The U. S. Navy had been requisitioning the iconic U. S. Army's Olive Drab Field Jacket (a. k. a. M-41) from 1942-44, when the Army determined in 1943 that no more would be produced in light of the jacket style's shortcomings and the new M-43 Field Jacket coming into production.  While the Army's Olive Drab Field Jacket was deemed inadequate for the primary combat arms of infantry and artillery and other field units, the needs of U. S. Navy ship and beach personnel were markedly different and for these the Olive Drab Field Jacket was seen essentially good, and so the Navy developed its own version of this jacket style that incorporated specific modifications best suited for its needs, while maintaining the same overall style.  

The new USN Field Jacket style was procured as the N-4 in late 1944, though it is yet to be positively determined if any N-4 jackets ever arrived in combat theaters before the end of combat actions of WWII in 1945.  But the N-4 positively was issued stateside before the war's end and it continued to serve well after WWII.  The most noticeable differences between the N-4 and the Amy's Olive Drab Field Jacket is the color, which is dark Olive Drab shade 7 for the N-4, but close inspection also reveals the N-4 lacks the epaulets, bi-swing back, gusseted armpits, and belt adjusters at the hips that are found on the Army's Field Jacket, as well as having "U. S. N." printed in black on the left breast.  

Buzz Rickson's is, for the first time, now offering a masterpiece copy of the U. S. Navy's N-4 Utility Jacket; as usual, they have spared no expense and again recreated a classic jacket style as if it had to pass U. S. Navy standardized testing, which includes custom manufacturing all component parts to the original specs. using now-outdated vintage machinery.  It is Buzz Rickson's attention to detail and historical purity that separates a true uniform item intended to function in adverse, challenging conditions from a costume possessing only basic characteristics of resemblance to the original item:  the U. S. military wears uniforms, while trick-or-treaters wear costumes.

Please note these authentic features found only on a Buzz Rickson's masterpiece and original-issue N-4 Field Jackets of the U. S. Navy:

•Exact copy of contractor label printed on off-white cotton in neck area.

•Correct interlining of collar and lapels for proper shape and durability, with reinforcing stitching on collar back.

•Custom production of the original-style urea buttons, not cheap plastic buttons.

•Custom manufacturing of the correct 5.5-ounce cotton poplin produced on vintage looms of the 1940’s and dyed to a correct shade of Olive Drab 7 using the old-style dyes.

•Custom manufacturing of the correct wool-and-cotton flannel lining produced on vintage looms of the 1940’s and dyed to a typical brownish shade of Olive Drab using the old-style dyes.

•Genuine bar tacks on all major stress points as per the USN spec., not just cheap look-a-like stitching.

•Two slash-style, internally hung pockets correctly lined in the same flannel as the jackets's lining.

•Exacting reproduction of a late-war Conmar brass zipper on cotton HBT zipper tape that is rolled and glued at the base with no plastic heat seal, exactly as done in 1944.

• Correct U. S. N. stamping in black on left breast.

•Precise pattern grading matching the exact measurements employed for production of the original N-4 jackets, including such critical areas as neck drop, shoulder slope, armhole opening, shoulder width, etc.  Because of this uncompromising attention to authenticity in fit and fabrics, this Buzz Rickson’s N-4 will fit, drape, function, protect,  and look exactly as did the original N-4 Jackets.

Due to the original, generous fit of the design, we can comfortably fit up to 46" chest measures.   Please do NOT attempt to guess at sizing; please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

Developed in the prewar era exclusively for the submarine service by the U. S. Navy, these woolen coats were as few as there were submariners at the time and the survival rate for these coats was even lower due, possibly, to being so tasty to munching insects, nicely warm, and not at all military looking, thus enabling them to easily "walk away" when sailors left the service.  Today, such coats are beyond rare and will fetch significant money among collectors, but you now can have a new one in your size to enjoy, thanks to Buzz Rickson's.

The design is very simple, yet it is its functional simplicity that makes it so appealing.  The wool is charcoal in color, which is another surprise for U. S. Navy clothing, and it is a chunky, flecked fabric with a subtle, wide-weave herringbone pattern.  There is no lining in this coat as the intention was for use both on its own and with multiple layers, but all internal seams are fully covered in binding tape as one would expect for quality clothing from the 1930's.  Not excessively heavy, but still robust enough on its own for temperatures in the upper 30's F.; thanks to the full design, it can be worn with significant underclothing for lower temperatures.  

Grab a slice of old-school winter gear from the U. S. Navy's prewar "silent service" in this Buzz Rickson's unique design rarity.  

