People talk of the mostly mythical sweet spot of military-inspired garments. it either ends up a pure repro, over-designed, or so subtle that it leaves you wondering where the actual inspiration is. This C43 Field Jacket from Jelado, however, might just have reached the promised land.
Based on the universally loved U.S Army issue M43 jacket issued in 1943 that was cut from olive drab herringbone twill, Jelado has swapped the HBT out in favor of a 100% custom cotton ripstop fabric, woven in Japan and naturally light in weight. The Japanese brand did, however, keep the olive drab and threw in a black colorway for an extra option.
Jelado’s C43 is the epitome of versatility. Wear it as a light jacket in spring/summer, or as an overshirt too. It’s year-’round thang. Jelado omitted details from the original M43 in favor of a clean and contemporary silhouette, which sits just below the hip instead of further down the lap. The spread collar gives you space to flaunt your layering of a shirt or loopwheeled sweatshirt, and the wide-cut sleeves make that aforementioned layering a doozy.
Coming under the brand’s Combat Tog Series, we’re still greeted with an array of OG features including; two large gusseted chest pockets with button flap closure, five-button front all with replica 13-star buttons — all crafted and fitted in Japan.
Available from Clutch Cafe priced at $360
Don’t know your M-43 from your M-65? Check out our Guide to U.S. Army Field Jackets – From M-41 to M-65
