The Deck Jacket thread.

[MrProper]

After stumbling across a discussion where Paul Newman's deck jacket was described as the coveted fit, I had some fun and changed a few pictures to black and white to compare the fit.
Not too bad
I find most new reproductions of deck jackets too narrow and too long for my taste. I prefer them shorter and boxier.

 

[Pandemic]

^
Nailed it! That is definitely the way they should fit

 

[El Marro]

Thanks, yeah they are pretty scarce right now it seems. I did reach out a couple distributors including IH. They were helpful, but I got responses ranging from L (for a more snug fit) to **L. I’ve never been a **L so I was wondering if they ran small based on people’s experience

They absolutely run small when compared to brands like Filson, Carhartt, Levi’s, etc. I’m 6’1, weigh 208 pounds, and my IH N-1 is a size **XL. By comparison my Filson Mackinaw is a size L and they both fit me very similarly, with the Filson being a bit tighter,
My advice, as with all clothing, is to ignore the size tags and use the measurements to find what fits you best.

 

[El Marro]

After stumbling across a discussion where Paul Newman's deck jacket was described as the coveted fit, I had some fun and changed a few pictures to black and white to compare the fit.
Not too bad
I find most new reproductions of deck jackets too narrow and too long for my taste. I prefer them shorter and boxier.

View attachment 763137 View attachment 763138 View attachment 763139 View attachment 763140

All I see is a young Paul Newman wishing he could look like Mr.Proper

 

[heehaw3]

They absolutely run small when compared to brands like Filson, Carhartt, Levi’s, etc. I’m 6’1, weigh 208 pounds, and my IH N-1 is a size **XL. By comparison my Filson Mackinaw is a size L and they both fit me very similarly, with the Filson being a bit tighter,
My advice, as with all clothing, is to ignore the size tags and use the measurements to find what fits you best.

Thanks, I ended up going with the **l. The shoulders felt good, but the sleeves were too long. It’s a nice jacket, unfortunately I don’t think it will work for me

 

[CatsCan]

You all should give your forum member alias as an autograph on the back of my old jacket before you pass it on ... Make it a Fedora Lounge Tour Jacket. And in a few years you could put it on auction here and donate the money.

Just kidding.

I am pleased, that this jacket is growing into a real slow fashion piece!

I for myself plan to sell ALL of my "US" Deck Jackets in near future here in the forum. I am so sad right now that I feel I would be better off wearing a Danish Jacket these days (I am half danish for those who don't know). I know the N-1 is just a piece of clothing. But it stood for something that does not exist any longer. But I hope other people will continue to enjoy those jackets as they are really fascinating. Just not for me anymore.

Cats

 

[Steve Sundstrom]

I still get the ‘itch’ (hope it isn’t really itchy) to get an N1 because those pics of 50s stars wearing them look so damn cool. Even though I really don’t need anything that warm and casual (the rare times I go somewhere cold it’s for work and I’ll be a little more dressed up). So, with that said, I still look at sub $500 options (waiting for a pea coat I have listed to sell for near this)

Used Iron Heart
Used Buzz Rickson Demotex
SM Warehouse
Bronson
Red Tornado
Pike Bros

It might depend on what’s around when I have the cash

I'm looking at the SM Wholesale version currently. Do you have any experience or insight on their offering? Thanks!

 

[MrProper]

You all should give your forum member alias as an autograph on the back of my old jacket before you pass it on ... Make it a Fedora Lounge Tour Jacket. And in a few years you could put it on auction here and donate the money.

Just kidding.

I am pleased, that this jacket is growing into a real slow fashion piece!

I for myself plan to sell ALL of my "US" Deck Jackets in near future here in the forum. I am so sad right now that I feel I would be better off wearing a Danish Jacket these days (I am half danish for those who don't know). I know the N-1 is just a piece of clothing. But it stood for something that does not exist any longer. But I hope other people will continue to enjoy those jackets as they are really fascinating. Just not for me anymore.

Cats

I can understand that, in a way.
The only argument (okay, not a strong one) that might speak in favor of keeping the N-1 could be that it dates from a time when America stood for different values than it does today. So at least if you want to sugarcoat it, that could be one approach.

 

[Joseph Hill]

Ask Major General Smedley Butler how far back you may need to go for that... Every power in history has its Lilith nature. A projected face, less savory underneath. Constant worrying about virtue signaling is exhausting, and of debatable result. For myself I see the US Navy through the filter of my father. There is an entire bell curve of aspects, with a few things on a glowing pedestal. Most of the rest 'it is what it is', and the remainder worthy of abhorence. If it bugs you, don't wear it.

 

[Pandemic]

I'm looking at the SM Wholesale version currently. Do you have any experience or insight on their offering? Thanks!

