UPDATING THE M65 FIELD

The US Army M65 field jacket is a classic. Issued during the Vietnam War, it became a counter-culture statement.

It got a fresh boost when Robert de Niro, or rather Travis Bickle, wore it in Taxi Driver. "You talkin to me?" scene on YouTube.

It's a workman like slouch classic. Thing is, I don't like slouch.

M65s were made cheaply at an industrial scale. They were built accordingly.

FRAHM is all about quality, flattering fit, clean crisp lines, smartness without pretence, comfort without slackness. 

Time for a rethink. It's been 60 years now.

Below, I detail how we upgraded the M65 into the Jungle Utility Field.

    STRUCTURE

    The fabric is the beginning. We use Halley Stevensons of Dundee lightweight dry-waxed cotton. 

    This is much lighter and more breathable than the original, and can be machine washed.

    This makes it a truly jungle appropriate jacket. Or, in my case, the humid rainforests of Bath, Somerset.

    SHOP JUNGLE GREEN

    CLEAN UP

    Next up, we straightened it all out. There's too much flapping about on the M65.

    We took off the epaulettes. Tidied up the cargo pockets not to be baggy, and created bellows, so they expand only when filled. 

    Added hand pockets so you're not sticking your hands down vertically.

    The pocket flaps don't curl, but retain the slanted 1960s design. 

    There's cuff adjusters, waist pull cords... And on it goes.

    SHOP ALL OPTIONS

    TOUGHEN UP

    The fittings needed a major upgrade.

    Cue Cobrax hardened stainless steel snaps.

    Twin needle stitching. Laser cut oversize YKK zip. Steel barrel adjusters for the waist cord.

    Nothing that will fail, disengage or just look a bit... "I cut my hair in the mirror with a butter knife."

    IS YOUR SIZE LEFT?

    BEAUTY ON THE BEAST

    Lastly, there's all that beautiful detail. What Rambo would have wanted.

    A chambray inner book pocket. 'Action Back' bellows behind the shoulders, for reach. Side hem splits. 

    Stuff you'll keep finding years in.

    Oh, and 11 sizes & free sleeve alterations. Because there's nothing like a jacket that actually fits.

    GO ROGUE

    Jungle Utility Field Jacket