In the world of field-worn militaria and surplus, it doesn’t get much better than herringbone twill fatigues. HBT stuff rocks, not only because it adds textural reprieve from plain weave fabrics, but because it was used to make some of the most iconic, ahead-of-its-fashion designs out there. But as you might expect from garments pushing 75/80 years old, they are becoming harder to track down.
Thankfully Japanese brands like Beams Plus are passionately keeping influential garments in production, allowing more people to get some exposure, whether they know it or not. The Supima Cotton Herringbone Military Chore Jacket and Painter Pants in Olive are 2 prime examples. Made in Japan using the aforementioned eye-catching weave, the contribution of Supima cotton is major, giving you a broken-in feel from the first wear.
The Chore is modeled after the Utility jacket used by the USMC and USN during WWII, as well as the Korean War. With 3 patch pockets, the coat is finished with laurel-wreath buttons just like the original.
Adding a modern twist to the world of militaria meets workwear are the Painter Pants, which take a pair of carpenter pants and drip them out in HBT fabric. Not a garment that would have existed back in those days during a war, this piece is an interesting twist on the past.
Available from $322 (pants) and $422 (jacket) at Hatchet Outdoor Supply Co.
