I had an easy cosplay post lined up, and I’ll still get to it, but I wanted to mix it up a bit and offer up a post on an accessory that is completely findable, wearable, and historical. The Ike Jacket.
A brief history: The Eisenhower or “Ike” Jacket, was a late WWII issued jacket. It was inspired, and you could even say, directly taken from the British battle jacket. Eisenhower had requested a jacket that was cropped, but functional, like the British battle jacket. What came of this was the M-44 issued jacket. Cropped, practical, but stylish.
You see them rise in Post-War, not only by the US Army, but the US Air Force. They underwent several different adaptations, but it become one of the most popular uniform additions to not only the US Armed Forces, but police and civilian forces as well. It’s easy to wear, provides movement, and it looks good.
The women were issued a version of the Ike Jacket as well, particularly the WASPs, however, these are incredibly difficult to find. At least at a reasonable price. If you’d like to try and find one, you’ll spend a decent penny.
The men’s version, however, is fairly popular. If you attend reenactments, or browse eBay, you have find nice versions for anywhere between $17-$30. There are some, with their original pins, patches, badges, etc. that go for much higher, but if you want a simple Ike, you can find them.
I found my beauty for $10. In fact, I found a blue, which would date probably to around the 50s when the Air Force adopted them, for the same price. There are subtle differences, so if you intend to wear them for reenactments, and are subject to inspections, you’ll want to do some hefty research, but if you are looking to acquire one to keep warm, or to wear about, they are an affordable option.
I purchased mine at an air show and reenactment when the weather turned out to be a wee bit chilly (ironically, the next day, I was melting in my mechanic coveralls). It certainly kept me warm… and offered a lovely set of photos.
So if you’re looking to add some historical to your life, an Ike Jacket might be it. As always, just respect that these are historical pieces, that someone may or may not have owned, and worn with pride. Love them, respect them, and give them life.
BudgetBounding 