Can I dry-clean my RMC N1 deck jacket?

[Aloysius]

Excellent analogy, but I prefer, " It's like putting bumper stickers on a Porsche. "

The one version I was really tempted by was when as a tribute to Chuck Yeager on his passing, Buzz Rickson's did a couple of versions of his flight jackets with his cartoon patches and all. And the name patch explicitly says Chuck Yeager, who is someone basically everyone knows and loves.

 

[Edward]

The problem with working on your jacket using such chemicals will not only have an impact on the stencil but on the color of the fabirc as well (as can be seen on the last photo).

Point is what do you prefer: USN stencilled on your jacket or a faded spot on your left chest ...

I suppose the other option would be to put a patch of some sort over the USN stencil. Not the solution for everyone, of course. I don't have an N1 yet. I did however consider buying one and adding a patch of some sort, maybe a BPRD logo, or a 'Bickle' nametape.

Wearing patched jackets ain't a big deal over here in Germany. The grade of respect and appreciation for the military is pretty low in Germany compared to the US (which is a pitty) - so noone really cares ...

Cultures vary on this, certainly. For most of us, wearing just a jacket and not obviously seeking to pass ourselves off as military, I can't see that alone being an issue (unless it looks like support of the "wrong group in the wrong area", in, say, Derry or Belfast). In truth, when it comes to a military surplus or repro jacket being worn casually, any incident I've ever seen personally it's not been someone who was ever 'in' who has taken performative offence at someone wearing officer's stripes or whatever on an repop of a defunct uniform.


I've long wanted to put together an AVG jacket complete with blood chit. I will eventually, though I've also hatched a plan for a variation on one tailored to my own (academic) experience that I can actually take with me when I go to Beijing, where the RoC flag is obviously not de riguer nowadays. That's the sort of concession I see as not unreasonable.

 

[raf]

If buying a custom-made or "bespoke" jacket, it may be possible to have the Mfr delete any markings (such as USN) customarily applied. Can't hurt to ask.

I very much prefer to NOT have any markings/patches on my jackets. Originals having Original patches/markings are likely fragile/valuable, and better candidates for display than frequent wear, IMHO. It's my personal policy to never claim honors or awards which I did not earn.

Here is the definition of "Stolen Valor" here in the US: https://www.jordanucmjlaw.com/2023/01/what-is-stolen-valor-and-is-it-a-crime/ It may be a crime, but one needs to "go some" to get charged. OTOH, some sharp-eyed Vet might call-out the individual, and it's always a "cringe" moment. See YouTube channel "Jamison's Travels" for some SV incidents: https://www.youtube.com/@JamesonsTravels

Other folks have different opinions, and that's perfectly fine until and unless coming close to SV territory. I would never confront someone wearing a "Tribute" jacket or something similar, like an all-Original item. Not my practice, and none of my business, either.

I live near Newport, RI, and plenty of active duty and retired vets around here.

 

[barnabus]

maybe a BPRD logo

Niche, but excellent idea.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

I can’t remember what we said about the actual question of whether you should dry clean it. I would say no: never dry-clean or wash it. Wash the layers you wear underneath it frequently, and spot-clean. You are going to lose fibers from the alpaca lining every time you wash or dry-clean. Deck jackets are technically workwear, not dress/formal wear, so a little grime and scuffing adds character. At the Real McCoys price point, I would treat it like a horsehide leather jacket. If you want an N-1 you can absolutely abuse and wash the hell out of, Bronson makes a perfectly passable budget version, then you can save your Real McCoys for the occasions when you really want to look your best.

 

[Worf]

I think the stencils are kind of cool but being in the US, I think they would give the false impression that I'm a veteran so I don't wear them. This is probably why HPA requests special stencil-free versions of many jackets from the Japanese.

I'm an Army Vet. Anything from the Army or the Army Air Corps/Force I'll wear with stenciling or badges, NOT Navy. This is out of respect for the sister branch I didn't serve in. I wouldn't wear anything denoting Marines or Coast Guard either.

Worf

 

[WolfofStateSt]

I'm an Army Vet. Anything from the Army or the Army Air Corps/Force I'll wear with stenciling or badges, NOT Navy. This is out of respect for the sister branch I didn't serve in. I wouldn't wear anything denoting Marines or Coast Guard either.

Worf

Based.

 

[Trouser Bark]

Lacquer thinner or paint thinner might do the trick but either way the risk to the fabric color would be very high.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Lacquer thinner or paint thinner might do the trick but either way the risk to the fabric color would be very high.

Not worth it.