UK Aertex tropical BD Jacket (Khaki)

The jacket is long in the body, which is consistent across all sizes. It is cut with a standard 6-inch taper between the chest and waist, except for sizes 48XL, 50XL, and 52XL, which have a 2-inch taper. The shoulders can be narrow, with some jackets fitting more like a size or two smaller in the shoulder width compared to the stated chest size. Ordering one size up from your usual jacket size is often recommended for a better fit, especially in the shoulders and chest.

The jacket is made from Aertex cellular weave cotton, which is a sturdy material. This fabric is known for its intentionally loose weave, making it highly breathable and suitable for hot weather. It ventilates well and dries quickly, performing effectively in warm conditions like the British summer or the Western Desert.

The jacket is a reproduction of the tropical uniform adopted by the British Army in 1943. It is based on the wool battledress design, featuring a waist-length cut and made from Aertex cellular weave cotton. The construction and fabric quality closely match original garments.

The jacket can be hot water washed and dried. This method has been used with modest success to shrink the sleeves if they are too long. Air drying is also an option after washing.

This jacket is a reproduction of the tropical battledress uniform, which was primarily used by the British Army in the Mediterranean and Italy. It was designed to be worn without a shirt underneath in hot climates. The jacket is suitable for early Indochina reenactments.

The jacket has a standard 6-inch body taper between the chest and waist size, with 48XL, 50XL, and 52XL having a 2-inch taper. However, the shoulder width can be disproportionate to the chest width; for example, a size 44 jacket might have a shoulder width closer to a size 40 or 42. It is important to consider that the shoulders can be narrow, even when sizing up.