• Button-front closure
• Custom manufacturing of the correct urea buttons, not plastic
• Custom manufacturing of the correct heavy worsted-wool using vintage machinery
• Assembly using vintage sewing machines
• Pocket flaps and interior cuffs are backed with all-cotton black cotton exactly as found on the original jacket style and interior seams are taped
• Vintage-style label produced on vintage shuttle looms
• DRY CLEAN ONLY

Even sizes 36-44 Regular (these run full and can fit larger than tagged, thus a 46" chest measure can be comfortably accommodated).   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

Eschew the soccer-mom look and grab something that actually fits well and is made of high-quality fabric meant to hold up over years of wear and laundering!  

Buzz Rickson's premium, vintage-style, all-cotton athletic sweatpants are made from medium-weight, 100% cotton fabricated on 1920's-vintage loop-wheeling machines, styled with all the correct features found on the old sweatpants and cut to hug the body in a flattering form without bulk, just as the vintage originals did.  Limited quantities available.  Take note of these authentic vintage styling features:

• Custom manufacturing of the medium-weight, all-cotton fleece fabricated on vintage loop-wheeling looms
• Vintage wash
• USAF Langley Air Force Base logo silk screened to the left upper thigh in a muted, non-plastisol ink to duplicate the look and feel of vintage ink types
• One side-entry pocket per leg
• Heavy-weight, all-cotton draw ties at each cuff opening and waist
• Exact copy of the original-style rayon-on-cotton labels
• True vintage fit for flattering appearance, not a sloppy, relaxed fit with saggy rear and baggy legs

A note on loop-wheeling looms:

Loop-wheeling looms are special machines that were once common decades ago and able to weave even rows of small loops of yarn on the inner fabric side rather than the typical fleece we see on contemporary sweatshirt and pant interiors that have much more of a solid, flat appearance.  These old looms also 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 sweatshirt; in the good old days, the proper way was the only way.  It's cheap and easy to make shirts from a flat piece of cloth and most customers would never notice the difference, though they may wonder why their not-so-cheap sweatshirt seemed to lose its shape after only a few washes - but now you know.

Sizes:  Small, Medium, Large.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

Now, you may ask, what is a loop-wheeled hoodie sweatshirt?  Loop-wheeling looms are special machines that were once common decades ago and able to weave even rows of small loops of yarn on the inner fabric side rather than the typical fleece we see on contemporary sweatshirt interiors that has much more of a solid, flat appearance.  These old looms also 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.  Even the most expensive designer sweatshirts will usually have a side seam - sometimes two seams!  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 sweatshirt; in the good old days, the proper way was the only way.  It's cheap and easy to make shirts from a flat piece of cloth and most customers would never notice the difference, though they may wonder why their not-so-cheap sweatshirt seemed to lose its shape after only a few washes - but now you know.

Traditional vintage-style sweatshirts of this caliber are not available even from the fashion high street. With shrewd foresight of the oncoming vintage clothing market, much of the old, U.S.-made 1920s machinery and looms were bought up by the Japanese in the 1970's when they were otherwise deemed obsolete.  These old looms, although much slower than modern machinery, are able to produce much higher-quality fabric - fabric that perfectly matches the quality of those garments made from the good old days.  For those who can appreciate such quality, these sweatshirts are sure to please.

Buzz Rickson's premium, vintage-style, all-cotton athletic sweatshirts are made from medium-weight, 100% cotton fabricated on 1920's-vintage loop-wheeling machines, styled with all the correct features found on the old sweatshirts, and cut to hug the body in a flattering form without bulk, just as the vintage originals did.  Limited quantities available.  Take note of these authentic vintage styling features:

• Custom manufacturing of the medium-weight, all-cotton fleece fabricated on a vintage loop-wheeling loom

• Vintage wash

• TUBE-Body construction with no side seams and only a zipper set in the front where the fabric was split open

• Set-in sleeves

• Two D-Style pockets

• Zipper-front closure

• Sewn-in hood

• Exact copy of the original-style rayon-on-cotton labels

• True vintage fit for flattering appearance, not a sloppy, relaxed fit with droopy shoulder seams

Sizes:  Small, Medium, Large & XL.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

Now, you may ask, what is a loop-wheeled hoodie sweatshirt?  Loop-wheeling looms are special machines that were once common decades ago and able to weave even rows of small loops of yarn on the inner fabric side rather than the typical fleece we see on contemporary sweatshirt interiors that has much more of a solid, flat appearance.  These old looms also 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.  Even the most expensive designer sweatshirts will usually have a side seam - sometimes two seams!  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 sweatshirt; in the good old days, the proper way was the only way.  It's cheap and easy to make shirts from a flat piece of cloth and most customers would never notice the difference, though they may wonder why their not-so-cheap sweatshirt seemed to lose its shape after only a few washes - but now you know.

