UK Leather Jerkins

This jerkin is a reproduction of those issued in both WWI and WWII. It is described as a late WWI pattern with plain buttons, rather than the earlier 1915 pattern with 'football' buttons. The buttons are suitable for WWII Canadian use, but may not be appropriate for WWI. It looks like original WWI examples and wartime pictures of issue kit.

The jerkin is made of soft, flexible leather with a shirting wool lining. The leather is supple and thick, and the wool lining is of high quality. The leather is described as being of surprisingly good quality. It can be stiff when new.

Sizing is inconsistent, with some finding the latest production runs slightly large and others recommending ordering a size larger than normal. Some advise going down a size from your normal chest size, while others suggest buying one size up if you intend to wear it over Battle Dress. It is recommended to order based on your true chest measurement. The product description includes a size chart with chest measurements.

The buttonholes are extremely tight when new, but loosen up with use. The buttons are described as being totally inadequate by some, with one shattering upon first unbuttoning. Other jerkins have buttons that did not self-destruct, suggesting quality may vary. The buttons are large brown plastic and are appropriate for WWII Canadian use.

The jerkin is used as part of British winter kit requirements for reenactment. It is also worn for working in the woods and yard to save wear and tear on clothing. It is suitable for normal day-to-day clothing. It is designed to be an outer layer over multiple inner layers.

The jerkin features a four-panel construction with complex seams and buttonholes executed with a fine eye to detail. It has good reinforced stitching holding the buttons in place. There is a look-alike wartime manufacturer's label inside, though it has a misspelt title. The leather is securely stitched and put together.