Care and storage for vintage uniforms and field jackets.
M65s, peacoats, woodland BDUs, how to wash, store, and repair vintage uniforms without destroying the value.
First, do no harm
The most common way collectors ruin a vintage uniform is the first wash. Never machine wash an M65 or older field jacket without removing the liner and zip out hood, and never hot water wash anything with a sewn on contractor patch.
hand wash protocol
Cold water, mild soap (Woolite or equivalent), gentle agitation. Soak no more than 20 minutes. Rinse twice. Roll in towels, do not wring. Air dry flat on a clean surface, out of direct sunlight.
Storage
Cedar closet or wool storage bag for moths. Pad shoulders with rolled acid free tissue. Hang on shaped wooden hangers, never wire. Keep humidity 40 to 55%; below that, fabric goes brittle.
Repairs
Use period correct thread color. We stock contractor spec thread for OG-107, OG-507, and BDU/M81 woodland. For higher value pieces, period correct buttons and zippers matter, Bossert's carries replacement hardware for most eras.
Have a question this didn't answer?
The counter at Bossert's has more than 75 years of cataloging behind it. Come in, call, or send a message.