New generation (Fall 2022) reproduction of the standard issue HBT fatigue cap spec. 6-326, worn by all US Army, Army Air Corps, and some Marines. Issued from late 1942 through the end of the War. The new caps look original- down to the contract numbers on the labels. Thread color, cut, color and air vents are identical to the WWII issue caps. A handful even have shaded parts like the visor in the center photo- this was not uncommon on originals.

There is no physical difference between these caps and the earlier OD8 (light shade) types than the color and the spec and stock numbers on their labels.

The HBT cap was worn by all troops from late 1942 onward. These caps were also used by some Marines (often with a metal EGA pinned to the front) for most of the War as their P44 cap did not appear until early 1945.

Short Ranger/ Paratrooper Visors? Over the years some sources have yammered about airborne and other elite US troops having shorter visors on their caps. That's a load of BS. Visors on the WWII production caps generally vary from 1.75" to 2". There is no "operator variant".

Why all the talk about short visors then? Simple. In 1952, the Army went to a 3" visor, but the cap is otherwise similar. Once the caps are worn enough that the labels (hence dates) are illegible or gone, the WWII and postwar caps looks just alike except for the visors. For years the later caps were mis-represented (honest mistake or otherwise) as WWII. Drama followed.

Made from 100% cotton herringbone twill in the olive drab no. 7 shade.

Imported

Important Sizing Notes
1. If you wear a size we don't make (We DO NOT make sizes 6 7/8, 7 1/8, 7 3/8, 7 5/8 or 7 7/8) then simply order the next size larger. Do not order one smaller.

2. All HBT caps and hats are slightly oversized (about 1/4") to allow for shrinkage. This is NOT an error. It is called experience. We have learned over the years that cotton caps shrink when they get wet and dry. Were we to make new caps true to size, they would end up too tight after they were washed or simply worn and sweated in. So, if your cap is a little loose when you try it on, that's OK. If it falls over your ears, then you need a smaller size.