I Study Military Clothing. This Classic Army Jacket Is About to Be Everywhere

The classic green army field jacket is about as American as apple pie. A staple of men’s style for nearly 80 years, it was designed as a rugged, utilitarian garment to help the Allies win WWII. (Soldiers needed something that was weather-resistant, lightweight, and easy to move in, but still kept its structure.)

Then, nearly as soon as the guns fell silent, the field jacket became a wardrobe essential for everyday wear, starting with the victorious returning fighters who didn’t want to stop wearing theirs. In the years that followed, it continued to be iterated on by both civilian designers and the military, and soon became truly iconic, appearing unforgettably in films like Taxi Driver and Serpico.

Flash forward to today, and the field jacket couldn’t have traversed further from the backs of army Quartermasters and the shelves of surplus stores. In 2026, alongside faithful, impressive reproductions, I’m also seeing more creative riffs on the style than ever across the wider fashion terrain. Say it quietly, but the field jacket might finally be conquering the world.