One of the most recognised and sought after camouflage patterns, the iconic Tiger Stripe. The pattern's origins are shrouded in mystery, but it's very clear that it's a direct descendent of the lizard pattern that was used in Vietnam by the French prior to their withdrawal and remained in use with the South Vietnamese well into the 60s. Tiger Stripe was developed and used extensively by the ARVN forces from 1959, but would find its way into the backs of many US troops who obtained sets either from ARVN stores or from the many tailors around bases who would make them in the larger US sizes.
This particular shirt is known (by Sgt Johnson's classification) as the Late War Lightweight (LLD) variation. These were predominantly produced for US troops and tend to fit bigger sizes. The key differentiators with the pattern are the lightweight fabric, which was suited to the tropical climates, but was disliked by soldiers as it tended to rip easily in the bush, and its pea green colour when fading. Also typical of this pattern is the short 3/4 length sleeves which is a design feature and not shrinkage!.
This example is not size stamped, but has all the features expected of a period lightweight including the rounded back buttons, green stitching throughout, the selvedge fabric inside the button placket, and my favourite, the pattern on the pockets going vertically rather than horizontally!
Condition
This is in excellent condition and appears only very lightly used. There is one tiny scuff above the left pocket as pictured, but otherwise it's perfect. It does have a name and unit number on the inside, so potential for research should you choose to do so.
Size
- No stamp, but fits a modern medium
- Pit to pit 21"
- Shoulder to shoulder 16"
- Shoulder to cuff 22"
- Collar to hem 29.5"