Closeouts

Clearance - Now $150.00 off retail price of $450.00 - get one while they last!!! Special pricing applies only to sizes in stock.  These are first quality with full manufacturer's warranty and may be returned for exchange for any item we offer or to have the credit value applied as non-expiring store credit, but no refunds will be provided on this clearance item.

The U. S. M-1943 Field Jacket is an iconic U. S. Army garment from WWII.  Immediately after the war, many, many items of military issue were available as surplus and HBT (herringbone twill) camouflage fabric was one such item, as it had been withdrawn from use by the U. S. Army before the war ended.  While deemed of limited benefit for combat use, the camouflage fabric was welcomed by hunters who, up until that time, had nothing of its kind widely available.  Various items of civilian hunting attire were made from the surplus camouflage fabric and copies of U. S. Army jackets, trousers, shirts, and one-piece suits were among these offerings, not the least being the M-1943 Field Jacket.

Utilizing their incredible HBT frog-skin camouflage fabric, Buzz Rickson's brand has created this special offering of an M-1943 Field Jacket following the classic 370C Spec. of 1943.  The camouflage HBT fabric is custom made following the original spec. on vintage shuttle looms in the super-desirable, early shade with a distinctly yellowish cast to the background coloring.  All buttons are genuine urea, not cheap plastic, exactly as would be correct for the era, pockets are lined in heavy twill, adjusting drawstring at waist, double-button throat closure, and assembly performed with all-cotton thread.  Once completed, the jackets are given a light, vintage wash for a subdued finish to the colors, as if the jacket had survived in someone's attic in perfect condition since the 1950's.

We can comfortably fit up to 46" chest measures in this style.  Please see SIZING TIPS for guidance in ordering the correct size.

Buzz Rickson's products are imported from Japan

Last Few Left!!!

Buzz Rickson brand has made a world-class, U. S. Army 2nd-Model M-65 Field Jacket for many, many years, which is available for sale on this website; this style is one of their top performers, and is considered by many aficionados as the only M-65 Field Jacket to own, if your priority is owning one that looks, fits, and will endure hard use as well as the originals that served in the 1960's did.  Now, due to popular request, Buzz Rickson's has made this same M-65 Field Jacket in their amazing ARVN Golden Tiger-Stripe fabric.

Original, U. S. Army-issue M-65 Field Jackets were never made in Tiger-Stripe fabric, but due to the undisputed coolness and attractiveness of this camouflage pattern, especially the "golden" variants, we offer such an M-65 Field Jacket for the first time, which has been designed as if it were a commercial model made to military specs. back in the 1960's.  Every detail of this example matches the Buzz Rickson U. S. Army-issue copy they have made for years, except this commercial model is offered in one of the variants of Golden Tiger Stripe, has a commercial label, and the sizing is numerical instead of Large, Extra-Large, etc., though the fit is unchanged, as is the use of meticulous copy of a period-correct copy of the famous CROWN zipper.    

Though M-65 Field Jackets have been made previously in Tiger-Stripe fabric, none have been made in this newer version of Buzz Rickson's Golden Tiger Stripe.  This Buzz Rickson’s M-65 Field Jacket in Golden Tiger Stripe is a real head-turner that will set you apart from any pretenders.  Scorn the cookie-cutter look of “mall” jackets and grab a piece of 20th century American history that combines style with durability and utility.  Buzz Rickson’s M-65 Field Jacket in Golden Tiger Stripe offers all of the following original features and more:  

• Vintage-Style commercial label in the lining

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, heavyweight cotton outer shell produced on vintage shuttle looms, in one of the coveted variants of ARVN Golden Tiger Stripe

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave all-cotton lining to precisely match 1965 U. S. military specs.

