Belstaff returns for the new season with a reissue of their 1966 Combat Smock, designed for the British Army. Paying homage to the decade of the smocks inception, the latest spin is dubbed the CS60 Field Jacket & features all the technical details of the army issued original. Check out a brief history behind the jacket below.
In the fashion world, it's common for manufacturers with the right facilities to be called upon to create products for other brands. Belstaff, which has been crafting military gear since 1920 in its Stoke-on-Trent factories, expanded its "white-label" production over the years from the early 1900s to support various sectors in Britain. They supplied uniforms for the police, the AA, air traffic controllers, Antarctic researchers, and even milkmen. Among their notable contributions were jackets made for the army, with the 1966 Combat Smock standing out as one of the most iconic pieces in their extensive archive.
Introduced in the early 1960s, the Combat Smock replaced the previous Sateen version and laid the foundation for the widely recognized 1968 pattern combat smock, which was issued throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Key characteristics of this earlier model include its flat green hue and stitched collar.
Crafted from dark olive green cotton sateen, the smock featured patch pockets on the chest and lower sections, with inverted pleats that allow for extra room. The long sleeves were finished with buttoned barrel cuffs, and the elbows are reinforced with an additional layer of fabric to minimise abrasion whilst on duty. The left breast pocket was designed with a stitched compartment specifically for holding a pen. The jacket fastened at the front with a chunky brass zipper, to avoid rusting in the wet.
On the inside, there's a poacher's pocket secured with a single grey plastic button. Original labels on the jacket included a manufacturer's label marking it as the 'Smock Combat 1960 Pattern,' with a number size system listed. The maker's initials, 'B.M.C.', denoting Belstaff, are featured, along with the 1966 date and the War Department's broad arrow marking.
This latest reissue of the Combat Smock is crafted from a garment-dyed cotton sateen, offering a soft, well-worn vintage feel with a unique finish. The half-lined construction ensures comfort while maintaining a lightweight design. Featuring utility pockets with intricate multi-stitch detailing, reinforced elbows and the A-shaped back panel - the jackets boasts all the intricate detailing of the army issued original.
Tonal utility buttons and an adjustable drawstring waist provide a personalized fit, while the garment-dyed embroidered Belstaff phoenix patch on the left sleeve adds a signature touch of brand identity. The jacket fastens with a centre front zip, complemented by a button closure placket and collar tab for added practicality. Storage is ample with two angled chest pockets, two front patch pockets, two hand-warmer side entry pockets, and two internal chest pockets, offering plenty of space for essentials. The garment-dye process gives each jacket a distinct, rich colour and character, ensuring that no two pieces are alike.
Shop the latest CS60 Field Jacket & our full Belstaff collection below, available online & in-store now at Stuarts London.
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