Flannels & Sweaters
Our military sweaters and flannel shirts are the cold-weather side of the shirt range: knit layers modeled on G.I. designs, plus heavy flannels for work, hunting and the fire pit.
The sweater lineup includes the Acrylic Commando Sweater and its Quarter Zip version, the G.I. Style Acrylic V-Neck Sweater, the G.I. Style 5-Button Sweater modeled on WWII fatigue sweaters, a WWII Vintage Mechanics Sweater in khaki, and a 3-Button Sweater with Suede Accents. Acrylic knits hold their shape, dry faster than wool and don't itch, so they work well over a T-shirt or under a field jacket.
For close-fitting layers there are mock turtlenecks, including a Security version and a Mock Turtleneck Dickie that covers the neck without adding bulk to the body.
The flannel side runs from a Lightweight Flannel Shirt and Heavy Weight Solid Flannel to Extra Heavyweight Buffalo Plaid, Sherpa lined and camo flannels, plus Midnight Camo and Fred Bear camo flannels, a Concealed Carry Flannel Shirt, a women's plaid flannel and a red buffalo plaid quilted lined jacket.
A note for service members: the Army does authorize a black V-neck pullover sweater as an optional purchase item for the Class B uniform, but it has to match the description in DA PAM 670-1. Our sweaters are commercial G.I. style knits, not issue items, and flannels are civilian clothing. Our guide below explains the difference.
How to Choose Military Sweaters and Flannels
Think about where the layer sits. A sweater worn under a jacket should be smooth and close-fitting. A sweater worn on its own can be heavier and looser. A flannel can do both jobs: a lightweight flannel layers over a tee, and an extra heavyweight or sherpa lined flannel works as a light jacket on its own.
Commando and G.I. Style Military Sweaters
The commando sweater is the classic crew-neck military knit; the quarter zip version opens at the throat for venting when you start working hard. Rothco's G.I. Style Acrylic V-Neck Sweater comes in black, olive drab, brown and navy blue, with reinforced shoulder and elbow patches and hook-and-loop shoulder epaulettes. The G.I. Style 5-Button Sweater in black or olive drab has five large buttons on the upper half and elastic knit cuffs and waistband.
Mock Turtlenecks and Dickies
A mock turtleneck adds warmth at the neck under a sweater, BDU shirt or jacket. The dickie gives you the collar only, which is handy when you want neck coverage without another full layer under a fitted coat.
Choosing a Flannel Weight
Lightweight flannel suits spring and fall. Heavy and extra heavyweight flannel are for cold work days, hunting stands and winter chores. Sherpa or quilted lining turns a flannel into a shirt-jacket, and the red buffalo plaid quilted lined jacket goes a step further as a true outer layer. Camo flannels in Midnight Camo or Fred Bear camo blend in for the field. The Concealed Carry Flannel Shirt pairs a classic look with room to carry discreetly; know your local carry laws. The Vintage Fatigue Shirt sits in this section too, for anyone who wants a worn-in military look.
Sizing Sweaters and Flannels
Knit cuffs and waistbands should sit snug without pinching. If you plan to wear a sweater over a collared shirt, or a flannel over a hoodie, consider one size up. Acrylic can stretch slightly with wear, so a trim fit at purchase usually settles in.
Military Sweaters and Army Uniform Regulations
The Army Black Pullover Sweater
DA PAM 670-1, paragraph 20-30b, describes the black pullover as an optional purchase item in V-neck style, made of wool or acrylic, with shoulder, elbow and chest patches, worn with the Class B uniform. Officers and corporals and above wear shoulder marks, and the nameplate goes on the chest patch. Paragraph 20-30a covers a separate black cardigan, and 20-30c a heritage green 564 pullover worn with the Class B Army Green Service Uniform.
Are Our Sweaters Authorized for Uniform Wear?
Our G.I. style sweaters are commercial items and are not labeled as meeting AR 670-1. The V-neck has shoulder and elbow patches and epaulettes, but Rothco does not list a chest patch, which the Army sweater needs for the nameplate. If you need a sweater for the Class B uniform, buy one that meets the regulation description. Ours are good choices for off-duty wear, field layering, reenactments and cold days at home.
Flannels Off Duty
Flannels are civilian clothing. Under AR 670-1, paragraph 3-9, undergarments are among the uniform items you may wear with civilian clothes, so a tan 499 undershirt under a flannel is fine. Unit and command policies can be stricter.