IHM-27-OLV - Sateen M-65 Field Jacket - Olive
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Okay, I sprang for the thing, in olive green. But there’s a problem.
First the positives. This is beautiful jacket, wonderful sateen, and seems well-constructed. Less of a repro of an M-65 and more of a “take” on the original. Really nice to look at and handle. The dual zipper is an interesting touch, even though they got the zipper backwards.
When I was considering getting this, I was drawn to the longer arm length and narrower shoulder seam width. Done right, I think this gives a nice, fitted appearance. But I agonized over just how narrow the Large is in the shoulders at 18.7 inches. Every other measurement seemed right in the ballpark. I’m 5’10” and 190 lbs, fairly muscular in the shoulders and chest, slightly longer arms than average.
So the jacket arrived Thursday. And boy, it fits trim. The shoulder epaulet seam is only 5 and 3/4 inches. Fine. I throw it on. Looks great. Then I zip it up..
You know, the models in the pics aren’t really doing anything. Just standing there looking cool. And it looks great if I just stand still. But dang it’s a narrow fit across the shoulders. The armholes are fairly high, and the sleeves are considerably narrower than an actual M-65. Also, the shoulder pleats are not as deep as an M-65. So, fully zipped up it’s a pretty confining fit in the shoulders for me, if I reach up or forward.
I’d size up I guess, but the 28” arms of an XL would be too much. For the money, I’d rather not have to go in immediately thinking it needs to be altered or shrunk.
So, I could keep it and not wear it zipped up, and hope the material relaxes a bit over time. Or return it for an XL. Or call it quits.Any input is appreciated. Thanks.
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Okay, I sprang for the thing, in olive green. But there’s a problem.
First the positives. This is beautiful jacket, wonderful sateen, and seems well-constructed. Less of a repro of an M-65 and more of a “take” on the original. Really nice to look at and handle. The dual zipper is an interesting touch, even though they got the zipper backwards.
When I was considering getting this, I was drawn to the longer arm length and narrower shoulder seam width. Done right, I think this gives a nice, fitted appearance. But I agonized over just how narrow the Large is in the shoulders at 18.7 inches. Every other measurement seemed right in the ballpark. I’m 5’10” and 190 lbs, fairly muscular in the shoulders and chest, slightly longer arms than average.
So the jacket arrived Thursday. And boy, it fits trim. The shoulder epaulet seam is only 5 and 3/4 inches. Fine. I throw it on. Looks great. Then I zip it up..
You know, the models in the pics aren’t really doing anything. Just standing there looking cool. And it looks great if I just stand still. But dang it’s a narrow fit across the shoulders. The armholes are fairly high, and the sleeves are considerably narrower than an actual M-65. Also, the shoulder pleats are not as deep as an M-65. So, fully zipped up it’s a pretty confining fit in the shoulders for me, if I reach up or forward.
I’d size up I guess, but the 28” arms of an XL would be too much. For the money, I’d rather not have to go in immediately thinking it needs to be altered or shrunk.
So, I could keep it and not wear it zipped up, and hope the material relaxes a bit over time. Or return it for an XL. Or call it quits.Any input is appreciated. Thanks.
How long are the sleeves for you right now? It sounds like you might be happier if you sized up. But if the sleeves already end half way down your hands, that might not work.
I don't plan on wearing this zipped up often. Maybe if I'm stuck out in the rain. I did want it to fit over a UHF and still be able to zip it up. Am happy to say that I can do that. The arm holes do feel a bit snug when I do that, though.
This is the problem that you face when you put on muscle. I'm 5'10", about 170 with a muscular build and find myself always straddling that medium and large line. The sleeves are too long if I go large, the chest is too tight if I go medium.
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Well done @Richardcard82. The fit looks perfect and they both suit you very well. Congratulations and thanks for posting.
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The sleeves right now just touch the knuckles on my hand. That’s fine. Any longer would start to not look right. And the sleeves might bunch above my hands. I’m kind of bummed.
I’m going to think on it a few days, and see how I feel.What if you sized up and then used the velcro at the sleeve opening to keep the sleeves from going past your wrist?
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@Paul9221 And thanks to you as well! Yours look very stylish on you and also perfect in fit, did you get the Large?
Thanks! I actually went with a medium. Pretty happy with the fit! Now I just need the temperature to drop about 20 degrees so that I can wear it outside without looking like a weirdo.
I applaud you getting them in both colors! Such a beautiful jacket! I already have a similar jacket in black so thankfully I wasn't tempted to pick this up in black

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Here are some quick pics of mine. Showed up this afternoon but it's still hotter than hell here so I didn't want to venture outside in a jacket.


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Looks good, Palmer!
Thanks man! Yours looks great too. As much as I liked the duck version I got a couple years ago this one is better. Looking forward to cooler days so I can wear all of my new jackets, hah.
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Damn, everyone's pictures look so good I may end up with one of these.
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This one looks incredibly awesome.Glad that I could put my fingers on one of these!
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Received mine today as well! I had to size it down as I wanted it to be snug. It is indeed a very good decision. Man I'm in such a love with this model from IH. Can't be any better! Now I have to age it!
I have to appreciate the service & support that I keep getting every time from you guys when it comes to the measurements! Splendid!
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I'm usually a Small on IH shirts but the Small on this Jacket was quite roomy than expected and hence I went down with XS and it fit me perfectly! I have enough room for layering!
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I know that (L24) Ventile is usually 200 gsm / 5.9 oz.; does any of the crew know how heavy the sateen is?
Trying to be practical and lighten my jacket collection up a bit to suit our climate. (Not so easy to do with Iron Heart, admittedly.)


