Buzz Rickson’s Tropical Combat Coat Olive
Part of the US Army ‘Tropical Combat Uniform’ the Tropical Combat Fatigue or Jungle Jacket as it became colloquially known has become a timeless classic in menswear; practical, smart with an air of revolutionary cool it is a versatile wardrobe staple.
Buzz Rickson, known for its exacting military reproductions, has produced the first iteration of this iconic jacket, original examples being rare and highly sought after by collectors and clothes enthusiasts alike.
The ‘1st Pattern’ Jungle jacket features some unique details specific to the initial contracted design of these jackets in 1963. Made from a 5.5oz cotton poplin the design was inspired by the WWII parachutist jacket, with four bellows flapped patch pockets, the two angled chest pockets for easy access, waist adjusters and epaulettes, plus internal ‘gas flap’. Over the course of the Vietnam war, the jacket would be updated a number of times to simplify the design and make it more suitable for jungle warfare.
Though the overall design of the jacket didn’t alter much, only the first production had epaulettes, side waist adjusters, exposed buttons and internal gas flap. Field testing and realities of jungle fighting revealed all these features proved impractical, snagging exposed buttons on foliage whilst ‘humping’ through the jungle was certain to make the Marine experience that little more difficult! The jacket was thus simplified until the far more common 3rd pattern prevailed, nevertheless the 1st pattern is still the most eye-catching and cooler design.
- OG-107 5.5oz 100% Cotton Poplin
- Four Buttoned Bellows Pockets
- Slanted Chest Pockets with Pen-Slots
- Waist Adjuster Tabs
- Epaulettes
- Gusseted Buttoned Cuff (to allow for easy rolling)
- Internal Gas Flap
- Reproduction Saucer ‘Eura’ Buttons
- Mil-Spec Printed Labeling
- Made in Japan