M65 Jacket. Two versions of a classic

A dream of many boys growing up in Poland in the 80s and 90s and the most famous military jacket in the world. Its origins date back to the Vietnam War, and since then, its popularity has only grown, thanks in part to its presence in films and TV series. It was worn by Al Pacino in “Serpico”, Robert De Niro in “Taxi Driver”, and Sylvester Stallone in “First Blood”, and on the small screen by Bronisław Cieślak in “07 zgłoś się” and Andrzej Seweryn in “Rojst”. The M65 military jacket is a clothing classic, a pop culture phenomenon, and a piece of history.

The birth of a legend

The M65 Jacket was part of the autumn-winter clothing system, primarily issued to U.S. Army units stationed domestically and in Europe. It was used in minimal quantities during the Vietnam War, mainly during the colder months. However, due to its wide availability in the U.S., Vietnam War veterans often wore it. The oversize cut was no accident, as the M65 was designed to accommodate a warm liner that could be worn independently if needed. It was also a functional field jacket featuring four large pockets, a zipper and snap closure, a hood concealed in its characteristic collar, and adjustable cuffs. 

The new M65. Can you improve on an icon?

Versatility, durability, and timeless design have allowed the M65 Jacket to move from military use to a street fashion staple. It became viral among civilians, regardless of their stance on the military. Thus, the M65 field jacket gradually became a style icon. The trend continues today. We are well aware of this as a brand with over forty years in the industry. We honor the past with respect and sentiment but are also open to new solutions and innovations. That’s why we offer two models of the M65 Jacket: the cult classic with the traditional cut and liner and the modern Covert version, which combines the original features with our unique ideas. 

First, tradition

Let’s start with the basics. The classic M65 is a jacket with epaulets in its original design. Its loose cut accommodates a liner, but on warmer days, when insulation is unnecessary, you can regulate the jacket at the waist. It has a zipper and snap closure. The NYCO fabric, made of 50% cotton and 50% nylon, ensures durability and retains its shape, resisting deformation. The distinctive cut of the four pockets, collar, and cuffs emphasizes the authenticity of this model – it has been produced according to U.S. Army specifications. In summary, choosing the classic M65 Jacket from Helikon-Tex gives you a durable product and a piece of history in one. 

Then, evolution

And now for something new. The classic M65 has several valuable features that may not appeal to everyone. By today’s standards, it is quite oversized, and not everyone needs a liner. With those who like tactical clothing but seek more modern solutions in mind, we took the iconic M65 back to the drawing board and looked for areas with potential for an upgrade. This time, we envisioned a jacket for urban operations, for the user who functions as a greyman – able to blend into the crowd, an observer ready for action, possibly carrying a weapon or other gear necessary for such work. This is how our Covert M65 Jacket was born. 

Iconic vibes in a modern edition

What’s noticeable at first glance is the more fitted, aggressive cut. In the Covert version, we’ve moved away from the roomy fit of the classic M65 required for the liner. The new version does not have a liner, as we intended it to be a more fitted urban jacket where mobility and a low-profile appearance are essential. The Covert M65, however, features reinforced shoulders and elbows, and for quick actions, we’ve added a breakaway YKK zipper. We’ve replaced hook & loop panels with Canadian buttons, which are slightly elastic, and their mounting on a wide tape makes them easy to use with gloves. There are already a lot of changes, and we haven’t even mentioned the pockets yet. 

Pockets of all kinds

The classic military M65 Jacket had 4 pockets. Our new Covert M65 version has 11. And this is not overkill, as each additional pocket has its purpose. We kept the four external flap pockets to maintain similarity to the original. In addition, at the back of the jacket, almost at the height of the kidneys, we’ve added two narrow and deep pockets designed for AK/AR magazines. There’s also one pocket on the left forearm (e.g., for a credit card or ID) and one Napoleon pocket on the left side of the chest. 

There are also internal pockets: two near the hips, each with slots for two pistol magazines, and an internal pocket on the right side of the chest. This pocket can be converted into a waist pack detached from the jacket and worn under clothing on the included strap. This way, you can secure valuables against loss or theft. 

Classic M65 or Covert version? Which one to choose?

On one side, you have the most famous military jacket in the world; on the other, it is a modern version tailored for the urban jungle. Which one is better? There is no simple answer to this question, as they differ significantly.

Do you need both? Perhaps.