What is a CPO jacket? Its characteristics, history, and recommended models!

Depending on how they are worn, CPO jackets can be either urban and lightweight or military-inspired and rugged. In this issue, we will introduce the history, characteristics, and recommended models of the CPO jacket, which was born as a work uniform from the U.S. Navy and has become a standard for casual outerwear in the modern age.

What is a CPO jacket?A wool shirt jacket issued to Chief Petty Officers in the U.S. Navy from the 1930s

The CPO jacket is based on the thick wool work shirt issued to Chief Petty Officers of the U.S. Navy, called Chief Petty Officers, beginning in the 1930s. The basic specifications include dark blue melton wool, large buttons that can be easily handled with gloves, flap pockets on the chest, and a boxy silhouette designed to be worn over heavy knitwear. Early models had only one pocket on the left chest, which became the origin of the term ” CPO shirt ” in later years.

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In the postwar period, two-pocketed jackets were introduced for civilian use, and these became known as ” CPO jackets ” due to their versatility as everyday wear. The CPO jacket is characterized by the fact that it can be interpreted as either a shirt or a jacket, depending on the thickness of the wool and whether it is lined or not, and even today it is often referred to as a “shirt,” “jacket,” or “overshirt. The shirt is also known as a “shirt,” “jacket,” or “overshirt.

History of the CPO JacketAfter World War II, mass retailers in the U.S. developed a model for the masses, and famous actors such as Steve McQueen wore them in movies!

After World War II, CPO shirts were surplus to the U.S. military and were first repurposed for workwear and outdoor use. In 1966, Steve McQueen wore a CPO jacket in the movie “The Gunboat San Pablo” and in 1973, Al Pacino wore a CPO jacket in the movie “Scarecrow.

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Photo: Collection Christophel/Afro La canonnieere du Yang Tse The Sand Pebbles 1967 Real Robert Wise Steve McQueen. Collection Christophel / RnB © Robert Wise Productions

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Photo: Everett Collection/Afro SCARECROW, Al Pacino, 1973

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Today, well-established brands with strengths in military wear offer models that faithfully reproduce the specifications of the period. In addition, Japanese and European casual brands have launched models based on the originals with modern and urban arrangements of materials and silhouettes, and they have become established as universal casual wear.

CPO Jacket Wearing ExampleAdd a military-derived ruggedness to a moderately simple coordinate!

The CPO jacket has an outstandingly simple design among military jackets. It is recommended for those who want to practice simple military mix cordage in the fall and winter seasons. The simple, shirt jacket-like appearance gives it a contemporary feel, while at the same time imparting just the right amount of military-derived ruggedness.

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Here are some recommended CPO jackets!