You know that one jacket everyone seems to have figured out except you? For me, it was the M65 field jacket. I’d see it everywhere—on stylish guys at coffee shops, in old war movies, worn by actors in shows I binged on weekends—and I just didn’t get the hype.
Then I actually bought one. And wow, did I get it.
This thing is ridiculously versatile. The men’s army green jacket version gives you that classic military look without trying too hard. The Terminator 1 jacket made it legendary in the ’80s (and somehow it still looks current). Even the Jen Harding green jacket from Dead to Me showed it can look refined and put-together, not just rugged.
So if you’ve been eyeing one but aren’t sure how to wear it, here are five ways I’ve styled mine—and honestly, ways I’ve seen it done way better by guys who really understand this jacket.
1. The Urban Explorer (AKA My Daily Uniform)
This is my go-to when I’m running around the city and don’t want to think too hard about what I’m wearing.
I throw the M65 over a charcoal hoodie or black turtleneck—whatever’s clean, honestly. Add dark jeans and leather boots. The olive green of a men’s army green jacket is perfect because it’s colorful enough to not look boring, but you’re not walking around like a highlighter either.
Toss on a beanie when it’s cold, grab whatever bag you carry, and you’re done.
What I love about this look is it feels low-effort but people always assume you put thought into it. Plus, those four front pockets? Game changer. Phone, wallet, keys, headphones—everything has a spot. I sound like a dad talking about cargo shorts, but trust me, you’ll appreciate it.
2. Movie-Inspired Cool: The Terminator 1 Jacket
Real talk—I’ve wanted to pull off the Terminator look since I was twelve.
Arnold’s Terminator 1 jacket in that movie was just chef’s kiss. Intimidating but cool. Futuristic but somehow timeless. And the best part? You can actually wear this without looking like you’re heading to Comic-Con.
Get a dark M65—black works great, deep army green too. Fitted jeans, combat boots, and keep it simple on top. A Henley or plain tee. Maybe throw on some sunglasses if you’re feeling yourself, but don’t go full costume.
I wore this version to a friend’s party last month and got more compliments than I have in six months combined. It’s got attitude without being aggressive. Feels tough without trying to prove anything.
Fair warning though—people will quote the movie at you. Just accept it.
3. Smart Casual Layers: The Jen Harding Green Jacket Look
Plot twist: this military jacket cleans up really well.
I didn’t believe it until I saw how good the Jen Harding green jacket looked in Dead to Me. That character made a field jacket look sophisticated, which honestly blew my mind because I’d only ever seen it styled super casual.
Here’s how you do it: layer your M65 over a nice knit sweater or turtleneck. Real one, not a hoodie. Swap your jeans for chinos or wool pants. Then—and this is key—wear actual nice shoes. Suede Chelsea boots, clean leather sneakers, whatever elevates it.
Stick with olive or sage colors to keep it classy.
I wore this to a dinner where I wasn’t sure if it was date-nice or just drinks-nice, and it worked perfectly. Relaxed enough that I wasn’t overdressed, sharp enough that I didn’t look like I just rolled out of bed.
It’s that tricky balance between “I care how I look” and “but not too much,” and somehow the M65 nails it.
4. The Cold-Weather Adventurer (When Winter Gets Serious)
Okay, this is where the M65 really proves itself.
When it gets actually cold—not just “oh I should grab a jacket” cold, but “why do I live here” cold—the M65 becomes your best friend.
Start with a flannel or thermal as your base. Add a puffy vest or fleece in the middle. Then the M65 goes on top of everything. The jacket’s cut is roomy enough that you don’t feel stuffed in there like a sausage.
Cargo pants or thick denim on the bottom, hiking boots, and you’re ready for whatever.
I took this setup on a winter camping trip and stayed comfortable the whole time. All those pockets held hand warmers, snacks, my phone (which died anyway, but that’s beside the point). The fabric blocked wind like crazy.
It’s genuinely functional in a way most “fashionable” jackets aren’t. You can actually do things in it. Chop wood, hike, walk around a freezing farmer’s market—it handles it all.
Plus you look way cooler than the guy in a puffy North Face. Sorry, North Face.
5. The Minimalist Approach (For My Clean-Aesthetic Friends)
If your Instagram looks like a Muji catalog, this one’s for you.
Pick a neutral M65—black, gray, or a really muted olive. Layer it over a plain sweatshirt or turtleneck in the same color family. Slim black jeans or joggers. White sneakers.
Done.
It’s almost boring how simple it is, but it looks so intentional. The structured military shape adds just enough interest to keep it from being bland, and everything coordinates without trying.
This is honestly my favorite for regular days when I’m working from a coffee shop or meeting friends casually. It’s comfortable, it’s clean, and I never feel like I made the wrong call.
Why This Jacket Has Stuck Around for Decades
Here’s what I’ve figured out about the M65—it wasn’t designed by fashion people trying to make something cool. It was designed by the military to keep soldiers alive in bad weather.
That means every single detail has a purpose. The collar stands up to block wind and rain. The pockets are big enough to actually hold stuff. The roomy fit lets you move and layer. Nothing is decorative. It all works.
Then somewhere along the way, it escaped the military and became this cultural icon. Counter-culture kids wore it, punk rockers wore it, Arnold made it legendary in the Terminator 1 jacket, and now fashion brands keep remaking it.
Whether you go for the authentic vibe of a men’s army green jacket or something more refined like the Jen Harding green jacket, it just adapts. It fits into your life instead of forcing you to change your style.
That’s rare, honestly.
How to Keep Your M65 Looking Good
Real quick—basic care makes a huge difference:
Spot-clean when you spill coffee on it (just me?) with some mild soap and water. Don’t throw the whole thing in the wash every week.
Air dry it. High heat will fade the color and mess with the fit. Just hang it up and be patient.
Rewax it if you’ve got a waxed cotton version. Once a year, maybe every two years. Keeps it water-resistant.
Use a good hanger. Those wire ones from the dry cleaner will give you weird shoulder bumps. Get a sturdy wooden or plastic hanger.
My M65 is going on three years now and honestly looks better than when I bought it. A little worn-in, some character, but still solid.
Final Thoughts
Look, I’m not saying the M65 field jacket is going to change your life. But it might be one of the smartest clothing purchases you make.
It works with almost everything. It lasts forever. It’s got enough history and character that it never feels generic. And whether you’re inspired by movies, just need a reliable winter layer, or want something with actual functionality, it delivers.
I’ve worn mine everywhere—city streets, hiking trails, dinner dates, lazy Sundays. It just works.
If you’re looking for a quality one, check out New American Jackets. They’ve got modern takes on this classic that are built to last. Find one that fits your style and see what all the fuss is about.
Trust me on this one.