Our WW1 U.S. Army Mackintosh Raincoat is a faithful reproduction if a vital piece of outerwear issued to American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) during the First World War. The original “Mac” is a lightweight alternative to the heavy wool greatcoat, the Mackintosh was made from khaki-colored treated cotton drill or rubberized fabric, providing soldiers with protection against rain, mud, and wind in the trenches of France.
Unlike the double-breasted wool overcoats, our raincoat is single-breasted, cut long for maximum coverage, and featured large fold-down collars that can be raised and fastened for extra neck protection. The most distinctive detail was its metal hook-and-eye or toggle front closure, which is faster to secure in wet or cold conditions compared to buttons.
The Mackintosh is not lined, making it lighter but less insulating than wool greatcoats. It is/was typically worn over the service uniform and could be layered with a blanket or sweater for warmth. Issued in large numbers during 1917–18, these coats became synonymous with the muddy trench campaigns of the AEF in the european theatre of operations (ETO).
