
Originally created for the US Army in Korea but brought to the mainstream by UK mod culture in the ‘50s and ‘60s, the fishtail parka is easily one of the most desired military pieces.
The M-1951 Parka was a three component garment, the cotton/nylon OG-107 shell, the button-in mohair frieze liner, and the fur-lined hood.
The early production, first generation M-1951 parka sets were made of heavier material overall with an alpaca liner, similar to the M1948 parka they replaced. The heavy construction was expensive to manufacture and proved, in field use, to be hard to manage, especially when wet. A second generation was made out of lighter fabrics, but still quite warm. Sizes were generous since the M-1951 Parka was intended to be worn over the winter uniform.
The M-1951 Parka has an integrated cloth hood (sewn in), adequate for wear under a helmet but too light for severe conditions. The fur-lined Hood, Parka, M-1951 buttons on to the integral hood as a liner to increase protection. When the M-1965 Parka was introduced, it had no sewn-in hood, but had buttons that would accept the Hood, Parka, M-1951.
The M-1951 Parka, as well as the M-1948, are commonly called the "fishtail" parka due to a split lower back and its bottom drawstrings that can pull the parka close to the legs.
The M-1951 parka was ultimately superseded by the M-1965 (or M65) parka.
Removable wool shearling liner with a Talon zipper. Missing fur hood liner.
Flat Measurements:
Armpit to Armpit: 26’’
Shoulder to Shoulder: 21''
Sleeve Length: 23''
Total Length: 38”
Head to our Sizing Guide to see if this will fit you.
*Please note, all of our items are vintage and used and will naturally have some wear. We think it all just adds to the piece’s charm. We’ll always do our best to properly document any obvious imperfections.
**Colors may vary slightly between photos on screen and actual piece.