Black Dyed Winter Weight BDU Jacket Size: Large - Regular #8

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This is a winter weight (or heavyweight) woodland BDU jacket that was overdyed in black. It is a size Large/Regular. It is in used, good condition. There are some light streaks on the bottom right pocket and it is missing a button on the left cuff.

Why would a uniform be dyed black? If done officially, this was likely a cheap way to turn the jacket into an "Opposing Force" (OPFOR) uniform. This was sometimes done with OG-107 uniforms. On this jacket, the dye job creates a much more muted camouflage pattern that is vaguely reminiscent of the communist bloc camouflage patterns that emerged in the late 1980's.

The first issue of woodland BDU's were widely unpopular in the U.S. Military. They were made of a 50% cotton and 50% nylon sateen, much like the field jacket. While extremely durable, these uniforms proved to be too hot for field duty in the summer. In the winter, particularly in Germany, when the uniforms got wet they tended to stay wet. Many U.S. servicemen preferred to remain in their OG-107/507 sateen "pickle suits" or jungle fatigues rather than adopt the new BDU. Nevertheless, the heavyweight BDU soldiered on with minor revisions and remained in service through the BDU era as a "winter weight" version, which was issued to every serviceman.

For those who like camo for fashion, the heavyweight BDU's drawbacks as a combat uniform are of little concern. The heavyweight uniforms do make good clothing for paintball or hunting. They are warmer in cold/dry climates. They are rugged and retain their color longer.

Measurements:

Sleeve (Shoulder to Cuff): 24"
Chest (Armpit to Armpit): 26"
Length (Bottom of Collar to Hem): 29"