nonnative
M-65

My interest in clothing started with vintage.
I would go to vintage shops, dig through racks without really knowing what I was looking at, then gradually learn about different eras and details. And once you start getting into vintage, military pieces are something you probably encounter sooner or later.

M-65s, MA-1s, jungle fatigues.
At first, they just looked cool. Before long, I found myself looking into the differences between production years, studying pocket shapes, even paying attention to how the colors had faded.
There is a theory that every vintage lover gets into military clothing at least once.
I am definitely one of them.

That brings me to nonnative’s TROOPER JACKET COTTON BACK SATIN VW WITH WINDSTOPPER®.

It is based on the M-65.
That alone already has my attention.
The back satin fabric has been given a vintage wash, creating the look of a jacket that has already been worn in. If you like vintage military clothing, that slightly dry, rugged texture is probably enough to draw you in.

But this is where it gets interesting.
Despite the distinctly military look, the jacket is equipped with GORE-TEX WINDSTOPPER®. It can also be fitted with the separately released liner jacket.
For me, that is exactly what makes it work.
Wear it on its own when you just need a light outer layer, then add the liner as the weather gets colder. It keeps the character of an old military jacket while adding the functionality needed for everyday life now.

That kind of balance is something I really like.

Personally, I also do not think this is the kind of jacket that needs to stay pristine.
Wear it again and again. Let it crease, let the fabric develop wear, and let that crisp newness gradually disappear.
In fact, I think it really starts to become interesting once it has been properly worn in.

A new garment is not necessarily at its best on day one. The time spent wearing it becomes part of the piece, slowly turning it into something personal. Maybe that is also part of what makes vintage clothing so appealing.

A few years from now, I can imagine pulling this jacket out of the closet without thinking, throwing it on, and heading out.
By then, it will probably look even better than it does now.

Wear it for years, and eventually turn it into your own piece of vintage.
That is the kind of jacket this could become.

Selector: Saito