It's a jungle out there

We fight the good fight for better consumption. That's why we always listen to you and your needs to create pieces that deliver on design and lasting quality. And this time we tapped into your thoughts on utility jackets, to create a Jungle Jacket, suitable for everyday operations.

We have a huge sweet spot for military heritage, and our main inspiration for this one came from the M-43, a jacket that was first battle-tried in 1942, in an effort to deck out the American army in a new uniform. If you have an Olive Drab jacket with four flap pockets in mind now, then you’re spot on.

So we borrowed from the tried and tested M-43 features and combined them with a durable but lightweight organic cotton sateen confiscated from the M-65, to bring you our first ever Jungle Jacket.

Many told us you weren't going to enlist unless you knew where you were going. And we get it, you want your style to be commanded by a major, not a no-rank fuzzbutt where:

- The cut turns on you

- The military inspiration was missing in action.

- The durable features had defected

- The jacket gets discharged after a few outings.

To sum up, a jacket like that wouldn’t live up to its name or cut it for modern heroics. Too heavy, too rough, too flimsy or not sturdy enough. Top that off with the fit being bulky and unflattering. Thankfully we have a game plan, a secret weapon.

That’s when we picked at our good ol’ M-43 to see what it’s made of, taking a good look at the design, the vital details (those flap pockets) and the fabric. And this is what we came up with:

Some things just never go out of style, but only if you stay true to the original. And the original is easily recognisable by its four roomy front pockets that are key components of our detail battalion. They can pack a bunch and even more of your necessities provided you get the right durable fabric.

Given its durability, this sateen cotton is a surprising lightweight number that makes it easy to wear and move in (even in summer). You can trust the double stitching at the seams, American snap buttons and a button-up collar with zigzag stitching.

The fit is tweaked to be closer to our workwear pieces. This makes this Jacket more versatile and practical, unlike a home-made superhero cape cut out of your granny’s old curtains.

Your main concern was preserving the original character of the jacket. So we wanted to make sure to get it right and honour your request.

There are the main features, the four flap pockets in the front. They need to be roomy enough to keep all your belongings, from your wallet, keys and phone to the Kindle you read on your way to work, or the kitten that you rescue on your way home. Yet not too bulky either, you're mainly on a 9 to 5 mission.

And then there's the fabric. That same fabric the army used for their original jackets, well, we helped ourselves to a good serving of it, adding an extra vintage dimension to the piece.

Looking good with a touch of vintage is nice alright, but if we’re talking about a jacket that’s been tried and tested the hard way, then it also has to protect you from the havoc of our everyday lives.

No half-measures here if you want to get the job done. A 275g/m2 Italian 100% organic sateen cotton with a smooth and subtle feel, lightweight enough to wear throughout summer, but thoroughly lab tested to get through season after season.

A double top-stitching holds up the fort on all our seams and zigzag stitching on the collar. American snap buttons and double buttons on the cuffs keep things looking neat and you looking sharp.

This Jacket is not just about being tough and the smooth cotton is also organic and certified to the highest standard. It zipped up the highway from sun-filled fields of Turkey to Bella Italia, where it’s spun and dyed by experts Beppetex who also took care of our Cargo Pants. Grazzie.

Cut to its final destination in Romania for cutting and sewing, expertly done by our partner producers from Tanex. The same team that worked on the Peacoat and the B10 Bomber, so you know what you're in for.

Military green - keeping it real

Sand - subdued, but not subordinated

Navy - the perfect combo of military and workwear heritage.

Sure, it's based on a model that was supposed to be roomy to keep you agile and go over more than a couple of heavy layers, but luckily our circumstances have changed. The Jungle Jacket is tailored like our Light Work Jacket, providing a slick fit that's closer to the body for a nice shape. It drops mid-seat, so it covers what's necessary without being flappy. Left your scarf at home, just button up that collar. Ace.

No need for camouflage or combat boots, the Jungle Jacket pairs perfectly with a crisp shirt, a nice pair of raw selvedge jeans and Derby Boots for the colder days. But it just as easily adds a nice touch to an everyday summer outfit of a light t-shirt, pin-rolled chinos and simple sneaks. Off you go!

The Jungle Jacket will be available for preorder for 149€ from Tuesday 16 March, from 10am CET sharp, well more or less. But don’t cut it too fine, preorders run for 6 days only. That’s a strict curfew however.

Your Jungle Jacket will make its way to you middle of May(that's anytime between the 11th and the 20th).

And for those who're wondering, if it doesn't workout when your Jungle Jacket arrives, exchanges are like a run in the park. Return costs on us.

Enlist here. Find the size guide on our product page, just above the size selection.

If you have any questions, hit us up in the comment section below or on our international Instagram page

The Asphalte team