From the maker

During both World Wars, the British Army issued leather vests known as jerkins to provide warmth without compromising mobility. Designed to be worn over field gear, they were a practical cold-weather layer for troops in the trenches. Although issued by the British military, photographs show that American soldiers also adopted the jerkin, especially during World War I, drawn to its utility and durability. Each was marked with the Broad Arrow insignia, identifying it as British government property.

This reproduction follows original construction methods and materials closely. It uses genuine sheepskin for the outer shell, lined with heavyweight wool. To stay true to vintage production, leather is selected with slight variations in texture and tone, and the pattern includes period-correct asymmetry. Stitching is completed with fine count cotton thread, slightly thinner than standard military specification, allowing for dense and precise seams. Buttonholes are intentionally oversized and sewn under high tension to create a defined ridge, improving both function and visual character. Hand-cut leather reinforcements back each button to improve longevity. The buttons themselves reflect how original jerkins aged in the field as they were often replaced with different sizes to allow for a looser fit and easier wear in freezing conditions.