P-44 UTILITY COAT

The P-44 UTILITY COAT is a reproduction of the P-1944 Marine Corps Utility Jacket. Rarely found in circulation due to being adopted near the end of the Pacific War, the P-44 followed up the ubiquitous P-1941 coat, both designs being used in combat and workwear. These fatigue-duty jackets were worn over a standard military uniform to protect against general wear and tear. In contrast to the simple in design P-1941, the P-44 features a complex construction, resulting in a functionally improved article of clothing suitable for all climates. The P-44 is constructed in a lightweight 100% cotton olive drab herringbone twill (darker in hue than the P-1941), all cotton stitching, bartack reinforcements, overlock-stitched seams, gas flaps, a single flap chest pocket, dual roomy hidden pockets at the chest intended for floatation devices or miscellaneous storage, button-adjusting cuffs, and riveted metal buttons at the collar to attach a chemical-deflecting hood. This model features ‘Economy Riveted Buttons’, a rare detail of civilian hardware that was likely used by contractors to finish a run on P44s when the USMC branded buttons were not available. Developed by The Real McCoy’s; the fine lines, thinness of the button top and stem curves are a testament to the craftsmanship of this bespoke hardware. HBT Fabric Before the outbreak of WWII, soldiers in the US Army were issued a blue denim jumper, trousers, and hat for fatigue duties, while they used the cotton khaki shirt and trousers as their summer uniform. However, by the late 1930s, the Army realized that a more practical uniform in a better color was needed. In 1941, a green uniform made from cotton herringbone twill (HBT) fabric was introduced to replace both the denim and khaki cotton uniforms for work and field operations. Shirts, trousers, coveralls, and caps were produced and issued to all Army personnel in all theaters of operations. Eventually, it became one of the most commonly worn garments during WWII and was co-opted by the USMC as seen here with the P-44 Utility Coat. Cotton Herringbone Twill Black Oxide Treated Buttons Cotton Sewing Thread Construction