are several other difference between the spec 20 jackets and the later spec 20A and 20B models (aka M41's). These have no, the cuff buttons are placed differently, they only have 2 waist adjustment positions, and "V" shaped back gusset. Our zippers are Talon, and now have the WWII style stoppers that they lacked until this year.

Fit: Order your normal chest size. These are relatively loose fitting, but not as baggy as an M1943 Field Jacket. Like all WWII versions of the OD Field Jacket, these have longish sleeves which causes consternation for some modern enthusiasts- but they are historically correct.

Why were they like this? Several sources mention that the QMC originally designed these field jackets to be made in only one, universal length to simplify supply problems. Thus, they made the sleeves long enough to fit everyone. This concept soon proved untenable and they ended up adding long sizes. When this was done, they neglected to adjust the length of the "regulars" and simply added more material for the long sizes. Mackinaws and Arctic M41's exhibit the same quirk.

Fabrics: These have a 6 oz. cotton poplin shell. The lining is cotton flannel instead of wool to keep the price down, and make these machine washable. It has the same appearance and honestly the thermal quality of the very thin wool of the originals is likely similar.

Care: Yes, one can throw these in a washer and dryer- but for longest life we recommend cold and/ or hand wash and hang dry.

Use/ wear: These were general issue for all soldiers and worn until the end of the War. Thus, they're correct for all US Army personnel. During WWII, some officers and NCO's had epaulets added to their jackets by tailors and sewing shops.

"M38"? These jackets are often called "M38" by some enthusiasts but it's entirely a postwar invention. Work on them didn't begin until the end of 1939, and the Army refers to all of models of these field jackets as "O.D. Field Jacket" or "Parsons jacket".

Imported.