Traditional vintage-style sweatshirts of this caliber are not available even from the fashion high street. With shrewd foresight of the oncoming vintage clothing market, much of the old, U.S.-made 1920s machinery and looms were bought up by the Japanese in the 1970's when they were otherwise deemed obsolete.  These old looms, although much slower than modern machinery, are able to produce much higher-quality fabric - fabric that perfectly matches the quality of those garments made from the good old days.  For those who can appreciate such quality, these sweatshirts are sure to please.

Buzz Rickson's premium, vintage-style, all-cotton athletic sweatshirts are made from medium-weight, 100% cotton fabricated on 1920's-vintage loop-wheeling machines, styled with all the correct features found on the old sweatshirts, and cut to hug the body in a flattering form without bulk, just as the vintage originals did.  Limited quantities available.  Take note of these authentic vintage styling features:

• Custom manufacturing of the medium-weight, all-cotton fleece fabricated on a vintage loop-wheeling loom

• Vintage wash

• TUBE-Body construction with no side seams and only a zipper set in the front where the fabric was split open

• Set-in sleeves

• Two D-Style pockets

• Zipper-front closure

• Sewn-in hood

• Exact copy of the original-style rayon-on-cotton labels

• True vintage fit for flattering appearance, not a sloppy, relaxed fit with droopy shoulder seams

Sizes:  Small, Medium, Large & XL.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

Now, you may ask, what is a loop-wheeled hoodie sweatshirt?  Loop-wheeling looms are special machines that were once common decades ago and able to weave even rows of small loops of yarn on the inner fabric side rather than the typical fleece we see on contemporary sweatshirt interiors that has much more of a solid, flat appearance.  These old looms also 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.  Even the most expensive designer sweatshirts will usually have a side seam - sometimes two seams!  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 sweatshirt; in the good old days, the proper way was the only way.  It's cheap and easy to make shirts from a flat piece of cloth and most customers would never notice the difference, though they may wonder why their not-so-cheap sweatshirt seemed to lose its shape after only a few washes - but now you know.

Traditional vintage-style sweatshirts of this caliber are not available even from the fashion high street. With shrewd foresight of the oncoming vintage clothing market, much of the old, U.S.-made 1920s machinery and looms were bought up by the Japanese in the 1970's when they were otherwise deemed obsolete.  These old looms, although much slower than modern machinery, are able to produce much higher-quality fabric - fabric that perfectly matches the quality of those garments made from the good old days.  For those who can appreciate such quality, these sweatshirts are sure to please.

Buzz Rickson's premium, vintage-style, all-cotton athletic sweatshirts are made from medium-weight, 100% cotton fabricated on 1920's-vintage loop-wheeling machines, styled with all the correct features found on the old sweatshirts, and cut to hug the body in a flattering form without bulk, just as the vintage originals did.  Limited quantities available.  Take note of these authentic vintage styling features:

• Custom manufacturing of the medium-weight, all-cotton fleece fabricated on a vintage loop-wheeling loom

• Vintage wash

• TUBE-Body construction with no side seams and only a zipper set in the front where the fabric was split open

• Set-in sleeves

• Two D-Style pockets

• Zipper-front closure

• Sewn-in hood

• Exact copy of the original-style rayon-on-cotton labels

• True vintage fit for flattering appearance, not a sloppy, relaxed fit with droopy shoulder seams

Sizes:  Small, Medium, Large & XL.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

Now, you may ask, what is a Buzz Rickson four-needle, set-in-sleeve, loop-wheeled sweatshirt? Four-needle sewing machines overlay the edges of all seams, creating a flatter, smoother seam construction with far less seam allowance, thus decreasing bulk.  Loop-wheeling looms are special machines that are able to weave a perfect tube, but they 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. Even the most expensive designer sweatshirts will usually have a side seam - sometimes two seams!  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 sweatshirt; in the good old days, the proper way was the only way.  It's cheap and easy to make shirts from a flat piece of cloth, and most customers would never notice the difference, though they may wonder why their not-so-cheap sweatshirt seemed to lose its shape after only a few washes - but now you know.

Traditional vintage-style sweatshirts of this caliber are not available even from the fashion high street. With shrewd foresight of the oncoming vintage clothing market, much of the old, U.S.-made 1920's machinery and looms were bought up by the Japanese in the 1970's when they were otherwise deemed obsolete.  These old looms, although much slower than modern machinery, are able to produce much higher-quality fabric - fabric that perfectly matches the quality of those garments made from the good old days.  For those who can appreciate such quality, these sweatshirts are sure to please.