Only second-hand knowledge, unfortunately. I read a few people complaining about their customer service. It sounds like their main focus is costuming the film industry, which means it’s likely accurate in appearance (though not necessarily comfortable or made to last). I emailed them for sizing info and never got a reply, so moved on. I think it might be a good jacket, but I’m not willingly to risk the hassle of fighting a return if it doesn’t fit or live up to expectations.

 

[Steve Sundstrom]

Thanks! Much appreciated.

 

[Pandemic]

Thanks! Much appreciated.

FWIW, I decided to defer my N1 purchase to next year (it’s hardly a ‘need’ in my climate, much more of a ‘want’), but when I do get one it will probably be the Red Tornado. Based on reviews and specs, that looks like a great option for someone chasing the look on a budget (and not depending on in to survive the arctic).

 

[Steve Sundstrom]

FWIW, I decided to defer my N1 purchase to next year (it’s hardly a ‘need’ in my climate, much more of a ‘want’), but when I do get one it will probably be the Red Tornado. Based on reviews and specs, that looks like a great option for someone chasing the look on a budget (and not depending on in to survive the arctic).

I just ordered the Bronson experimental model (no stenciling). I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Pandemic]

I just ordered the Bronson experimental model (no stenciling). I'll let you know how it goes.

Please do! I really like the look of the Bronson version. Some people complain about the lining shedding or the armholes being too high and tight. My main issue is understanding their sizing charts. Normally I can just go up one for their shirts and tshirts but the deck jackets look about more confusing!

 

[Steve Sundstrom]

I'm a bit apprehensive about the sizing as well. Fingers crossed.

 

[Pandemic]

Has anyone here seen a Houston N1 in person? The acrylic fake-alpaca lining isn’t a deal breaker for me, but I wonder if the MIJ label justifies the price, given the materials are cheaper.

 

[Steve Sundstrom]

I received the Bronson today! First off, the materials and finishing are very nice, especially considering the price which was $190 shipped. It came from New Jersey and only took a few days to get to western Washington. There is a peculiar kind of chemical smell but I'm kind of susceptible to that. As for the fit...I couldn't size up as they were out of that size. It looked by the chart that I could take my usual size, so I went ahead and tried it. The overall fit is great, sleeve length and jacket length are spot on. The sleeves are a bit tight though and I understand what people are saying about the arm holes sitting too high. I have plenty of room around the midsection but it's a bit tighter around the chest. Fits perfect with a t-shirt, a little tight with a long sleeved waffle henley. Not sure if I'm keeping yet. It is warm for sure!

 

[TheWickerMan]

I ended up buying the Pike Brothers Omaha N1 back in December and have pretty much exclusively worn it since then.

Feels solid and I've worn it even in -10 Celsius, although that felt like pushing it a bit to the limit. No complaints other than the very short throat latch.

 

[RDS]

I’ve tried several Pike N-1 Deck jackets, XL & L, and as said previously although they were very good jackets all of them suffered with overly long and tubular sleeves. So much so that they almost looked like pool noodles strapped to your arms and I ended up selling each of the jackets on.
However, despite this because of the nice, low asking price a few months ago I picked up an ‘As New’ 1944 Waxed Khaki version.
I don’t know if the pattern has been altered for all the Pike N-1 Deck jackets or only the 1944 waxed ones or perhaps it’s just luck but either way this latest one fits better and slightly trimmer than all my previous 1943 Omaha jackets; and the sleeves are much better proportioned.
I’m going to be keeping this particular 1944 Deck jacket and it won’t be going anywhere.

 

[MrProper]

I’ve tried several Pike N-1 Deck jackets, XL & L, and as said previously although they were very good jackets all of them suffered with overly long and tubular sleeves. So much so that they almost looked like pool noodles strapped to your arms and I ended up selling each of the jackets on.
However, despite this because of the nice, low asking price a few months ago I picked up an ‘As New’ 1944 Waxed Khaki version.
I don’t know if the pattern has been altered for all the Pike N-1 Deck jackets or only the 1944 waxed ones or perhaps it’s just luck but either way this latest one fits better and slightly trimmer than all my previous 1943 Omaha jackets; and the sleeves are much better proportioned.
I’m going to be keeping this particular 1944 Deck jacket and it won’t be going anywhere.

I think it depends on your build.

I have the Omaha and think the sleeves could be a tad longer ;-)

I ordered the 1944 Waxed in L and XL and neither fit me at all. I also think I've noticed with previous orders that the measurements of the same model and size vary slightly. At least they often don't match the size charts.

The cannon tube sleeves could be better, but at least they get a little better the longer you wear them.