Why You Need an M-65 Jacket Now

Introduced by the U.S. military in 1965, hence the name, the M-65 field jacket was an upgrade to the then-popular M-51 jacket. The M-65's primary difference from its four pocket front forbearer was a hood that, rather than manually attached, stored into a zipper pouch at the neck, as well as the use of velcro instead of buttons at the cuffs. Introduced in the early years of America's Vietnam War involvement, the jacket soon became a staple of military men fighting in Southeast Asia. Following the war, it was worn by both veterans and younger men who scored them from surplus shops. Its military heritage aside, the silhouette and style makes for a pretty impressive everyday jacket, with enough pockets to stow stuff, made of a medium weight cotton that's perfect for those transitional times between seasons. You can still pick up a standard issue grade M-65 today from companies like Alpha, but many familiar fashion brands have reinterpreted it. Playing with the fabrics and, most notably, fit, right now there's an option out there for any taste. Here are our spring picks.