Fading an old Korean War Fishtail Parka

[vintage68]

I recently acquired a mint condition Korean War fishtail parka. Trouble is the cotton outer shell is still a deep green color, it looks too new!! I was wondering if anyone knows how I can fade the outer shell other than washing the shell a bazillion times.

FYI: I'm going for the Book of Eli, Denzel Washington look.

 

[Dinerman]

Easy answer- sell the mint one and get a legitimately worn one.

 

[HeyMoe]

Sun Sun and lots of sun.

UV light bulbs could do the work too, that way it fades in a more natural manner.

If that is too slow - Rit color remover 1/4 strength has worked for me in the past, but your mileage may vary.

 

[Atterbury Dodd]

Easy answer- sell the mint one and get a legitimately worn one.

Ditto/\ Dinerman

 

[bentusian]

Easy answer- sell the mint one and get a legitimately worn one.

I too agree with that. I wouldn't dare to do further damage to such a well preserved piece of history.
I'd at least keep the mint M-51 as an investment (especially for the Japanese market) and get another one.

 

[scottyrocks]

Yeah, really, a faded, or fading a repro I can see, but deliberately doing that to a pristine original? Nah.

 

[Spitfire]

Just wear it - and let it fade naturally. It's a part of the joy!

 

[Metatron]

^I agree. Isn't the fading all the more meaningful when you were the one who wore it?