10 Best M-65 Field Jackets for Men [2024 Buyer's Guide] (2024)

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Living up to its name, the U.S.-made Genuine Military Surplus’ Genuine U.S. Military Issue M-65 field jacket is heavy-duty and looks like an exact replica of the originals. Its weight alone tells you it’s the real deal.

The jacket is made of 50% nylon twill and 50% cotton, a super tough blend that stands up to abrasions, water, and anything else Mother Nature has in store. Three color options are offered, all of them authentic military-issue. Drawstrings at the hood, waist, and hem, keep the cold out and the warmth in.

While this jacket doesn’t come with a liner, it is compatible with most standard-issue liners.

History of the Men’s M-65 Jacket

The original version of what we now know (and love) as the M-65 field jacket was designed by the United States Army in 1943. It was fittingly called the M-1943 or, more informally, the M-43. The jackets were created purely for function and practicality: they provided additional storage, particularly for ammunition, and they kept the soldiers warm, dry, and relatively protected from harsh elements.

M-65s officially went into action in 1944, when the U.S. Army Third Division invaded Italy. Soldiers who tested the jackets in the field gave their stamps of approval and the military continued to make minor modifications and improvements, determined to perfect the design. The final version of the M-65 field jackets got reinforced zippers, epaulets on the shoulders, more durable synthetic fabrics, and stand collars with hidden deployable hoods.

Eventually, the military also replaced all buttons on early versions of the jackets with zippers and snaps, a decision that likely saved a great deal of time and frustration.

Field jackets for men have traditionally been made of fabrics that are light- to medium-weight but are exceptionally durable, such as cotton twill and ripstop nylon. These materials can easily be layered with other clothing and are suitable to wear year-round. In fact, it is widely believed that M-65 field jackets started layering in the world of fashion!

M-65s have also historically been hip-length and come with drawstring or belted waists and hems, which, again serves just as much function as form. The shorter jacket length meant it likely wouldn’t get caught on overgrown vegetation or impede soldiers’ movements, while the cinch-able waist and hemline helped considerably with heat retention. Another constant in terms of the design is the four distinct, oversized front pockets.

These “bellows pockets” are sewn with single pleats to make them expandable, and feature button or snap closures at the top. These pockets are ideal for holding ammunition, notebooks, small tools, and even snacks.

M-65 field jackets were used heavily during the Vietnam War, where their design was seriously put to the test. Heavy rains, relentless humidity, mud, and other harsh weather conditions are near-constant in Vietnam, which meant that the American soldiers wore their M-65s, well, constantly. The U.S. military kept M-65 field jackets in service until 1980, when they were phased out to make way for new – but very similar – uniform pieces.

Today’s M-65 jackets for men are more about fashion, although they pack plenty of punch in terms of functionality as well. They’re cut a bit slimmer and come in a wide range of colors and fabrics, such as linen and wool.

In what is no doubt a nod to the jackets’ rich histories and traditions, modern-day styles are still unmistakably M-65s, with four front pockets, hidden hoods, and epaulets at the shoulders. The minimal, utilitarian styling is subtle enough to fit right into virtually any man’s wardrobe, which is likely how M-65’s have managed to stay so absurdly relevant all this time.

M-65 Jacket FAQs

Who could have guessed that a jacket style designed to create additional storage for U.S. troops would still be so popular, nearly 80 years later?

Are M-65 jackets warm?

M-65 jackets themselves provide a medium level of warmth. They’re physically on the lighter side, but often come with a thick, quilted liner that adds a great deal of warmth and helps retain heat. In most cases, the outer shell jacket and the inner liner can be worn together or individually. M-65s are typically made of durable, weather-ready materials that keep harsh elements like wind and rain at bay.

Who made the original M-65 field jacket?

The very first M-65 field jackets for men were designed and manufactured by the U.S. military in the 1940s. After making several modifications, they were widely used throughout the next few decades, most notably in the Vietnam War.

Is it ok to wear military jackets if you aren’t in the military?

This is an excellent question, and the short answer is yes – under certain conditions. A jacket is just a jacket, so anyone can wear an M-65 field jacket for men. However, it is not okay to wear a military jacket with patches, medals, badges, or other decorations if you haven’t served in the military.

It’s not uncommon to find vintage M-65 jackets in thrift stores and private sales that still have original decorations. If you encounter this, carefully remove them before wearing the jacket. Then, contact a local Salvation Army or military surplus shop to inquire about what to do with the decorations.