42 thoughts on “How do m65 field jackets fit? Should I size up or size down?

  1. Anonymous says:

    Depends on the specific manufacturer and whether it’s made to military spec or adapted from it, to add further confusion european manufacturers will often label both euro and US sizing on their products and it won’t always be clear which the seller is going by, a euro medium will be a US small.

    Mil spec M65’s are usually oversized to accomodate a thermal liner and allow total freedom of movement so it’s recommended to go a size down from what you usually wear but ymmv, I would refer to a sizing chart if one is available

  2. Anonymous says:

    Depends on the manufacturer, but actual military surplus will fit highly oversized, particularly by today’s skin-tight standards.

  3. Anonymous says:

    Most of them run large, so you’ll want to go down a size. E.g. the label on a small says it’s for chest sizes from 33-37 inches, but they fit me great, even though my chest is 38 inches (and for suits I normally wear a 42).
    The one exception that I’ve found to this was an actual vintage olive drab M65 from the 1960s or 1970s; I got one of those in small and it was actually too small. Ended up getting a medium and that fit me.

  4. Anonymous says:

    kek at all these non-replies. Size DOWN, M65’s are always bigger than you might expect. I’m 6’2", 160lbs. I wear a small and it’s still quite baggy.

    • Anonymous says:

      Mil-spec m65’s have absolutely massive sleeves and with the cuff extensions open they will totally cover your hands, there is also very little variance in sleeve length between the largest and smallest sizes.

      Most people will actually need to roll them or gamble on a dryer run to get a suitable length, definitely size down if you’re going for a genuine one.

        • Anonymous says:

          I actually have the borg lined version of this exact jacket in green as well as a Helikon-Tex repro one in black so I can do a comparison.

          +Sleeves are much narrower and shorter
          +Fit is true to size and in general is more form fitting and flattering
          +Zip-in hood has a visor with slightly thicker material and is actually superior to the original.
          +Cuff design is simpler and a little more comfortable, you have a single button for adjustment instead of a velcro strip and there is a V shaped notch cut into the sleeves with a strip of thinner material stitched to it that folds neatly when the cuffs are secured.
          +Zipper is much better
          +Epaulets are smaller and square the shoulders a bit better
          +Shoulder pleats are deeper and hold their shape better
          +Feels sturdy, no obvious structural problems

          -Front zipper goes all the way down and is not comfortable to sit in
          -Hood is stored in the collar only and there is no hood pocket extending down the back, this puffs up the collar substantially and makes it nearly impossible to fold while the hood is stored.
          -Collar zipper also likes to try and eat the hood so you need to take the jacket off and lay it flat to stow it again
          -Fit is too tight for layering when properly sized and the sleeves are too narrow to do it comfortably even oversized.
          -100% untreated cotton, no water resistance compared to a genuine M65 in Polyco/Nyco blend.
          -No cuff extensions
          -No bottom drawstring
          -Pockets are much smaller, chest pockets may as well be decorative because my hands don’t fit in them.
          -Hip pockets sit too far forward when the jacket is zipped and are awkward to rest your hands in
          -Black version of this jacket actually looks very dark green in person
          -Dye job is not great and there is some noticeable fading, especially around the edges of the material.

          Overall I like my Helikon jacket better, if you’re after a "modern" M65 maybe take a look at something like the Iron Heart M65 or Helikon M65 Covert.

  5. Anonymous says:

    I’m saving for a Real Mccoys 1st Model or Iron Heart.
    The RM one has no epaulets so it looks better imo and can accept a liner, but it isnt waterproof. The liner can be worn as its own jacket too but it makes the hecking thing 1k for both.

    The IH one is waterproof but has epaulets, and doesnt have a liner, it also has an inner pocker and hand warmer pockets but i like how the RM one looks more. It looks less military and drapes better.

    Might just end up finding a surplus 1st model but most of the ones in good condition go for 600 or so anyway so might as well get brand new from RM for 700…

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