WWII Khaki Trousers - Originals and Reproductions

[renor27]

An other place to look

A place I have found Bill's for sale @ a great price is Ebay. Of course they are 2nds but the way I am on pants 2nds are just fine for me.
David

 

[BellyTank]

Wingnut- I do believe you're talking about the khaki tropical dress uniform, as opposed to the work uniform. The dress uniform was lightweight worsted wool.
That wool wouldn't stand up to any abuse and a dry-clean only uniform's no good for a uniform that need regular laundering. The cotton khaki was used in tropical areas.
BT.

 

[Matt Deckard]

Good to see the reviews. I'll ask some of the WWII reanactors what they think when I see them at the Air Raid dance next weekend.

So far I have owned Bill's in button fly and non-button fly. I have only seen the WWII Impressions khakis worn by the reeactors and have always wantrd a pair because they looked to me to be closer in detail to the originals some of the reenactors were wearing. I think I need to get a parr of the WWII impressions for a test wear.

Again, thanks for the research, good job!

 

[PADDY]

What a rivetting thread to read..!! thanks guys.

Just wanted to say "how much" I have really enjoyed the 'ins and outs, pros and cons' of this thread on what Khakis to get. To me, this is what these forums are all about, putting in your dollar's worth and allowing each and everyone of us to make the best 'informed' decision, to futher fuel our passions!
I have a pair of the K-1 Dockers (which I got from Aero, Scotland). The fabric is the most authentic bit to it, but they are a slimmer version of the original early 40's Khakis. So, if you want to look more like Steve McQueen in "The Great Escape," sporting your A-2, then these are the boys to go for, they look cool, and you would look like the "Cooler King" in them, but not strictly authentic to a flier during WWII. It's "Horses for Courses," go for what you want out of a pair of pants.

(In the pic from last year's Duxford Flying Legends (Cambridge, England), I am on the left wearing the officer's garrison hat and K-1 Dockers, and BELLY TANK (Martin) is the lovely Kiwi beside me!)

 

[BellyTank]

Steve McQueens trousers were a little too tight for the era being portrayed in The Great Escape-
this is typical of movies from the '60s and '70s where unfortunately, contemporary fashion played a role in the costume design. Remember those tight fitting US and German uniforms from Kelly's heroes?... for instance.
I could imagine S. McQueen saying "get me some tighter pants!"
BT.

 

[MikeyB17]

I think we can all agree that apart from the A-2 and the boondockers, nothing Mcqueen wears in that film suggests a shot-down pilot in a WWII POW camp. Where did the cut-down sweatshirt come from? That having been said, I don't think he could have looked cooler if he tried, which I very much doubt he did. Wish I could get a sweatshirt like that one-I personally don't think Aero's 'slap shot' ones, though very nice, are anything like it.

 

[BellyTank]

Mikey, get some blue dylon, dye it, then hack the sleeves off.
Easy.
I have a couple of those sweats, they're a good vintage style.
Happy Birthday!
BT.

 

[Biltmore Bob]

I want to get a pair of USMC Boondockers or repros. Where?

 

[BellyTank]

Re: Boondockers/Roughouts

http://www.wwiiimpressions.com sell Army and USMC varieties I think.

BT.

 

[Biltmore Bob]

Roger that...

thanks partner

 

[jake431]

Khaki Recommendations

I'm looking for good, non-tapering ww2-like khakis. Could be reproductions, could be modern pants that don't taper.

-Jake

 

[Andykev]

Bills

I have seen this site..supposed to be top notch product!

http://www.billskhakis.com/

 

[Biltmore Bob]

Dickies!

Just kidding...

But they're what I wear and no one know the difference but me. Oh yeah, and they're cheap.

 

[jake431]

Just kidding...

But they're what I wear and no one know the difference but me. Oh yeah, and they're cheap.

Any particular type of Dickies?

-Jake

 

[shamus]

I have a pair of the bills M1 button fly. They're high waisted, and thick.

You can order them cuffed or non-cuffed. I went with the cuff and straight front.

You're best bet is to find an original pair if you can.

bills are pricy about 100.00 per pair. But a pair of dockers are about 40.

Now Levis did make a pair of "vintage" style khakis a few years ago that you might be able to find somewhere.

But as they said above... only you'll know. Unlike vintage levis where you can see the redlines....

 

[Biltmore Bob]

Just regular Khaki Dickie's from Wal Mart.

 

[shamus]

I'm not sure, but pretty sure those dickies are a cotton/poly blend.

So if you like to wear plastic go for em' Otherwise get all natural fabrics...

 

[Biltmore Bob]

They've got some all cotton khakis too, either flat front or pleated. Wallys sells 'em. At least the Wallys where I live.

 

[Wild Root]

It all depends on your size. I would say find an original pair of WWII to early 50's ones and you'll be happy. If you're a big guy like me, it's going to be hard. But, if you have a 34 or smaller waist and are like a 29 to 32 inseam, you're in like Flyn! Ebay or also check this site out, they make great WWII repros for less then Bill's! Just scroll down a bit and you'll find them. They sell for $70.00 US. And they look good and I think they have button fly.

http://www.wwiiimpressions.com/

Good luck,

Root.

 

[jake431]

It all depends on your size. I would say find an original pair of WWII to early 50's ones and you'll be happy. If you're a big guy like me, it's going to be hard. But, if you have a 34 or smaller waist and are like a 29 to 32 inseam, you're in like Flyn! Ebay or also check this site out, they make great WWII repros for less then Bill's! Just scroll down a bit and you'll find them. They sell for $70.00 US. And they look good and I think they have button fly.

http://www.wwiiimpressions.com/

Good luck,

Root.

I have a M-41 Field jacket and a pair of Russet Service shoes from wwiiimpressions. So long as their khaki's don't taper, I'll like them. Their quality is quite good.

-Jake