Ideal for the spring, the CPO shirt is so heavy it’s really more of a jacket, made from 100% heavy flannel wool and worn by everyone from Steve McQueen to Elvis Presley in the 50s and 60s. They’re tough, warm and soft. There are many lesser quality imitations, the best being the deep dark blue original US Navy ones (there are bargains to be had on ebay still). The buttons should have an anchor on ’em, and if you’re lucky the label should say US Navy issue. Or if you’re rich you could just buy one from www.buzzricksons.com £199!
Richard Widmark in a CPO shirt as a mate on a whaler in Down to the Sea in Ships, 1949