Hands-On: The Alpha Industries M-65 Field Jacket Is Still the Gold Standard After Nearly 60 Years

When you think of military-style jackets, you’ll begin and end with Alpha Industries. Launching in 1959, the Virginia-based company brought innovation and style to silhouettes that had been around for decades. 

After securing its first contract with the U.S. Department of Defense, it started producing its Air Force N-3B parka and Navy shipboard shirts. The company started really making a name for itself with the debut of its MA-1 Flight Jacket in 1963, adding a durable, water-resistant nylon shell (instead of leather) and hi-vis orange interior lining so it could be reversed for search and rescue situations. Incredibly popular with civilians’ wardrobe as well, these bombers are still the standard on which all other bomber jackets are based.

However, Alpha Industries became literal icons in 1965 with the debut of its M-65 Field Jacket. Upgrading the M-51 and M-43 jackets worn by Army troops during the Second World War and the Korean War, the M-65 (MIL-C-43455) was a serious game-changer. Instead of merely providing protection from the cold, the jacket was actually able to adapt in different weather conditions. Soon after, Alpha started making pants and hoods to match. Eventually, like the bomber, the M-65 became huge with the public, helping popularize combat-style fashion. It even crossed over into cinema, worn by Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Terminator and Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver. 

Seeing first-hand how timeless it still is, we were able to get hands-on with the M-65 Field Jacket as it celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, .

Still made to military specifications, the M-65 Field Jacket brings you plenty of function. Constructed with a nylon (50%) and cotton (50%) shell, the coat is naturally water-resistant. Nylon also helps with the jacket’s durability and lightweight build, while cotton keeps things soft and comfortable. The jacket is also weather-resistant, in part thanks to the lining made from cotton (65%) and polyester (35%).  Down the front, you have six metal snap buttons for tons of coverage, under which is the zipper closure, featuring the brand’s wire zipper, which is large enough that it won’t slip out of your hands.

The front shell features four sizable pockets for all your EDC gear, snapped closed with metal buttons. We kept our AirPods, keys, and portable charger in these throughout the day during testing. Meanwhile, the interior also has two compartments — a Velcro pocket on the left and a zippered pocket on the right. Common sense might suggest keeping your wallet in the zipper compartment, but we preferred to use the Velcro pocket instead for how much more secure it was. Our phone got placed inside the zipper pocket because it was easier to access.

While we got hands-on with the Olive colorway, the jacket is also available in Black and Woodland Camo. Olive is the classic look, although Black might be better if you’re looking to dress up a bit more. As much function is built into the M-65, the jacket has become such a style statement that its form factor has actually transcended its original intention. The buttoned epaulettes on the shoulder have become a hallmark of the look, while the metal hardware complements the fabric shell perfectly. These simple styling cues have helped the coat make the seamless transition from battlefield to casual wear.

We tested the M-65 in different conditions, and fortunately the weather has been pretty volatile here in LA the past couple of weeks. By design, we were kept very warm in the colder mornings around 45ºF, while moderate temps of about 70ºF didn’t beckon the jacket’s removal during longer days when wearing it was easier than physically holding it. Also, we can’t understate just how comfortable this jacket is, in part to its cotton construction, both inside and out.

Coming down to around the mid-thigh, the coat is very roomy, which was originally designed so that soldiers could easily carry ammunition and essential gear underneath. As such, we do recommend maybe dropping down a size as it might run a little large. This made it very easy to further enhance the warmth of the jacket with a hoodie underneath, especially when it was really cold. 

The hood sports a really low-profile and is easy to take out and put away. Even without tightening the hood with the drawstrings, it stayed fitted over our head, which allows you to wear it even if the coat isn’t zipped up all the way. We were also surprised at just how much coverage we got. The interior drawstrings help with cinching up the arms, while the waistband also has drawstrings for keeping out high winds.

After testing the M-65 Field Jacket first hand, we were incredibly impressed by how well this heritage pick surpassed even the most contemporary options with all the technological innovations in the industry. For our money, we’d still go with this classic military coat, not just for its utility and superb construction but also for how attractive and versatile it is. And with six total pockets, this is also an excellent choice for everyday carry.

Alpha Industries’ website is currently selling the M-65 Field Jacket for $225 in all three colorways. For extra insulation these upcoming cold months, the coat can also accompany the brand’s ALS/92 Liner, sold separately for $125.

Recap

Alpha Industries M-65 Field Jacket

Alpha Industries’ M-65 Field Jacket proves why some designs never need changing — it’s tough, versatile, and effortlessly stylish nearly 60 years after its debut. We tested it ourselves and found that it still outperforms many modern jackets in both comfort and everyday practicality.

Learn More: Alpha Industries