• Exact copy of the heavy-duty 1960's Crown zipper for the frontal closure, with cotton pull tab and the #5 size for the hood compartment, both of which have zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• All-cotton drawstring at waist in lining and on bottom hem of jacket to seal out wind

• Bi-swing double-pleated action back for greater range of motion without binding

• Snap-closure wind flap in front of zipper to seal out wind

• Adjustable Velcro closures on throat latch and gusted, two-position, extendable sleeve cuff

• Button-down shoulder epaulets as found on genuine M-65's

• Two pleated, generously expandable chest pockets with snap-down flaps

• Two large “grenade” pockets with snap-down flaps located on hip/thigh region

• Flip-up stand collar with zippered rear compartment that houses stowaway hood with drawstring  

Please note:  This style is compatible with a Buzz Rickson's removable M-65 Field Jacket liner of the same size.

Sizes 36-44 Regular in even-numbered sizes.  The fit is generous, as found on the original jackets, thus size 44 comfortably fits up to a 46" chest measure.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.  

Crown is a registered trademark in the USA of History Preservation Associates  

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan  

Clearance - Now $150.00 off retail price of $350.00 - get one while they last!!! Special pricing applies only to sizes in stock.  These are first quality with full manufacturer's warranty and may be returned for exchange for any item we offer or to have the credit value applied as non-expiring store credit, but no refunds will be provided on this clearance item.

The designers at Buzz Rickson have added the famous removable liner to their offerings, thus enabling their masterpiece M-65 Field Jacket to be enjoyed with all the versatility the vintage jacket made famous. The Buzz Rickson removable liner is complete with all of the features found on the vintage liners, including the inner batting made of 100% polyester for cold weather and the button holes that allow the liner to be married to the buttons on the inside of the M-65 Field Jacket. But this Buzz Rickson liner goes even further, being made in genuine U. S. Army camouflage and adding a few features sometimes added on an individual basis by the wearer to make the liner even more versatile, such as a frontal zipper with snap-down closure, an interior pocket, and two exterior pockets; these additional features allow the liner to be worn as a jacket on its own!

The liner outer shell is crafted from high-quality, 100% cotton in camouflage, which was not a feature found on the vintage liners but the Buzz Rickson design team thought this would look awesome when worn either as a liner or as an outer jacket.

Whether worn in conjunction with a Buzz Rickson M-65 Field Jacket as part of the military’s time-proven layering system or on its own, this Buzz Rickson M-65 Removable Liner is sure to please on many levels. Please note the following features found on this Buzz Rickson masterpiece: 

• Precision copy of a vintage label design (though the label states that the liner should not be dry cleaned, Buzz Rickson only endorses dry cleaning of their liner, thus the label text is reproduced purely for authenticity)
• Custom manufacturing of the all-cotton fabric using vintage looms, and screen printing of the original U. S. Army camouflage pattern
• Two open-top pockets on liner exterior
• One interior pocket
• Exact copy of a vintage CONMATIC zipper in brass with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric and not incorrect poly-cotton. The HBT fabric is light olive drab, creating an attractive contrast against the camouflage outer shell.
• Blackened-brass press studs on the liner closure to secure the wind flap over the zipper
• All attachment tabs and buttonholes to provide for securing the liner correctly to the  M-65 Field Jacket
• Assembly using vintage sewing machines

Even sizes XS-XXL Regular.   The fit is generous, thus a 46” chest measure can be comfortably accommodated in size XXL. Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson goods are imported from Japan

Last Few Left!!!

The U. S. Navy developed a zippered deck jacket exclusively for cold-weather use among aviation ground crews in 1941.  The style was very similar in outward appearance to the wool-lined version for use by all personnel, but the fit, measures, and other features belie any comparisons of similarity.  This version for ground crews was lined with a 50-50 blend of alpaca-and-wool pile and the patch pockets were different in design, being more D-shaped, and the fit, especially in the arms and armholes was much more narrow.  Also, unlike the similar-looking standard-issue zippered deck jacket that was produced in the millions, every example of the ground-crew version we have ever seen contains a label denoting production by the Naval Aircraft Factory (N. A. F.), which strongly supports our belief that the version for ground crews was made exclusively by the Naval Aircraft Factory and not produced by any civilian contractors:  N. A. F production would correspond with significantly smaller production numbers and be consistent with the smaller number of personnel serving in aviation vs. the entirety of the U. S. Navy.

