CPO jackets” are gaining popularity due in part to the American casual and vintage clothing boom. Vintage wear, as well as modernized fashion brands’ CPO jackets with reference to the originals, are abundantly available. In this issue, we focus on the “CPO jacket” and introduce its charm, how to wear it, and recommended items!
Suponsered by
The CPO jacket originated as a shirt issued to a U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer!
The “CPO jacket” features a simple design with a practical chest flap pocket and thick wool material. The CPO jacket is said to have its roots in the shirts issued to U.S. Navy officers engaged in cold-weather work in the 1930s. Originally, the official name was the CPO shirt, but because it was thick enough to be worn like a jacket, it came to be known as the ” CPO jacket ” as well. At the time, it was designed to be worn over a thick knit, so it was loose-fitting. At first, it was a uniform for chief petty officers, but eventually it was worn by standard naval officers as well.
Click here for details and purchase
The design that many brands refer to as the current standard is actually not original, but was distributed as a fashion item in the postwar 60s and 70s. The major difference is the number of breast pockets. While the original had one pocket on each side, the new design has two square flap pockets, making it a more fashionable item. By the time the original became popular enough to be sold at famous U.S. retailers such as Sears & Roebuck, J.C. Penney, and Montgomery Ward, it was available in a variety of colors, plaids, and jacquard patterns. Because of this history, the one-pocket design is often distinguished as a shirt and the two-pocket type as a jacket.
The “CPO Jacket” is warm, durable, and easy to match with a wide range of outfits!
Since the original was made of thick wool, many items developed as CPO jackets are made of durable materials. It has perfect warmth retention for wearing as street wear outerwear from fall/winter to early spring, but be aware that it may feel cold depending on the item or person’s warmth sensitivity. The simple design of the shirt with pockets makes it easy to match with a wide range of outfits. As shown in the coordination below, a turtleneck knit and damaged jeans would look great in an American casual coordinate.
