Capture the Military Aesthetic With a Modern Twist
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For a brief few weeks every year, the weather can best be described as … erratic. One moment it’s sunny and warm, and the next it’s windy and chilly. And while those temperature fluctuations definitely have their upsides (who doesn’t love sleeping with a gentle fall breze coming through the window?), it can make dressing for comfort and style a bit tricky.
That’s where the classic field jacket comes in. Military style dictated that soldiers needed to be kept warm and relatively sheltered from the rain and wind, but still needed to be mobile. The field jacket – lightweight and boasting multiple pockets – was born.
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The style of field jackets, then, is fundamentally utilitarian: they need to be durable, practical, sturdy, functional – the kind of jacket you’d take into battle. And while that heritage is definitely still visible, even in today’s haute couture variations, designers have also thinned the material, injected color, and upgraded the silhouette where they felt necessary, resulting in some very cool variations on a timeless fashion staple.
Buck Mason Craftsman Canvas Field Jacket
Buck MasonTaking style cues from the popular hunting outfits of the 1940s, this Craftsman Canvas Field Jacket from Buck Mason is made from cotton canvas with suede detailing. It’s lightweight and versatile, with reinforced shoulders and felled seams for added durability, and a great compromise between the extreme practicality of classic field jackets – there are two large lower pockets and a large chest pocket! – and the modern style trends toward thin and sleek..
Orvis Heritage Field Coat
OrvisOrvis has built its reputation on marrying practicality with style, and their Heritage Field Coat shows exactly why they’ve been so successful. It’s made from waxed cotton canvas, which not only catches the light in interesting ways but also helps the jacket stand up to the elements. There’s a waterproof lining as well, to keep your insides dry even under heavy rain, while gusseted panels at the armpits maintain airflow. The high collar, interior and exterior pockets, button cuffs and full-length zipper complete the look.
Filson 3-Layer Field Jacket
Filson If you’re shopping for a field jacket you can actually take into the field, on a hunt or hike or nature expedition, we recommend the Filson 3-Layer Field Jacket. It’s bulkier than most of its more style-minded competitors, but adds some serious outdoor chops, from seam-sealing and a three-layer waterproof shell to combat moisture to a game bag, in case you happen to bag some pheasants. We love the adjustable hood and high collar, both of which help keep you warm on even the windiest days.
Todd Snyder Cotton Linen Field Jacket
Todd SnyderTwo oversized hand pockets, two chest pockets, a linen-cotton-elastane fabric from the famous Sondrio mill in Italy – this field jacket from Todd Snyder has a lot going on. We love the vintage details, from the bellowed pockets to the melamine buttons, as well as the slim silhouette.
Herschel Supply Company Field Jacket
Herschel Supply CompanyAffordable, practical, stylish – the Herschel Supply Company Field Jacket ticks all the boxes. It’s made from a 200 GSM cotton-polyester blend, meaning it’s thick, durable and weighty, everything you need to keep you warm and cozy through the cold fall, and with four front-facing pockets and one internal pocket, it’s got all the storage you need for a day hike or lengthy commute to work and back.
Cole Haan Quilted Field Jacket
Cole HaanJust how far can you take the field jacket inspiration? Cole Haan’s Quilted Field Jacket combines some of the most recognizable aspects of the classic military field jacket in a quilted format that adds warmth, so you can wear this late into the fall and early winter. It’s made from 100% polyester, including the fill, so it’s machine washable as well.
Peter Millar Waxed Cotton Field Jacket
Peter MillarMake a bold style statement with this classic navy field jacket from Peter Millar. It’s made from waxed cotton with a stand-up collar, double-snap cuffs and water-resistant exterior paired with a soft, warm interior with hidden zipper pocket. There’s even a roll-out hood hidden in the collar, so you can cope with a sudden rainfall with ease.
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