This jacket style for ground crews, along with the general-issue deck jackets, received a "U. S. NAVY" stencil in silver-gray lettering across the upper back in 1942, but the early-production jackets had no such stencil and this Buzz Rickson's version has been made EXCLUSIVELY for us with an unmarked, plain back panel, which is 100% authentic for jackets produced prior to spring 1942.  All of these deck jackets utilize the same period-correct, heavyweight, corded-cotton fabric found on the Buzz Rickson heavyweight N-1 jacket.  Though the zippered deck jacket for general issue was superseded in 1943 by a hook-front version, this alpaca-lined version for ground crews did not experience any significant design changes, though the color was changed from dark blue to Olive Drab 3, commonly but erroneously called khaki, beginning with productions in early 1944.  

Buzz Rickson’s philosophy is always to reproduce an item as authentically as humanly possible, which means utilizing the original machinery of the era and making the item so it doesn’t just look the part, but producing the item so it can actually function in the same way the original item was intended, thus Buzz Rickson’s is never engaged in making costumes; they are engaged in recreating rugged, functional history:  heavy, military bar tacks are sewn at every key stress points specified and found on the original jackets, thus pocket corners and the storm flap are constructed to function and endure in the same adverse, challenging conditions of combat as the jackets that won WWII.

Please take note of all of these historically accurate features found on this Buzz Rickson’s masterpiece copy of the Alpaca-Lined, Navy Aviation Ground Crew Winter Jacket: 

• Exact copy of an original Naval Aircraft Factory (N. A. F.) label design woven on vintage shuttle looms, not modern, projectile looms

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, heavyweight, corded-cotton outer shell to precisely match USN specs. and correctly dyed in navy blue 

• Cotton-thread construction

• Custom manufacturing of the correct double-faced, brown-and-grey hued alpaca fur-and-wool lining to precisely match 1940's USN specs, which is the same heavyweight pile found on the Buzz Rickson Heavyweight N-1 Khaki Deck Jacket. We cannot say too much good about the use of the original, double-faced alpaca, which is what provides the warmth associated with the vintage jackets and requires vintage machinery found in Japan; at best, single-faced alpaca is present on cheaper look-alike costume-grade jackets and Buzz Rickson's does not make costumes.

• Two external “D-style” hand-warmer patch pockets

• Precise copy of a wartime, nickel-plated Talon zipper on correct, all-cotton HBT tape, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Heavyweight, corded-cotton exterior, exactly as per the original design

• Sewn bar tacks on all major stress points as per the original specs., including pocket corners and placket front

• Large wind flap protector located behind zipper closure to keep cold air gusts  out

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply 100% worsted-wool knit cuffs, collar and waist band

Sizes available: 36-44 Regular in even-numbered sizes.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit. 

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan

Last One Left!!!

The USAF MA-1 Flying Jacket had a long service life and went through numerous changes to the original spec. 8279 before it was retired from service some 25 years after its introduction, but the 8279E spec. was the most outwardly different from the original 8279 spec. of 1957.  The most notable new feature of the 8279E spec. was the addition of pocket flaps to the two front pockets, a feature previously attributed mostly to the USAF L-2B Flying Jackets prior to 7448H spec.  Additionally, these later MA-1 designs were crafted from a darker, more green-grey shade of sage green, as opposed to the distinctly more silver-grey shade found on earlier MA-1 styles of the 1950's and early 1960's; Buzz Rickson brand has deftly recreated this darker sage green with a distinctly more green-grey cast.

The MA-1 was intended for wear in climates between 35 degrees and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, thus ideally suited for early spring, late fall, and winter.  The warmth-to-weight ratio, comfort, and overall good looks made this design extremely popular with all of those who could get their hands on one, and it was not uncommon for jackets to go "missing" and to be found on the backs of service personnel not authorized for issuance of the MA-1.

