Reproduction of the "M40" pattern Feldblusen made for Waffen SS troops during WWII. Despite being apparently externally similar, to the tunics issued to the Heer (German Army), the SS had slightly different specifications and their uniforms are not the same.

The main difference in the design of SS tunics is the length. The skirt (measured from the belt hook holes to the hem), and hence the lower pockets, are 2-3cm shorter than comparable size Heer tunics. This is the only change that is present 100% of the time when one compares the tunics for the two branches of service. The other variations depend on whether the garment was made by the WVHA or by a company dedicated to making uniforms for them, versus a general contractor who manufactured uniforms for other branches of the military as well. The reason is that the WVHA permitted a its contractors to utilize a number of small alterations to the design which saved production time.

Feldblusen made by the WVHA (the infamous Bekleidungswerke) and their private contractors typically have a slightly simplified lining and fewer areas that are hand stitched. One of the best know contractors that made such tunics was M. Mayerhofer in Munich. This is the original I acquired and the type we chose to copy.

The original uniform we copied.	Mayerhofers used all types of small buttons- black plastic, horn and ceramic (shown)	Original tunic interior.

The shorter skirt is evident and the hip pockets are basically square, rather than rectangular as with Heer Feldblusen. This has not been shortened by a tailor as was common- this is "factory"- just like all SS 4 pocket tunics. Mayerhofer tended to use the widest and tallest size of breast pocket, a "2 step" lower lining, horizontal buttonhole on the field dressing pocket, forest green colored pebbled buttons, and hip pocket pleats are tacked at the bottom.

ATF's Tunics:
Our reproductions are made with the Texled patterns we developed from these original uniforms for our custom made uniforms from 2011-2013. We have reproduced all the quirks of the Mayerhofer's down to the font and number styles in the size and maker stamps.

Materials:
They are made with heavy (500 g/m) 100% fieldgray wool cloth, with 100% cotton twill lining. All the hidden interfacings behind the plackets and pocket flaps are present, as is the internal collar canvas. The pebbled buttons are the same forest green color somewhat peculiar to Mayerhofer tunics, and the small 15mm buttons are copies of the gray-green ceramic types found on many SS uniforms. (See photo of originals.)

Fit:
Correct. No suitcoat shoulders (see photo at top right) or similar shenanigans- our patterns came from original tunics, not suit coats.

Insignia:
Sold separately. Of note, every Mayerhofer I have handled or owned over the years (approximately 10) had a zig-zagged stitched Bevo sleeve eagle.

Care:
Dry clean only.

Imported

FAQ:
Did the SS troops sometimes wear Heer uniforms? Yes.
Did the Heer sometimes wear SS tunics? Yes (I have seen 2 with period applied Army insignia).