Women’s Field Jacket: Mason’s Guide to Military Chic Style SS25

Born as the M-41 in 1941 and adopted in a feminine key during the ’60s–’70s, the field jacket combines durability with style. Mason’s reinvents it with sartorial craftsmanship using twill, breathable linen-cotton blend and stretch fleece, natural dyeing techniques and artisanal details. In this article: history, seasonal styling tips, rock-chic embellishments, SS25 models, and a practical guide to choosing and showcasing the piece.

 

The field jacket, introduced in 1941 as the M-41 for U.S. Army officers, was designed to withstand extreme conditions thanks to its generous pockets, button closure and robust fabrics. In the post-war period it evolved through various military versions—from the iconic M-65 to the combat-ready M-43—before landing in the women’s wardrobe of the ’60s and ’70s as a symbol of emancipation and practicality.

Today Mason’s reinterprets the field jacket with a sartorial approach, selecting materials like twill, breathable linen-cotton blend and stretch fleece (lyocell, cotton, elastane) to deliver comfort, lightness and a perfect fit. Every stage of garment dyeing uses natural methods that preserve the vibrancy of the colors—from dusty pink to beige, up to the most subtle camouflage—while details such as reinforced seams, custom buttons and sculpted epaulettes showcase Italian artisanal heritage.

In this article we’ll explore the history and significance of the field jacket, learn how to style it across seasons, examine the most refined embellished versions, and review the collection’s key SS25 models by Mason’s. Finally, we’ll answer the most frequent questions and provide a styling guide based on body shape, occasion and seasonality, to help you integrate this timeless, sophisticated piece into your wardrobe.

What Does “Field Jacket” Mean?

The field jacket, or military field coat, was created in 1941 as the M-41, engineered for protection and freedom of movement on the front lines. The design later evolved into the M-43 and reached its zenith with the M-65 during the Vietnam War, prized for its water resistance and removable lining. In the ’60s and ’70s, women’s fashion embraced these silhouettes, refining them with sartorial details that accentuated their femininity. Today Mason’s revives the field jacket in the form of the Karen model in stretch fleece: a technical knit offering soft drape and superior shape retention. Pockets in various sizes and reinforced stitching nod to its military roots, while the stand collar and button closure lend a modern twist. The stucco color is achieved through garment dyeing that ensures rich, natural-looking hues—making this jacket perfect for the transition from mid-season to summer.

 

Military Origins: M-41, M-43, M-65—icons of functionality

Materials: twill, linen-cotton blend, stretch fleece

Details: hypoallergenic resin buttons, reinforced seams, welt pockets

Style Tip: choose neutral tones and pair with fluid fabrics for a soft contrast

What to Avoid: avoid overlayering patterns; keep volumes clean

How to Style a Field Jacket?

Styling the women’s field jacket is all about contrast. The Santa Barbara in buttery twill with camouflage print and its sage camo variant offer endless possibilities. For daytime, layer over a linen chemisier in sand or a lightweight maxi dress, add leather sandals and a minimal crossbody bag for a refined yet relaxed look. In the evening, pair with black satin trousers, delicate heels and a metallic clutch—the matte twill elevates the satin’s sheen. In transitional weather, make it part of a modern layered look with cashmere sweaters, flared jeans and western boots. The camouflage palette harmonizes with earthy tones—olive, mustard, terracotta—or with a total-black look for a bolder statement.

Daywear Look: linen chemisier, flat sandals, crossbody bag

Evening Look: satin & twill, heels, clutch and minimal jewelry

Layering: cashmere sweaters, flared jeans, biker boots

Style Tip: balance slim silhouettes with softer pieces

What to Avoid: avoid mixing technical-sporty items to maintain elegance

Field Jacket with Embellishments

Field jackets with embellishments bring a personality twist to a classic. The Eva Field Jacket is crafted in anti-crease twill and distinguished by bronze-tone studs on the collar and pocket flaps, adjustable buckles at the cuffs and reinforced epaulettes—rock-chic details without sacrificing summer weightlessness. Equally striking is the Santa Barbara in 100% slub cotton, featuring decorative studs on the collar and large patch pockets, plus the signature “M” rivet. The slub texture creates unique color variations. Available in sage and ice, this jacket combines sturdiness with a soft hand feel, perfect for elevating day and evening looks with a raw, elegant edge.

Eva: bronze-tone studs, adjustable buckles, tailored epaulettes

Santa Barbara: 100% cotton slub, large patch pockets, decorative studs and “M” rivet

Pairings: leather pants, fitted dresses, biker boots

Style Tip: mix rigid and fluid textures for dynamic contrast

What to Avoid: don’t overload with large metallic accessories; let the look breathe

Mason’s Featured Products

Karen Field Jacket in Stretch Fleece

• Fabric: premium anti-pilling fleece
• Design: stand collar, button closure, oversized pockets
• Variants: stucco
• Plus: body-skimming fit, shape retention, high comfort
• Pairings: silk top, cigarette trousers, leather sneakers; ideal for office and casual weekends

Eva Field Jacket in Studded Twill

• Fabric: anti-crease twill
• Features: bronze-tone studs, adjustable buckles, reinforced epaulettes
• Variants: olive, dark beige, off-white
• Plus: rock-chic details without weight; perfect for evening outings

Santa Barbara Jacket in Cotton Slub

• Fabric: 100% cotton slub, hand garment-dyed for unique tonal variations
• Design: decorative studs on collar and patch pockets, “M” rivet logo
• Variants: sage, ice
• Plus: slub texture adds movement; fresh yet sturdy for spring-summer

Choosing & Highlighting Guide

Selecting the right field jacket depends on body shape, occasion and season. For broad shoulders, choose styles with internal drawstrings to cinch the waist; for petite frames, opt for soft fabrics like stretch twill that don’t add bulk. For everyday wear, the Karen fleece ensures comfort and style, while the Eva studded jacket brings character to casual evenings. Linen-cotton blends offer breathability in spring and summer; cotton slub brings elegance in autumn.

Practical Tips:

• Layer over lightweight blazers or cardigans for a modern layered effect.
• Keep accessories minimal to let the jacket stand out.
• Use slim belts and lightweight scarves to define the silhouette.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to style an olive green field jacket?
A green field jacket works for both casual and refined looks: pair it with black skinny jeans, leather ankle boots and an oversized white shirt for a perfect balance of structure and femininity. Add a colorful bag for a personal touch.

What is a lightweight field jacket called?
Commonly known as a field jacket or “light field coat,” characterized by fabrics like twill, resca or linen-cotton blends, patch pockets and zip or button closures.

How long should a women’s field jacket be?
The ideal length for a field jacket hits at or just below the hip for optimal freedom of movement and balanced proportions.

Can you wear a field jacket in summer?
Yes: Mason’s lightweight versions in twill or linen-cotton blend remain airy and breathable, perfect for summer evenings and transitional weather.

Are field jackets still in fashion?
Field jackets are a timeless classic: each season they return on runways with fresh interpretations, confirming their status as a versatile piece for both casual and formal looks.

The Unmistakable Mason’s Touch

Mason’s field jackets perfectly fuse luxury and functionality. Thanks to the finest material selection, meticulous tailoring and Italian craftsmanship, each model—Karen, Eva and Santa Barbara—becomes a style investment that endures. Discover the full SS25 collection on Mason’s website and elevate your wardrobe with exclusive pieces that blend elegance and comfort for any occasion.