When America’s armored divisions rumbled across Europe, crews needed a coat that wouldn’t snag inside a cramped Sherman turret yet still fight off winter’s bite. Enter the tanker style jacket—a waist-length, wool-lined workhorse that stayed out of the way of gear shifters and 75 mm shells. Eight decades later, its clean lines and battlefield pedigree make it a timeless cold-weather layer for city streets, range days, and every mission in between.
From Battle of the Bulge to Your Block
First issued in 1941, the tanker jacket’s rib-knit cuffs and waistband sealed out icy drafts, while a cotton twill shell resisted oil and sand. Crews loved it so much that infantrymen “liberated” extras whenever supply sergeants looked away. The style later inspired the MA-1 flight jacket and countless civilian coats—but nothing beats the original cut and feel.
Today, our Vintage Blue Tanker Style Jacket revives that pattern in a hard-to-find navy tone, pairing WWII authenticity with updated stitching for daily wear.
Specs That Still Matter
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Shell: Heavy cotton twill deflects wind and workshop sparks
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Liner: 70 % wool / 30 % synthetic blend traps heat without bulk
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Collar & Cuffs: Elastic knit keeps sleeves tight when wrenching or firing
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Hardware: Brass zipper with wind flap—gloves on, no problem
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Pockets: Two spacious hand-warmers plus internal map pouch for EDC
How to Size Your Tanker Style Jacket
The tanker was cut roomy for layering over a wool sweater. For modern wear:
|
Your Chest (in.) |
Recommended Size |
Fit Notes |
|
38-40 |
Medium |
Trim with T-shirt; classic with hoodie |
|
42-44 |
Large |
Layer with flannel or light fleece |
|
46-48 |
X-Large |
Roomy; still clears the waist for draw belts |
Tip: If you plan to conceal-carry or wear plate carriers beneath, bump one full size up.
Cold-Snap Combos
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Commuter Setup: Tanker style jacket + dark denim + leather boots—ready for subway gusts.
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Range Day Rig: Jacket over hoodie, ear pro clipped to pocket, mag loaders stay warm in rib-knit cuffs.
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Motor Pool Duty: Twill shell shrugs off grease; knit waistband won’t scratch freshly painted fenders.
Armor Heritage Meets Modern Warmth
From thawing out Sherman hatches in the Ardennes to cutting the wind on your downtown commute, the tanker style jacket proves that smart design never ages. Its cropped length keeps your waist clear for holsters or tool belts, while the wool lining and rib-knit seals trap heat where it counts. Pull on the Vintage Blue Tanker Style Jacket and you’re wearing a slice of WWII armor-crew history—reforged for today’s cold snaps, shop runs, and range sessions. Battle-born, street-ready, always at attention when the temperature drops.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tanker Style Jackets
Is the tanker jacket water-resistant?
The cotton twill shell repels light drizzle, but add a wax treatment or poncho for heavy rain.
How does it differ from an MA-1 flight jacket?
The tanker is collarless with wool lining; the MA-1 has a nylon shell and synthetic fill, designed for pilots, not tank crews.
Can I machine-wash it?
We recommend dry-cleaning or spot-cleaning to protect the wool liner and preserve color.
Does the blue version match Navy uniforms?
The vintage blue hue nods to WWII Navy deck coats but isn’t an exact uniform shade—perfect for casual wear.
Will the waistband ride up when I sit?
The rib-knit sits at the hips and flexes with movement, staying put whether you’re driving or manning a turret.
