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Get Ready for Cooler Temps with These New Versions of Unsinkable Naval Classics
Perhaps it’s due to our proximity to the North Sea, but Thomas and I are both suckers for naval outerwear.
The coats designed for American sailors either before or during WWII are perched at the crest of the wave in terms of both comfort, practicality, and style. They’re as good today as they’ve ever been—perhaps even better.
Each year, our favourite rugged brands introduce their latest versions of the naval classics, and, with Iron Heart at the head of the fleet, this year has brought a bumper crop of seriously rugged kit.
If you’ve been waiting to jump on board, there’s never been a better time to get into a seaworthy vessel.
For a broader look at the world of seaborne style, you can read our guide to naval outerwear.
If you’re looking for an even deeper look at the N1, peacoat, and duffel (and many more) our book, The Rebel’s Wardrobe, features an entire section on naval style.
Iron Heart’s Fleet of N1s
In typical fashion for the Japanese motorcycle specialists, Iron Heart’s N1 quickly became the selvedge scene’s favourite version of the classic deck jacket. Few things pair better with Iron Heart jeans than their version of the deck jacket.
They’ve really leaned into this popularity this year with a fleet of N1s that have surfaced and disappeared in mere moments. Chief of these was the blacked-out version produced in collaboration with Burg & Schild, which sold out faster than Oasis reunion tickets.
Iron Heart’s N1 jacket is available in black, khaki, olive drab, and brown. They sell out very quickly in every colour—if it’s sold out, register your interest and you’ll be informed when they restock.
NB: These jackets sell out (very) quickly from Iron Heart’s own site and they don’t have many sizes left. But at the time of publication, you can still get most sizes in the black one at Iron Shop Provisions!
As impressed as we are with the new all-black version of the jacket, the most exciting development came last year when Iron Heart debuted an oiled whipcord version of the N1 with closer-to-period-correct slash pockets.
The patch pockets have never sat right with me, so the oiled versions represent a massive improvement in my books. They’re a little more expensive, but they’re more water-resistant and, in our books, more stylish to boot.
The oiled N1s are available in black, olive, khaki, and army green.
You’ll also find the slash pockets on the new N1 Deck Vest, which, as you can see, looks absolutely stellar when paired with bold horizontal stripes.
If you appreciate the N1 style but live in a more temperate climate, the vest might float your boat.
Other N1s to Consider
Earlier this year, I added a Buzz Rickson’s N1 to my stable. This came at the tail end of an exhaustive look at all of the N1s on the market. Buzz Rickson’s version had everything I was looking for. The colour, the details, and the fit were all on point, and I’m looking forward to breaking it in this fall.
You can find the Buzz Rickson’s N1 at Blue in Green. In terms of dimensions, Buzz Rickson’s seem to have my number.
It’s a perfect fit for me, but you might experience the brand differently. Check the measurements carefully.
Best practice is to at least consider some of the other available versions of the jacket before you slap your card on the counter.
Our favourites include top-shelf deck jackets from The Real McCoy’s, Dehen, Freewheelers, and Warehouse.
If you’re looking to spend a considerably less, the most bang for your buck comes from Tellason’s Blubaugh Deck Jacket and Cockpit USA’s version of the N1.
These less expensive versions swap out the alpaca for a durable synthetic. They won’t be as warm as the top-shelf reproductions, but that might be a plus in your books.
Something Old, Something New
If the N1 isn’t your bag, you can still find a great jacket without stepping foot on dry land. The peacoat remains the most durable naval icon for very good reason.
It is an unmatched style shape-shifter, rolling effortlessly through a wide range of casual and spiffy styles, and, when made well, it’s nearly as warm as an N1.
Like my N1, I spent a considerable amount of time considering the peacoats on the market before making my purchase. The black William Gibson x Buzz Rickson’s version complete with horsehide accents won the day, with the Navy Blue version nipping at its heels. It quickly became a signature piece for me.
Premium reproduction specialists like Buzz Rickson’s and The Real McCoy’s lead the way in this category.
If you’re looking for a little less expensive version, Cockpit USA does a great one for not a lot of money.
Finally, if you’re looking for something a little more unique, Iron Heart has introduced a new USN A2 (not to be confused with the leather Air Forces A2).
Introduced in the ‘60s to replace the N1, the A2 featured a sharp, lay-down collar and a handy breast pocket, but it retained many of the N1’s signature features.
Iron Heart’s version is available in olive, black, olive drab, and (our favourite) the Oiled Army Green. A great choice for those who find the N1’s fur-lined collar a little too warm for comfort.
Complete the Kit
N1s and peacoats both look exceptionally sharp with higher-rise pairs that have been cut generously. You can see our guide to high-rise selvedge jeans here. All you’ll need to complete the kit will be a heavy loopwheeled tee shirt.
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