Buzz Rickson has reproduced the MA-1 Flying Jacket (Spec. 8279E) in exacting detail.  Buzz Rickson’s heavy-weight nylon twill fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy flight satin used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAF flight jackets.  In fact, the only other flight jackets in the world today made from this nylon are those vintage examples of the USAF!  Please take note of these authentic features:

• Exact copy of the printed contractor label in the left pocket

• Custom manufacturing of the correct 2/2 weave and weight USAF Sage Green nylon twill outer shell to precisely match USAF specs. and treated to repel water.

• Correct USAF-spec. inner lining of warm 58% wool and 42% cotton pile sandwiched between the outer and inner shell lining

• High-visibility orange lining; jacket is reversible from sage green to orange

• Exact copy of a two-way Coats & Clark main zipper with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric in a contrasting tan shade

• Correct USAF-spec. leather pull tab on frontal-closure zipper

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply 100% worsted-wool knit collar, cuffs and waist skirt in the USAF Sage Green

• Zippered pocket on left sleeve outfitted with four pen/pencil slots and two puncture-proof pencil caps made of USAF-spec. brass

• Two snap-down exterior pockets that pass through to two snap-down interior pockets lined with warm 80/20 wool-rayon fabric precisely matching USAF specs.

• Heavy wind flap protector located behind zipper closure

Sizes:  XS  – XXL.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan

BLOWOUT clearance sale until our stock is exhausted - $25.00 off retail!

This vintage tee shirt design is typical of those used by sports teams back in the day, where the trim color on collar and the entire sleeve denoted the team.  Our classic, vintage-style tee shirt was produced exclusively for ELMC by the John Lofgren workshops of Japan. The expertise in making such a garment is really only found in one place in the world these days – Japan - and John Lofgren is the master.

These tee shirts are created using a thread that was developed in Japan that replicates the look and feel of vintage fabric; because these cottons all have different length staples (fibers), the thread has a distinctive texture that is similar to vintage fabric. This specialized thread is called ‘Raffy’, which is a combination of American Supima cotton, Egyptian cotton and Turfan cotton. The fabric is then woven on rare, vintage, circular knitting machines, so the body is a complete tube with no side seam and known as “body-size.”

Tube-knitting machines can only weave one set diameter per loom; this means the factory needs a different loom for each size - very expensive - which is why you hardly ever see true tube construction in modern-day garments. Tube construction ensures true shape is maintained, not only during its construction, but during its life of wear.  This is the proper way to make a tee shirt; in the good old days, the proper way was the only way.

The body section is produced by one company and another makes the ribbing - each specializing in their own field of expertise. The cost is, naturally, much more expensive than regular mass-produced material, but the finished product is superior. Of course, all of the authentic detailing is incorporated in the design, thus these classic, vintage tee shirts have shorter sleeves than most contemporary tee shirts, which was known back in the day as quarter sleeves. And our shirts have the vintage fit, which is sensibly trim and lacking sloppy, droopy shoulders, excess blouse in the body width and length, and no sleeves hanging down to your elbows. Lastly, the labels in the neck are woven on vintage shuttle looms for the correct vintage look and feel.  

Available in sizes 36 - 46.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.  

Imported from Japan

The Luftwaffe (German Air Force) ruled the skies after the outbreak of WWII in September 1939. During that time, many of their fighter pilots became some of the highest scoring aces in history. The egos of these dashing pilots and close quarters inside the cockpits of their Messerschmitt 109s spawned the need for a practical and stylish flight jacket. Since no issue flight jacket existed other than cumbersome flying suits, beginning in May 1940 these pilots were authorized to privately purchase their own waist-length leather flight jackets as long as they conformed to a basic design; accordingly, these flight jackets are the most unique of any in WWII since the features of design were as varied as the individual.

