I've been looking for one of these for a while, and finally found a used one, in new condition! I'd noticed in many fashion mags and web articles how the M-65 has become a staple to have in your wardrobe, so kept my eyes out on Craigslist etc. I even bought a slim, Diesel J-Niraw jacket, which is excellent fashion-wise, but doesn't allow for a thick sweater or mid-layer jacket underneath. So the search continued, until last weekend, when I found one in my size. Well, let's talk about that - I'm 5'10", 170 lbs., 42" chest, but wear a 40R jacket; I'd call myself athletic-slim. I normally buy outerwear in M/L, depending on whether I want to wear anything bulky underneath the jacket or not. My M-65 is tagged as "XSMALL REGULAR" (pic attached), whatever that means, as it fits as close as I could probably get. The sleeves are the perfect length, so they got that right, but that's about it. Even with a decent mid-layer underneath, the body is still too big/boxy for my likes. I managed to adjust it a bit, by sewing the shoulder gussets closed from the inside - easily accomplished by pulling the material out through the hood zipper (pic attached showing gusset sewn closed). I've got the waist string cinched up pretty tight, so now it doesn't look as full through the body. Too bad about the arms though, as they have more than enough room for a thick mid-layer. It works well when I layer it over a North Face Thunder down jacket... makes sense, as this jacket is supposed to have a warm, winter liner in it.There are features I do like however. The cotton is soft and feels warm, yet if you wash it and hang-to-dry, it will give it a nice, structured feel. I also like the way the hood tucks into the "back" of the jacket vs. rolled up in the collar (the way most other jackets do it). The quality of my jacket is good - I personally think some of the negative reviews on here are for the wrong Rothco jacket - mine has the little red tab on the top left pocket indicating the Vintage version. The breast pockets sit "flat" against the fabric (unless filled, of course), unlike other M-65s out there, where they stand proud from the jacket. Similarly, I like the way the bottom pockets are integrated, vs. pouch style. I wore it today over a synthetic mid-layer jacket, in a cold, brisk wind, and felt surprisingly warm; it works great as a wind-stopper.I don't care for the "triangular" cuffs (pic attached - designed for wear with gloves apparently), but it folds back and velcros in place. Also, a full-length zipper with bottom-up zip would be nice, but probably not part of the original design. The dual-layer cotton is going to get you soaked in the rain - it's not even close to being water repellent. Although I didn't buy this with the intent of wearing in the rain, I'm going to treat mine with Nikwax Cotton Proof for those just-in-case days. I'll never use the hood, so I've put a piece of cardboard in the collar so it stands up better.Overall, I'd say it's an OK jacket for the money - however a great deal for me at $20, purchased via Facebook Marketplace. It's not as fashionable as I would have liked, but it is more functional than expected. If you're always going to have something thick underneath as a mid-layer, it works well. Otherwise, if you don't mind the boxy-look/extra material, or happen to have a body type that "fills" through the mid-section, then go for it.
Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]