This US-cut “Gold Tiger Stripe”—one of the most striking patterns from the Vietnam War era—truly commands attention. Furthermore, this piece is not a standard shirt but an extremely intriguing example that was modified locally into a jacket with a front zipper.This item was worn by a former Green Beret and American advisor who served as a MIKE FORCE advisor during the Vietnam War and was released onto the market in recent years. The shirt was made in Japan, and the modification was likely carried out locally in Vietnam or elsewhere.

The size is labeled US-M. While it originally had a relatively loose fit typical of a US-cut garment, the conversion of the front closure from buttons to a zipper results in a fit that feels slightly roomier than a standard shirt of the same size.

The biggest highlight is, of course, this front modification.

It features a TALON metal zipper, highly regarded among vintage enthusiasts. It’s not simply a matter of sewing the zipper onto the existing placket. Green-colored tape is applied to both sides of the zipper, and the shirt has been carefully tailored so that when zipped up, the zipper track itself is concealed by the placket and remains invisible from the outside.The zipper operates smoothly as well.

This is a practical, custom modification by a local tailor—the kind you’d rarely see in off-the-rack garments. It’s clear that the shirt wasn’t simply left as-is; it was modified to be easily worn as a camouflage jacket. These hands-on, field-level modifications are precisely what make clothing associated with special forces and advisors from the Vietnam War era so appealing.

Furthermore, this particular piece has a provenance as an item released by a former American advisor to MIKE FORCE. MIKE FORCE (Mobile Strike Force) was known during the Vietnam War as a mobile strike force with close ties to U.S. Army Special Forces; viewed against this backdrop, the local modifications made to this piece are particularly intriguing.Of course, it’s impossible to definitively identify the actual unit or wearer based on the garment alone, but considering its provenance, this is a piece with a very compelling story.

The body is a US-cut Gold Tiger. It features all the details characteristic of a US cut, such as a large chest pocket and utility pockets on the sleeves.

But what’s truly stunning is the color.

Years of wear and aging have beautifully faded the original color, creating an exquisite contrast between the khaki-to-mustard base color and the purplish-brown stripes. Looking at the reverse side, you can clearly see the difference in fading compared to the surface, revealing how, over the years, the color has matured into a shade that truly makes you want to call it “GOLD.”

This is a unique character found only in vintage tiger-stripe jackets—something that new or replica items can never replicate.

Condition: Used. The jacket shows overall fading and signs of wear from years of use. Buttons are missing from the chest and sleeve pockets. Additionally, there are minor scuffs and signs of aging typical of vintage military gear. The jacket has been locally modified with a TALON zipper.

Product Details
Product Name: Vietnam War Gold Tiger Stripe US Cut Modified Zipper Jacket
Era: Vietnam War Period
Pattern: Gold Tiger Stripe Cut
: US Cut
Size: US-M
Specifications:Front zipper modification by a local tailor
Zipper: TALON
History: Originally issued to an American MIKE FORCE advisor
Condition: Used / Shows fading and signs of wear / Missing buttons on chest and sleeve pockets

The combination of the Gold Tiger pattern and US Cut is appealing on its own, but this is a truly one-of-a-kind piece—a locally modified jacket featuring a TALON zipper and a history as surplus from a MIKE FORCE advisor.

This is not just any Tiger Stripe shirt; it’s a piece where you can appreciate the very traces of modifications made by the original owner to suit their own needs. It encapsulates the charm of a vintage Tiger, including its beautifully faded gold color.

This is a truly magnificent Gold Tiger. Don’t miss out.

Please note that since this is a used item, returns are not accepted.

Size (measured flat)
: Shoulder width: 51 cm; Chest
width: 60 cm;
Length: 69 cm;
Sleeve length: 57 cm