Introduction
The Mackinaw jacket is a garment which has enjoyed a long, rich history in both fashion as well as function. Rooted in the upper Midwest, this now staple of many Americana wardrobes was actually conceived at the hands of both British and Native Americans in the Great Lakes region.
Quick History
Mackinaw cloth, with its thick, blanket-like composition is very similar to melton wool. It is extremely hard wearing and doesn't unwind or fray like wool knits. The first mackinaw jackets were commissioned for the British army in the Great Lakes region of Michigan. Those of you familiar with the area have undoubtedly heard of Mackinac Island which is where the fabric, and in turn, the jacket gets its name. The original order from 1811 was for 40 greatcoats in navy blue but due to limited supplies of melton wool in the region, the coats were sewn with what was readily available - point blankets. Point blankets were highly coveted by the Native Americans in the region and were generally the currency of choice, along with steel tools, for French and British traders who were interested in acquiring the Native's furs. In the end, the order for 40 navy greatcoats was completed but in an unorthodox fashion. First, the women who sewed the coats didn't have enough navy colored blankets, so many of the coats were sewn in red or red and black check (sounds familiar?). Second, those familiar with Michigan winters knew that the long tails of the greatcoat would be unsuitable for walking through drifted snow and therefore chose to design the greatcoats so that they fell to hip length. Throughout the years, those in the region turned their focus from trapping to logging and the woodsmen, who undoubtedly knew of the warm, hard-wearing mackinaw jacket, made this garment the outerwear of choice. Many contemporary wearers of the mackinaw jacket are sportsmen with a nod to heritage but also due to the fantastic warmth, weather protection, and durability offered by the garment.
Fedora Lounge article with a more detailed history of the garment.
Acquisition
Inspiration
Modeled after greatcoats, early Mackinaw jackets were traditionally double breasted. Contemporary examples are single breasted and occasionally can be found with a zipper closure. Included in the inspiration album are mostly contemporary, single breasted jackets but I threw some double breasted in as well. Mackinaw jackets pair well with pants made from denim, corduroy, wool , and other heavy fabrics. Because of the boxy cut of the jackets, straight leg pants pair especially well. Boots are usually the best compliment as far as footwear goes but sneakers and even dressier shoes are possible.