For the first time since WWII, this fine style has been copied in a typical form. Our Luftwaffe leather flight jacket example features: premium, 3-ounce weight vegetable-tanned horsehide in your choice of black or brown; warm, all-cotton moleskin lining in Luftwaffe blue; two zippered breast pockets; two slash lower pockets; deep, zippered pistol pocket inside; snap-down throat clasp, belt clasp and cuffs; belted side adjusters; zippered forearm openings, authentic label in German text and more... This tasteful and stylish design is extremely versatile. Made to our usual exacting standards, this flight jacket will serve you as faithfully as the German pilots did the Luftwaffe; whether flying, motorcycling, or just everyday casual wear, this tasteful design is a versatile garment whatever the occasion.

Sizes available: 36-48 regular. Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on custom order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.  

Imported from England  

Closeout!  Last One Left - SAVE $80.00 off retail price of $235.00 - while supplies last!

Those of you familiar with the Sugar Cane, Buzz Rickson's, and Sun Surf brands we import from Japan will understand the dedication to quality, uniqueness of design, vintage aesthetics, and the employment of vintage machinery used to create their amazing articles of clothing that have been equally captured under the brand Star of Hollywood.  

Star of Hollywood was an American brand of the 1950's that established a niche for producing some wildly unique shirt designs, with some of the more renowned featuring diamonds or tarantulas.  The same manufacturing minds that have given us Sugar Cane, Buzz Rickson's, and Sun Surf have resurrected Star of Hollywood on a very limited basis.  The shirt designs are original creations and not reproductions of what Star of Hollywood once produced, but the overall vibe and look is spot on with the original Star of Hollywood, making this a go-to label for those who thrive on standing out from the crowd in a retro way that's not at all dated.

This shirt is fabricated from the same pedigree of high-quality rayon acetate that perfectly duplicates the hand and weight of the long-lost rayon of the “good old days.”  Just as with the original fabric it copies, this material is extremely breathable and airy, and it takes the original screen printing inks as splendidly as did the vintage originals.

Salient shirt details include:

• Custom manufacture of high-quality, super-fine cotton on vintage looms
• Discharge-printed graphics
• Vintage-style urea pearl buttons
• Single button-closure hidden chest pocket
• Satin-lined yoke

To help preserve the color and fabric, dry cleaning is the only laundering method endorsed by the manufacturer.

Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

Sugar Cane Vintage Work Shirts are for those who can appreciate the myriad of nuances and character found in the finest single-malt scotch, the clearest, most colorless diamond or hand-crafted, centuries-old Persian rug.  Original and distinctive styling features of the 1930’s – 40’s have been incorporated throughout each shirt design, including in this style the high-density, heavy-weight flannel twill dyed in a bygone process so it will wear and fade exactly as those cherished vintage shirts once did, making this a favorite in your wardrobe.  Sugar Cane typically offers three different flannel twills in their heavy-weight shirts and this flannel twill is of a medium softness compared to Sugar Cane’s soft twill or hard twill.

This is rugged and stylish American history at its best, and it is also going to look fabulous when worn because it is cut to flatter the body, unlike the ultra-loose styles so often encountered everywhere today.  Quantities are very limited.  Take note of these vintage features and details found only on a work shirt of this pedigree:

• Placket-front closure
• Open-top pockets with bar tacked corners for extra strength
• Collar stand for crisper appearance
• Double-stitching and rolled seams
• Reinforced shoulder yoke for greater durability at this crucial abrasion area
• Custom manufacturing of genuine urea buttons in magnificent navy blue
• Custom manufacturing of a high-density, heavy-weight, all cotton flannel twill that will fade as did vintage examples and continue to get softer and cozier from each wearing
• All-cotton thread employed in sewing
• Exact copy of the vintage-style rayon-on-cotton labels
• True vintage fit for flattering appearance, not sloppy, relaxed fit with droopy shoulder seams

Sizes available:  Med. -  XL.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan