How to Style a Vintage M65 Military Liner Jacket for Men and Women

Introduction to the M65 Liner Jacket

The M65 liner jacket, also known as the M65 field jacket liner, is a classic piece of vintage military outerwear that has become a staple in many modern wardrobes. Originally designed for the US military in the 1960s, these durable nylon jackets featured a quilted polyester filling and a shirt-style collar. They were designed to be worn as a liner under the standard issue M65 field jacket to provide extra warmth and insulation. Though no longer issued to military personnel, M65 liner jackets remain popular today for their versatility, durability, and vintage military style.

The History and Design of M65 Liner Jackets

The M65 field jacket was first issued to US troops during the Vietnam War era. It replaced the earlier M51 field jacket and featured several key upgrades like an angled zipper flap and strapped cuffs. The quilted liner jacket was issued in tandem, allowing soldiers to adapt their outerwear for changing weather and combat conditions. The liner featured a shirt-style collar and concealed button front closure, along with side waist adjusters. The outer shell was wind and water-resistant nylon, with a polyester fiberfill insulation lining. This made the liner lightweight yet warm, while also being easy to compress down and pack.

After the war, military surplus M65 field jackets and liner jackets found their way into civilian fashion. Their rugged, functional design resonated with early punk rockers, skateboarders, and working-class youth looking to rebel against more traditional styles. Today, vintage examples are prized for their oversized fit, faded patina, and visible use. Reproduction M65 liner jackets retain these details while offering modern performance fabrics and a trimmer athletic cut.

How to Style an M65 Liner Jacket

Lean into the Military Heritage

One of the easiest ways to wear an M65 liner jacket is to embrace its vintage military roots. For men, pair it with chinos or cargo pants in army green or navy. Add a simple white t-shirt and rugged boots to complete the utilitarian look. Accessorize with aviator sunglasses and a field watch for a authentic military feel.

For women, style your liner jacket with straight leg denim, a crop top, and combat style boots. Roll up the cuffs and pop the collar to play up the casual vibe. Pull your hair back in a messy bun and add hoop earrings for a cool contrast between masculine and feminine details.

Go Grunge

The oversized silhouette and rugged details of an M65 liner make it perfect for channeling ’90s grunge. For a Kurt Cobain inspired vibe, wear it over a band tee, ripped jeans, and Chuck Taylors. Layer it over a flannel shirt when it gets colder. Finish the slacker look with beanies, Dr Martens boots, and vintage sunglasses.

For women, pair your liner with high-waisted ripped jeans, a cropped band tee, and beanie for that Courtney Love grunge appeal. Go dynamic by topping it with a babydoll dress and tights. Accent with stacked bracelets, a choker, and bold lipstick to bring femininity to the edgy aesthetic.

Update with Streetwear

Today’s streetwear scene has fully embraced heritage pieces like the M65 liner jacket. For men, contrast its vintage military form with slim cut joggers, tech sneakers, and a graphic tee. Accessorize minimally with a simple chain or necklace and clean white kicks.

Ladies can make their liner feel modern by pairing with leggings, an oversized hoodie, and sleek trainers. Go bold by topping with an athletic nylon bomber jacket in a vivid color. Add gold jewelry and a structured crossbody bag to balance the sporty volume.

Layer for Cool Weather

A quilted liner jacket serves as an ideal mid-layer when temps drop. For men, throw it on over a thermal henley and under a heavy overcoat or parka. Gray, olive, and navy are easy colors for this layered look. Finish with a knit beanie and leather gloves for added warmth.

Women can use their M65 liner as a stylish replacement for a bulky sweatshirt. Wear it over tights and a turtleneck before adding an oversized peacoat or shacket on top. Complete the bundled ensemble with wool socks, snow boots, and a faux fur pompom hat for playful cold weather style.

Tips for Styling an M65 Liner Jacket

Play with Proportions

An M65 liner's boxy fit lends itself nicely to proportion play. For men, contrast the oversized jacket with skinny jeans and slim boots for an urban look. Or, lean into the baggy military vibe by topping it with cargos and work boots.

For ladies, pair with leggings and sneakers to balance the volume up top. Or, wear it as a mini dress over bike shorts for an on-trend styling hack. When in doubt, crop out - tie up the hem and pop the collar to update the silhouette.

Roll and Cuff the Sleeves

Tailor the oversized shape of an M65 liner jacket with some sleeve adjustments. For men, roll up the cuffs once or twice to show off wrist details like watch bands. Or, keep unbuttoned cuffs undone for a relaxed casual vibe.

Women can roll long sleeves to find a more personalized fit. For a flattering line, fold up cuffs just above the elbow. This creates shape while showing off bracelets or statement sleeves underneath.

Play With Layers

The M65 liner's zip-front design makes it endlessly layerable. Men can start with a t-shirt base before adding button-downs, flannels, light sweaters and more for customizable warmth. Top off the look with a leather jacket or denim coat when heading out.

Ladies have lots of layering options too. Start with tanks and camis in breathable fabrics like modal or pima cotton. Add thermal tees, cropped knits, plaid shirts, hoodies and shackets for cozy combined style.

The versatility of an M65 liner jacket offers countless styling possibilities for both men and women. Whether you prefer vintage military, grunge, streetwear, or layered looks, this classic piece can be adapted to suit any personal style or season.

FAQs

What is an M65 liner jacket?

An M65 liner jacket is a lightweight, quilted nylon jacket that was issued to US soldiers to wear as an insulating liner under the standard M65 field jacket. It features a shirt-style collar, zippered front, and signature military details.

Why are M65 liners so popular?

M65 liner jackets remain popular today thanks to their versatile vintage military style. Their oversized fit works well with modern streetwear and layering aesthetics. They're also durable, affordable, and easy to incorporate into various looks.

How should an M65 liner fit?

M65 liners are designed to fit oversized, so opt for a roomy fit that doesn't hug the body. Vintage examples run especially large. Modern reproductions offer a more tailored but still relaxed silhouette.

What colors do M65 liners come in?

Olive drab green is the original military-issued color. But today you can find M65 liner jackets in black, navy, khaki, grey, camo prints, and more. Vintage jackets will likely be faded and worn-in.

What is the best way to style an M65 liner?

M65 liners offer versatility to work with jeans, as streetwear, and in layered looks. Play with cuffing the sleeves, cropping or tying up the hem, and topping with other jackets. Pair with basic tees, joggers, and sneakers.