Talkin’ Bout a Revolution:
The M-65

Our M-65 field jacket has lived many lives: from its introduction to U.S. military ground soldiers in 1965 to becoming a symbol of protest against the Vietnam War, from Hollywood films to youth cultures around the world.

In 1965, Alpha Industries introduced the M-65 as the final revision of the field jacket. The cotton fabric of earlier versions was replaced with a newly developed nylon/cotton sateen fabric, which was virtually indestructible and extremely wind resistant. Thanks to its incredible durability tested by U.S. ground forces, the M-65 has never needed an update, which only cements its status as a true classic in terms of both style and quality.

As part of its design, the collar was reimagined to incorporate a concealed hood, Velcro closures were added, and the cuffs featured a hidden triangular attachment designed to secure gloves to protect against radioactive fallout on a nuclear battlefield.

“The collar was redesigned to incorporate a hidden hood. Velcro closures were added. And the cuff contained a hidden triangular attachment intended to attach a glove for protection against radioactive fallout in a nuclear battlefiled.”

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From military gear to a pacifist uniform

Ironically, the anti-war protesters of the 1960s and 1970s adopted the M-65 field jacket as a symbol of resistance. Patches, paintings, and other customizations expressed their opposition to the Vietnam War. As noted by Vogue, it was worn by counterculture icons like John Lennon, Jane Fonda, Country Joe, and John Kerry, becoming an emblem of anti-war political commentary.

The M-65 also made its way to the big screen, worn by Sylvester Stallone in Rambo, Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver, and Woody Allen in Annie Hall. Despite their wildly different characters, the jacket added authenticity to each and every role.

Its impressive versatility is also responsible for the M-65’s widespread popularity among various youth and subcultures throughout its history. From hippies to punks, seemingly everyone who has ever dabbled in the art of resistance has found their uniform in the M-65.

ALPHA INDUSTRIES USA / M-65 IN THE CAMO LOOK

The M-65 also made its way to the big screen, worn by Sylvester Stallone in Rambo, Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver, and Woody Allen in Annie Hall. Despite their wildly different characters, the jacket added authenticity to each role without fail.

This kind of versatility is also responsible for the M-65’s widespread popularity among various youth and subcultures throughout its history. From hippies to punks, seemingly everyone who has ever dabbled in the art of resistance has found their uniform in the M-65.