Sturdy construction. Everyday versatility. Rugged appeal. The Chief Petty Officer (CPO) jacket has a golden reputation. Today, the layer is nearly synonymous with utilitarian style.
The Anatomy of a Classic
- Button Front Closure
- Shirt Style Collar
- Chest Flap Pockets
- Casual Versatility
- All-Weather Appeal
Naval Origins
The story of the CPO jacket begins in the 1930s, when the U.S. Navy introduced it as part of the standard uniform for Chief Petty Officers. Officers needed a piece of clothing that could withstand harsh maritime conditions without sacrificing flexibility. Sailors needed to be able to complete their physically demanding tasks while staying warm.
The earliest iterations of the CPO jacket were made from heavyweight wool, a fabric known for its ability to retain heat even when wet. (Perfect for enduring drenching storms and tossing waves). The jacket’s design was simple but functional: it featured two large chest pockets — one with a button closure — and a straight, boxy fit that allowed for layering over uniforms.
From the Military to the Masses
After World War II, veterans brought their jackets home, where they were just as useful for life on land as they had been at sea. The durable wool and comfortable fit made the CPO jacket ideal for outdoor work, particularly in cold-weather regions like the Northeastern U.S., where it quickly became a favorite among fishermen, dock workers, and outdoor laborers who needed a reliable jacket for braving the elements.
By the 1960s and 1970s, the CPO jacket had gained widespread popularity among outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers, hunters, and campers were drawn to its simple design and reliable warmth. Military surplus stores, long depleted, couldn’t meet the demand for this adventure essential.
Civilian brands were quick to meet the surging demand. Designers were attracted to the CPO’s rugged charm and saw its potential as a fashion staple. Fabrics, colors, and patterns expanded. Pendelton, L.L. Bean, and Eddie Bauer embraced the CPO’s heritage while elevating the design, adding luxurious details like leather buttons and quilted linings.
Interest—and iterations—continued to grow. The jacket’s nautical origins gave it an inherently timeless, high-brow appeal, even as its practical design made it a go-to choice for outdoor sports. It’s the perfect hybrid of style and structure, posh and practicality. The CPO can be worn layered or on its own, rugged or with clean lines, boxy or in a slim silhouette.
Current Status: Closet Staple
The CPO jacket continues to blur the line between functional and fashionable, embodying both expertly. This adaptability has made it an enduring favorite for brands and buyers alike.
What We’re Made Of
Drawing on the CPO’s legacy of boundless versatility, we reimagined the timeless jacket in two of our favorite fabrics. Our iteration is the perfect pairing of your favorite shirt and your favorite jacket, making it a layering essential when the temperature drops. We even sewed pockets into the seams, adding even more utility to a utilitarian classic.
Now, you can wear the CPO on all of your adventures, too. Welcome to the proud ranks of a long line of sailors, explorers, and friends of the outdoors.
Perfectly washed with an authentic faded look, the Sunwashed CPO’s relaxed fit and rugged texture bring an effortlessly cool vibe to any outfit. A brushed-back interior fabric breaks down the stiffness of the canvas for that signature Faherty comfort. Layer it under a heavier jacket or wear it over a lightweight sweatshirt for elevated style no matter the occasion.
The Inlet Knit Blazer needed a new friend, so we repurposed our ridiculously soft loopback knit fabric into our newest CPO. Comfort and utility all in one, this must-have fall style ensures you stay stylishly prepared for any adventure, whether you're navigating city streets or the high country.
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