100 Objects #17: M43 Field Jacket

The M43 Army Field Jacket represents a pivotal shift in military design, moving from aesthetic imitation of foreign powers to a scientific, user-centered approach. Host Roman Mars and guest Avery Trufelman, host of *Articles of Interest*, detail how professor George Dorio utilized rigorous laboratory testing—including the use of a sensor-equipped copper mannequin named Chauncey—to optimize warmth, mobility, and layering. Despite resistance from General Robert McGowan Littlejohn, who prioritized traditional military appearance over functional design, the M43 eventually became the standard, revolutionizing soldier equipment. Following the war, the mass availability of surplus jackets transformed them into civilian staples, eventually evolving into a global fashion icon. This transition from a specialized military tool to a ubiquitous, anti-war symbol and mainstream garment highlights the enduring impact of functional design on everyday clothing, cementing the field jacket as a cornerstone of 20th-century menswear.