"Model 42" Smock in the Polyspot pattern camouflage. These pullover smocks are fully reversible, with custom woven and printed fabric, treated with Teflon water repellent finish.

Polyspot: This is a relatively uncommon pattern, rarely encountered today and very hard to find in period photos, especially due to its similarity to some of the other "Plane Tree" designs. Polyspot was hand screened (as opposed to roller printed) and I believe was designed for smocks as the repeat corresponds to the length of a Tarnjacke. It also lacks the cut lines and numbers characteristic of the other hand screen patterns. The few known originals that exist today are M42 smocks, mid-War cut helmet covers, and Zeltbahns. This is the "late" version of the pattern.

This model of Tarnjacke first appears in periods during the battle of Kursk in the Summer of 1943. In later photos they become more prevalent, yet never completely replace the earlier M38 and M42 smocks.

M42 smocks incorporated several changes resulting from feedback from troops in the field. From early on, most soldiers had found the intended design that the smock be worn over their fieldgear to be utterly impractical. Therefore, the access slits in the chest were eliminated, the waistband was raised and two cargo pockets were added. Foliage loops were also placed around the back and shoulders to allow troops to attach grass, leaves and branches to enhance their camouflage. These were often found to snag when moving through thick undergrowth and generally be a nuisance. Consequently, it's relatively common on worn original smocks to find these to have been removed.

Issue: All models and camouflage patterns of Tarnjacken were general issue for combat troops. None were peculiar to any particular division or unit.

ATF Smocks: These are exclusive to our company and are not sold by any other vendor. Every component was created to be as close to the genuine WWII article as possible. To this end, we maintain a sizable collection of original smocks and camouflage uniforms to guide us in the design and production of these garments. The camouflage patterns, colors, as well as the garment cut and sizing are made directly from these period items- not from other copies, video game screen shots, movie props etc..

Real WWII smocks typically measure 58-60" around the body, 74-76" cuff to cuff and 32-34" down the back. I made ours with an extra inch or two in sleeve and body length since they will shrink slightly when washed (or get wet and dry). Every seam, panel, placket, and measure is as the smocks made in WWII. Our thread is the correct dark, dark gray seen on most originals- it has a cotton exterior with a center core of polyester- 100% cotton breaks too much to be practical.

Our fabric is not some random poplin we found at the textile auction- it was custom woven from a swatch of real period cloth with the fine yarn, and super tight tight weave (90 x 64) that helps it shed water. (No gap is visible between the fibers if you hold it up to a light- just like the real material.) For good measure, all fabric was treated with Teflon water repellent finish after printing.

Our smocks are assembled like the genuine articles. They were normally sewn with medium and dark gray thread, 5mm eyelets (machine or hand sewn), and neatness was an afterthought. I instructed the inspector to be rather casual in trimming excess thread, to pass mis-printed fabric, and to allow a somewhat sloppier than normal finish overall. This is characteristic of WWII smocks- not an error.

The front is closed with 5 pairs of sewn eyelets- originals are hand or machine sewn. The drawcords are the correct flat-woven rayon material. (Smocks were not issued with leather laces.)

Shading: There is little if any shading on these as the concept completely freaked the factory out.

Size: We have two- Size L is the same as original smocks, and a larger Size XL for the modern, curvier 21st Century physiques.

Shrinkage: Approximately 2" in sleeve and body length.

Washing: These are washer/ dryer safe, however we recommend cold wash and hang dry for longest life, least fade and avoiding highlights.

Imported