Buzz Rickson's premium, vintage-style, all-cotton athletic sweatshirts are made from medium-weight, 100% cotton fabricated on 1920's-vintage loop-wheeling machines, styled with all the correct features found on the old sweatshirts, and cut to hug the body in a flattering form without bulk, just as the vintage originals did.  Limited quantities available.  Take note of these authentic vintage styling features:

• Custom manufacturing of the medium-weight, all-cotton fleece fabricated on a vintage loop-wheeling loom

• Vintage wash

• Four-needle, TUBE-Body construction with no side seams, and with lock stitch throughout

• Vee-placket neck detail

• Set-in sleeves

• Four-inch cuff and waistband

• Exact copy of the original-style rayon-on-cotton labels

• True vintage fit for flattering appearance, not a sloppy, relaxed fit with droopy shoulder seams

Sizes:  Small, Medium, Large, XL & XXL.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

Now, you may ask, what is a Buzz Rickson four-needle, set-in-sleeve, loop-wheeled sweatshirt? Four-needle sewing machines overlay the edges of all seams, creating a flatter, smoother seam construction with far less seam allowance, thus decreasing bulk.  Loop-wheeling looms are special machines that are able to weave a perfect tube, but they 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. Even the most expensive designer sweatshirts will usually have a side seam - sometimes two seams!  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 sweatshirt; in the good old days, the proper way was the only way.  It's cheap and easy to make shirts from a flat piece of cloth, and most customers would never notice the difference, though they may wonder why their not-so-cheap sweatshirt seemed to lose its shape after only a few washes - but now you know.

Traditional vintage-style sweatshirts of this caliber are not available even from the fashion high street. With shrewd foresight of the oncoming vintage clothing market, much of the old, U.S.-made 1920's machinery and looms were bought up by the Japanese in the 1970's when they were otherwise deemed obsolete.  These old looms, although much slower than modern machinery, are able to produce much higher-quality fabric - fabric that perfectly matches the quality of those garments made from the good old days.  For those who can appreciate such quality, these sweatshirts are sure to please.

Buzz Rickson's premium, vintage-style, all-cotton athletic sweatshirts are made from medium-weight, 100% cotton fabricated on 1920's-vintage loop-wheeling machines, styled with all the correct features found on the old sweatshirts, and cut to hug the body in a flattering form without bulk, just as the vintage originals did.  Limited quantities available.  Take note of these authentic vintage styling features:

• Custom manufacturing of the medium-weight, all-cotton fleece fabricated on a vintage loop-wheeling loom

• Vintage wash

• Four-needle, TUBE-Body construction with no side seams, and with lock stitch throughout

• Vee-placket neck detail

• Set-in sleeves

• Four-inch cuff and waistband

• Exact copy of the original-style rayon-on-cotton labels

• True vintage fit for flattering appearance, not a sloppy, relaxed fit with droopy shoulder seams

Sizes:  Small, Medium, Large, XL & XXL.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

Now, you may ask, what is a Buzz Rickson four-needle, set-in-sleeve, loop-wheeled sweatshirt? Four-needle sewing machines overlay the edges of all seams, creating a flatter, smoother seam construction with far less seam allowance, thus decreasing bulk.  Loop-wheeling looms are special machines that are able to weave a perfect tube, but they 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. Even the most expensive designer sweatshirts will usually have a side seam - sometimes two seams!  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 sweatshirt; in the good old days, the proper way was the only way.  It's cheap and easy to make shirts from a flat piece of cloth, and most customers would never notice the difference, though they may wonder why their not-so-cheap sweatshirt seemed to lose its shape after only a few washes - but now you know.

Traditional vintage-style sweatshirts of this caliber are not available even from the fashion high street. With shrewd foresight of the oncoming vintage clothing market, much of the old, U.S.-made 1920's machinery and looms were bought up by the Japanese in the 1970's when they were otherwise deemed obsolete.  These old looms, although much slower than modern machinery, are able to produce much higher-quality fabric - fabric that perfectly matches the quality of those garments made from the good old days.  For those who can appreciate such quality, these sweatshirts are sure to please.

Buzz Rickson's premium, vintage-style, all-cotton athletic sweatshirts are made from medium-weight, 100% cotton fabricated on 1920's-vintage loop-wheeling machines, styled with all the correct features found on the old sweatshirts, and cut to hug the body in a flattering form without bulk, just as the vintage originals did.  Limited quantities available.  Take note of these authentic vintage styling features:

• Custom manufacturing of the medium-weight, all-cotton fleece fabricated on a vintage loop-wheeling loom

• Vintage wash

• Four-needle, TUBE-Body construction with no side seams, and with lock stitch throughout

• Vee-placket neck detail

• Set-in sleeves

• Four-inch cuff and waistband

• Exact copy of the original-style rayon-on-cotton labels

• True vintage fit for flattering appearance, not a sloppy, relaxed fit with droopy shoulder seams

Sizes:  Small, Medium, Large, XL & XXL.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan