Vintage 1974 M-65 Fish Tail Parka Olive Medium - Regular

The M-65 Parka, also known as the "Fish Tail Parka" was originally issued for the US Army during the Korean war back in 1950-53 originally named the M-51. The name refers to the year it became standard issue (1951) and it became the standard issue cold weather parka.

The previous cold weather parka known as the "N-3B" was a lot heavier and not optimal for the Korean weather, and that became the birth of the iconic M-51 Fish Tail Parka. The M-65 was designed with a detachable hood as one of the improvements from from its predecessor, the hood also became much larger and was intended to be able to be worn over a helmet, the edge of the synthetic fur is also strengthened with a wire that can be shaped to make the hood stay in place. The other main difference between the jackest is that the main fabric in the M-51 was cotton and in the M-65 it was changed to a cotton / nylon blend. The liner in the M-65 is also made of polyester changed from alpacka and wool used in the M-51 this was changed due to the manufacturing price and that it also made the parka less heavy to wear. 

Regarding the history of the parka it wasn't the army who gave the jacket it's iconic status! Today it's hard to mention the Fish Tail parka without thinking of the British mod subculture in the 1950s and 60s. The parka along with a slim cut suit, modern jazz music and riding a Vespa or Lambretta was the way of life for this growing subculture!

The name Fish Tail comes from the split back that looks like the tail of a fish. The design allows the garment to be fastened around each leg for added warmth.

This is a vintage original jacket that was produced in 1974 and it is completed with the detachable hood and liner. The condition is great for it's age without any visible damage.  

- Vintage 1974 M-65 Fish Tail Parka Olive Medium - Regular
- Shell fabric cotton / nylon
- Lining made of polyester
- Synthetic fur around the hood
- Detatchable hood and lining
- Zipper
- Two hand warmer pockets

All measurements are in centimeters and measured on a flat surface. Width is measured straight across the chest from armpit to armpit, length is measured at the back of the garment from the neck down and the sleeve length is measured on the underarm from the armpit to the end of the cuff.