US 5-Button Sweater, OD Brown

4(8)
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$44.99 - $59.99
Product description

The classic "Old Man's Shirt" as used by the US Army from World War 2 to the 2000s. These are of course newer production, manufactured mostly in the '80s or later.

We also got 100 % wool sweaters and totally unissued ones too. These are displayed in the listing as available. In addition the regular used ones are in excellent shape as well!

Prior to WWII, soldiers were not equipped with clothes that left a lot of room for improvement. Experiences in the war pushed towards progress and many armed forces discovered layered clothing and one key component of the system: a knit sweater. The US M-1943 High-Neck Sweater was such a success that it remained in use for several decades, being changed only slightly in details such as button size or exact color shade. Speaking of which, these are called OD but appear brown.

These modern shirts are made of 100% Acrylic fibers. Good for allergic folks or if you want to avoid wool for other reasons. Acryl is a better alternative than wool-fanatics would have you believe. The shirt can be machine-washed with a wool cycle and tumble-dried at low heat.

Five buttons, snug fit especially on the hem and sleeve cuffs. The knit is thinner compared to British woolly pullies, for example. This allows a wider range of uses because the key to staying warm is flexibility of the clothing system and avoiding wearing too much.

Genuine US surplus

In excellent condition. Manufactured in the USA, these are high-quality pieces of clothing.

Reviews
4(8)

Manuel D. en

29.01.2024Verified purchase
Mine came in practically new factory condition, its true what they say in the reviews if youre fit form this sweater really adapts you to your body form, i saw some comment on a video saying that they also called this sleeper shirts and damn i can see why they only got replaced by the waffle tops due they work great as this when its cold keeping you warm and cozy + you can reenact as ww2 soldier with this since they never changed the model, very nice!

George B. en

04.05.2021
This sweater is possibly only exceeded by a lightly modified USGI field jacket liner. It's great for warming up during breaks, it dries quickly, it packs easily. I've still got the first one I bought in the early 90s and it gets better every year.

James B. en

01.05.2021
The classic GI Joe sweater was also issued to the Canadian forces, as well as British units such as the Lovat Scouts, who were undergoing mountain warfare training in the Rocky Mountains before deploying to Italy in WWII. I bought mine (100% wool) in a US Army kit shop in Germany in the 1980s, and wore it on operations in Northern Ireland, and later on Desert Storm. I still use a later (acrylic) one in the mountains today, and there is no difference in warmth or wearability between the two. It's great for anyone who prefers lots of light layers - one can wear it over a string t-shirt and roll-neck shirt, and under a gilet and fleece. However, like all retro hipster skinny fit knitwear, it gives one the motivation to keep going to the gym or out into the nature - if you don't keep in shape it won't do you any favours. Size wise: the medium can stretch to a 40" chest, but since I went up to 42" through lots of pull-ups and indoor rowing, had to replace with a large a few years ago.