Hats<The Real McCoy's A-3 CAP / WHITE HBT ECRU

Our A-3 CAP / WHITE HBT has undergone no post-processing and is finished in raw and undyed herringbone twill cotton. While original A-3 Caps would have been finished in olive, our A-3 CAP / WHITE HBT follow the exact specifications of those used throughout the war and is made in 6 panels with taped cotton seams on the inside crown.

The A-3 Cap was initially issued to Air Mechanics of the USAAF, though archive images from the Second World War suggest it was also adopted by pilots and ground crew. Its comfortable and easy fit made it an indispensable accessory which has seen the cap remain popular until today.

Herringbone Twill Fabric

Before the outbreak of WWII, soldiers in the US Army were issued a blue denim jumper, trousers, and hat for fatigue duties, while they used the cotton khaki shirt and trousers as their summer uniform.

However, by the late 1930s, the Army realised that a more practical uniform in a better colour was needed. In 1941, a green uniform made from cotton herringbone twill (HBT) fabric, recognisable for its distinctive V-shaped weaving pattern was introduced to replace both the denim and khaki cotton uniforms for work and field operations. Shirts, trousers, coveralls, and caps were produced and issued to all Army personnel in all theatres of operation. It is this Olive Green HBT fabric which serves as the reference point for the undyed herringbone twill used here.