US Navy N-1 Deck Jacket

First issued in 1943, the second version of this Deck Jacket design was issued and brought into use as the US Navy N-1 Deck Jacket, widely available in 1944.

A newer more functional jacket than the woollen Peacoat (a classic jacket in its own right!) was needed and vital in helping to protect sailors on deck from the freezing temperatures and biting winds in wintery conditions with more freedom of movement, this heavy corded Cotton Grosgrain aka Bedford Cord (or Jungle cloth!) is a durable fabric that resembles corduroy, made in Bedford, UK. The weave of the material has faint lengthwise ridges without the filling yarns distinct to the full wales of corduroy. 

This jacket was first issued in dark blue (a rare collectors item), then classic khaki and lastly in olive drab, it has an alpaca fur collar with a hidden throat latch and an alpaca fur lining. It also had a knitted inner storm cuff to avoid snagging, slash pockets, gusseted armpits and a buttoned flap covering the (Talon) zippered front. It was hip length, with a drawstring to close at the bottom to assist in wind proofing, all of these functional design features came through experience from the original predecessor, the peacoat, which also evolved from the U. S. Army’s Winter Tanker Jacket or Combat Jacket.

There was a black stencilled USN across the left chest side on the standard issue then was soon customised by sailors with the ships name or the wearers seafaring port history across the back.

Sought after by other parts of the Navy and all other branches of the forces the jacket was worn well into the 1950’s & 60’s, even after it was officially superseded by successive jackets like the A2 Deck Jacket not to be confused with the Airforce version..

As US Navy veterans of the WWII settled back into civilian life they popularised jacket, as is often the case, helped by the fact it was readily available in surplus. Of course some of our favourite style icons James Dean and Paul Newman where often seen looking cool in their N-1s and practicality meant it was a go-to jacket in the winter.

Now another gift of military utilitarian style we can all enjoy from the brands certain brans - if you’re a collector, well good luck in your search, and deep pockets.