When discussing the Vietnam War, one cannot overlook the iconic tiger stripe camouflage. Among these patterns, the Okinawa Tiger Pattern (commonly known as the John Wayne Pattern) is the most iconic and continues to be cherished by collectors around the world.
This item is a US-cut Tiger Stripe shirt estimated to have been manufactured around 1965. It is widely known for having been worn by the actor John Wayne, and is affectionately known by the nickname "John Wayne Pattern." To be precise, the version worn in the movie was a custom-made Tiger Stripe designed specifically for the film.
Tiger Stripe camouflage was primarily used by the South Vietnamese Army and special forces, but much of it was produced by private manufacturers in Okinawa, Japan, and throughout Southeast Asia. As a result, there are subtle differences in specifications depending on the production period and factory, and today they are classified by pattern and studied as subjects of research. This Okinawa Tiger Pattern is known to be made in Japan.
This particular piece strongly retains the distinctive features of the US cut.
The chest pocket is large and features two buttons. Additionally, the left sleeve is equipped with a small pocket for storing first-aid supplies such as tourniquets and bandages. This detail is unique to the US cut and was simplified in the Asian cut of the same period.In the Asian cut, the chest pocket typically has only one button, and the sleeve pocket is generally omitted. This is believed to have been driven by the need for efficiency in mass production.
The camouflage pattern itself is truly captivating.
The contrast created by the deep black stripes, olive green, and khaki possesses a power and intensity not found in the later "tiger stripe" patterns.It is truly the quintessential pattern, worthy of being called "the very essence of tiger stripes." The overall color retention is excellent, but years of aging have given the fabric a distinctive yellowish tint. This yellowing is the unique character of an authentic vintage piece and represents a charm possessed only by items that have endured over half a century.
Among the many tiger stripe patterns, this is the quintessential piece you’ll want to own first—yet it is also the most profound. It is a garment with a strong presence, not only as part of a Vietnam War equipment collection but also as a vintage garment in its own right.
Product Name: Okinawa Tiger Pattern (John Wayne Pattern) Tiger Stripe Shirt, US Cut Country
of Manufacture: Presumed to be made
in Okinawa Estimated Date: Circa
1965 Camouflage: Okinawa Tiger Pattern (John Wayne Pattern)
Size: US Size S
Condition
The overall color retention is good. Some yellowing due to age is visible, but this is a natural change unique to vintage items and lends the shirt a very nice, authentic look. There is no major damage, and the condition is more than satisfactory for a collector’s item.
Please note that this is a used item and cannot be returned.
Size (Flat Measurements)
Shoulder width: 42 cm
Chest width: 46 cm
Length: 65 cm
Sleeve length: 54 cm
