Military Watch Company

image from Military Watch Company

Thanks to Hickoree's, I've discovered my next watch: a MWC International GG-W-113. It is modeled after the Vietnam War era Benrus infantry watch. God knows I adore my timeless Swatch watches and would never part with them, but the durability of their plastic bands is laughable. Unlike the trendy vintage (imported) Timex military watches you can get at J. Crew, this shit is real.

Handmade? No

Made in: I'm guessing Europe

$126.40

Mackintosh Rain Coat

A demure, understated alternative to the belted-trench. Want/ recommended #3.

Made from Gore-Tex fabric. Made in Japan. Only if you've got £485 to spare. Via Inventory Magazine

Banana Republic, buttoned version, for you mall-only types. Made overseas. $250

Alpha Industries (of course!) H20 Trenchcoat. Also available in military olive. Made in the good ole' US. $120.

Alpha Industries Outerwear for Women

As I dug deeper in this company's site (see 3 posts earlier), I uncovered a handful of surprisingly well-designed women's outerwear. There, now you have no excuse to purchase a watered-down version from the likes of Forever 21, H&M, and all those style thieves. Wonder if Cayce Pollard would approve of these. Looks like I might be getting into this military thing after all...

All images from Alpha Industries web shop

Eva Aviator Jacket $45

MA-1 $38

Kara M-65 Field Coat $102

Made in: USA

Handmade? No

Alpha Industries Military Field Jacket

1st image from A.P.C.

2nd image from usarmystyle

I do not claim to know much at all about military apparel (no otaku here). I'm currently reading William Gibson's Pattern Recognition and getting my first taste of that obsession. Generally, I shy away from US military-inspired garb, mainly because the solid colors are drab and the camo prints are so loud, and most feminized versions are too fitted. However, these super-functional designs hold a permanent spot as one of the fashion industry's most drawn-on inspiration. I really love the faded jacket from A.P.C. paired with sweatshorts and a simple blouse, but it's ~$300; a more affordable, reproduction M-65 by Alpha Industries is shown below. That company has a neat history: formerly a military clothing contractor, they now produce for the commercial fashion industry. Talk about cred! Lindsey Weir from Freaks and Geeks (awesome show) was rarely seen without her beloved, tired field jacket on- that secret fashion fiend!

Made in: USA

Handmade? No

$39.96