What separates a "Ricky" jacket from a modern windbreaker/Carhartt?

[FedoraFan112390]

I'm just wondering, because stylistically it seems today windbreakers are inspired by both the Tanker and Ricky jacket of the 40s and 50s. Is there any real difference between a '50s Ricky, and a modern Carhartt jacket?

 

[Seb Lucas]

The pattern and materials are quite different.

 

[FedoraFan112390]

But aren't the following considered "Ricky's"? They look pretty much the same as the windbreaker. The first's collar is a bit different, but the second looks like a modern windbreaker:

 

[Edward]

What I always saw referred to as a Ricky didn't tend to have knits, but you do get a lot of variation with civilian styles.

 

[Seb Lucas]

They are different patterns but the bottom photo is not much use. That could be a work jacket. Remember gas station and taxi worker, etc jackets are the true ancestors of the windbreaker. Ricky jackets were typically more fitted and often came in mixed colours. But in the end a jacket is a jacket, there will be similarities because we have two arms and a torso.