WWII USMC Pacific uniforms and gear

[istout0321]

So with original Summer Service Khaki and Winter Service "Able" type uniforms being unobtainable in large human sizes I am very curious what others living historians do to over come this issue? Any way to modify original uniforms? Best reproduction uniforms? Suggested manufactures? Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

[Ant1942]

I personally wouldn't recommend and am against modifying original uniforms in anyway. I would recommend using What Price Glory and WWII Impressions and At The Front for repro gear that can fit you (WWII impressions may be the better place to go for Marine repro dress and khaki uniforms but idk). Also there can be original uniforms that fit you, but it takes time and patience to obtain them.

[Bellumbill]

I think Ant gives you good advice here - WWII Impressions makes good stuff, though I think his khaki shirts are too light colored, not brown enough? I DO have a large size original khaki shirt I found but it took several years. Pants, forget it.

 

Good on you for using "Able" instead of "Alpha" to describe USMC "green": uniform - 99% of people call them "Alphas" when as you know the word didn't exist in US military lexicon in WWII !!

 

Good luck in your search!

 

Best,

 

Bill K.

[Ant1942]

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/318543-wwii-usmc-khaki-shirt-trousers-w-rank/

 

I found this in the F/S section for you, worth a look to see what he still has left.

[istout0321]

I personally wouldn't recommend and am against modifying original uniforms in anyway. I would recommend using What Price Glory and WWII Impressions and At The Front for repro gear that can fit you (WWII impressions may be the better place to go for Marine repro dress and khaki uniforms but idk). Also there can be original uniforms that fit you, but it takes time and patience to obtain them.

Thanks Ant I apprecae the reply! I am very familar with WWII Impressions and WPG and own some of there stuff.. My issue is that WWII Impressions is out of stock on quite a bit and at this time I am unable to find any Marine shirts in summer or winter service. As for origional stuff I can sometimes find trousers as I am a 36 but when it comes to shirts and coats I am screwed as I have a 18" neck and a 48" chest.

[istout0321]

I think Ant gives you good advice here - WWII Impressions makes good stuff, though I think his khaki shirts are too light colored, not brown enough? I DO have a large size original khaki shirt I found but it took several years. Pants, forget it.

 

Good on you for using "Able" instead of "Alpha" to describe USMC "green": uniform - 99% of people call them "Alphas" when as you know the word didn't exist in US military lexicon in WWII !!

 

Good luck in your search!

 

Best,

 

Bill K.

LOL thanks Bill I struggled with that actually having spent a carrier calling that uniform the "alpha" uniform.. The use of a leather belt and brown shows also throws me off a bit but IMHO I think that the period "able's' look far sharper then the contemporary.

[istout0321]

Curious has anyone ever seen the WPG "able" uniform? If so what's your opinion on fabric, cut and construction?