This vintage U.S. Air Force overcoat looks like it walked straight out of a Cold War era air base. It is a classic blue wool military coat with a double breasted front, strong lapels, and shoulder epaulettes. The sleeve has a star and bars insignia patch, and the front closes with six silver tone U.S. Air Force buttons that give it that unmistakable regulation look.
The size tag reads 37R, which corresponds to a men’s thirty seven inch chest in a regular length. On a modern body it should work best for someone who usually wears a men’s Small or a slim Medium, with room underneath for a sweater or uniform jacket. Please rely on the measurements below rather than your usual tagged size, since vintage fits can vary.
The outer fabric feels like a medium to heavy melton wool or wool blend, and the coat is fully lined in a smooth synthetic lining. It is a substantial piece that weighs around four pounds on its own and will be close to five pounds once it is packed securely for shipping.
Condition is “good vintage with flaws.” There is visible wear and an old repaired tear on one cuff along with a nearby small hole. The wool shows scattered nicks, light fuzziness, and wrinkling from storage. There is a handwritten marking near the hem. The buttons are silver tone in real life, although they may photograph a bit warmer depending on screen and white balance. The lining appears intact from what I can see. This is a well loved, authentic military garment, not a reproduction.
Measurements are taken flat and are approximate:
Chest (underarm to underarm): approximately 22.5 inches flat, about 45 inches around
Shoulders (seam to seam): approximately 18 inches
Sleeve length (shoulder seam to end of cuff): approximately 25 inches
Overall length (back of collar seam to bottom hem): approximately 46.5 to 47 inches
Estimated modern size: men’s Small to slim Medium, tagged 37R.
Color: Air Force blue.
Fabric: wool or wool blend outer with synthetic lining.
As always with Vintage Reveries finds, please double check the photographs and measurements before purchasing. Vintage garments can fit very differently than modern clothing.