The USN Alpaca Vest is interesting - immediately reminiscent of the iconic N-1 Deck Jacket, it's distinct from the jacket (and N-1 vests) in a few simple ways. With welted slash pockets for your hands, a simple plain collar (or no collar, depending on your perspective on what constitutes a standard vest collar), and a period-accurate 40s bell zip, it's simple and versatile.
Featuring the same alpaca lining as our favorite deck jackets, the outer shell is made from a lighter-weight custom cotton poplin, designed and selected for its smooth face and aging properties - as this poplin wears most similarly to original samples in the McCoy's archive. Alpaca is the more serious relative of traditional sheep's wool, softer, warmer, and a little more furry - an elevated alternative to a standard shearling.
While samples of similar alpaca vests exist, there's no official record of vests like this being produced by the US government or military. Existing models are theorized to have been produced by civilian tailors who were familiar with surplus garments, or who had completed previous contracts for the military. Nonetheless, multiple documents referencing or depicting the vests have been recovered, along with several garments themselves, making them an especially elusive and special piece of sartorial history.
True to size. Dry clean or spot clean only.
- 100% cotton outer shell
- Custom poplin body
- Alpaca lined
- Period correct bell-shaped zipper
- Two slash pockets
- Layer things with it
- True to size
- Made in Japan
- MJ23107