My friend Craig Rullman and I share a great deal in common, including aesthetic taste. Recently, I ran across a photo of an Afghan hunter from the 1970s that brought up an important point of appreciation that often goes overlooked: the manly fashion statement that is the Field Blazer.
Craig’s commentary was:
“Huge fan of the field blazer in most scenarios. He’s rocking this ensemble.”
Indeed, he is. But this line of thinking inevitably led to the key question in every fashionista scenario: Who wore it best?
After all, the Field Blazer has been deployed by some of history’s most renowned Frontier Partisans, from Boer War commandos to Mexican Revolutionary fighters. And, of course, it is a staple of British shooting/hunting tradition.
UPDATE: Tom from Arizona quite rightly points out that none other than Geronimo should be in the running here. Those conchos bring an awful lot of panache, must admit.
Weigh in in the comments section. Who wore it best?
Matthew says
I’m a t-shirt and jeans man myself, but it is stylish.
By the way, is that a fox that the guy in the first photo is wearing as a mask?
JimC says
Yep.
Paul McNamee says
I’ll give it the Boers.
Chas S Clifton says
As for the Mexican revolutionaries, Col. Medina is definitely the most dapper. ¡Qué elegante!
JimC says
Medina always brought the class…
tom says
i think top prize for a blazer wearing warrior just might go to geronimo, the chiricahua apache who ranged here in the southwest and northern sierra madre in mexico. however, since i am no “clotheshorse” those jackets he wore in many photos might not be identified as blazers?
JimC says
Can’t believe I left out the Yawner. Well played, and I’m adding him in.
Clint Richards says
Ahhh yes, the old tactical tweed. I’ve always loved the look of the insurgentes in the Mexican Revolution with their bandoleers of Mauser ammo strapped over their jackets and sweaters. Like the Boers before them, fighting the power in somewhat dignified yet rough-hewn style. After living on the border for a few years though, I wonder how they wore all of that stuff without dying of dehydration. Even in the winter it usually still warmed up enough to make me feel a bit overheated in a jacket or suit. Seeing all of these pictures makes me wonder. What would the modern equivalent be today? If I wanted to raid border towns in style, would I just go to JC Penney and get a “two-for-1” special on suits and go with that? Modern suits just don’t seem to be as sturdy as the suits that those partisans, ruffians, and raiders wore back in the day.
JimC says
I have often been tempted to get myself a tweed three-piecer from this outfit: TweedMaker.
My wife endorses this plan, although I’m not sure she’s aware that bandolier accessories are mandatory….
Clint Richards says
Hahahahahahahahahaha. It’ll be our little secret. 🙂