As far as timeless garments go, it doesn’t get more influential than the United States military. From khakis and OG-107s to chambray shirts, there are countless styles that can be traced back to the armed forces. And though many pieces get their day in the sun, there is one set that stands out as a perfect template for autumn styling. The working Denim Jacket and Denim Trousers issued by the US Army in the early 20th century — a pairing you don’t often see because of their sheer rarity.
And because of the exacting nature of many military repro pieces, reimagining these pieces has always taken a back seat to perfecting the denim weave and nailing all the details. But in signature fashion, Buzz Rickson’s is setting the tone with a refreshing variation just in time for colder temps.
Swapping blue denim for a mid-weight brown corduroy, the jacket and pants combo feature laurel wreath stamped buttons instead of the original sewn-on zinc ones, but are otherwise carbon copies of their source garments. Well, besides that lush fabrication which gives each piece an added layer of suaveness. Sure it can still technically function as workwear but it can also get you into the shirt & tie bistro downtown in a pinch. And even when that fails, going around to the back entrance pretending you’re the mushroom vendor from the countryside isn’t a bad secondary.
Finished off with one of the best repro tags I’ve ever seen, denoting Buzz Rickson’s MFG. Co ‘Aviation Associates’, whether you go for the jacket, pants, or both, this fantasy vintage pairing is one for the history books in its own right.
Available from $270 from Clutch Cafe.
