WW2 Japanese Naval Landing Force Three Button LT Uniform circa 1940

Here is an extremely, extremely, rare three button Japanese naval landing force officer’s uniform. We have never sold one quite like this one.

As you can see, there are only three buttons up the front with an open collar.

The three button uniform was approved for manufacture, without epaulets, on May 25, 1940 for all ranks in the IJN.  

On November 30, 1943,  the three button tunic stopped being manufactured in favor of the four button tunic which was approved for manufacture on that date.

These three button uniforms were the uniforms worn during all offensive operations in the Pacific War including the invasion of the Philippines, SE Asia, Malaya, Singapore, Hong Kong etc.

These continued to be the primary uniform worn on Betio Island – Tarawa Atoll in November, 1943.

Japanese naval officers, like officers in most militaries around the world, were required to purchase their own uniforms. Officers received a stipend in their pay for the purpose of purchasing uniforms.

Officer’s uniforms were manufactured by large clothing and uniform supply companies to the standards set by the Imperial Japanese Navy. Officer’s uniforms were sold on base at officer’s clubs, as well as off base in uniform supply stores. Officers uniforms tended to be made from much higher quality material than navy issue uniforms.

In this particular case, this uniform is made from gabardine wool. Gabardine is a lightweight wool comfortable in most climates, even the tropics.

As you can see, this tunic is partially lined for further comfort in the hot tropics.  You can also see the clothing manufacturing company’s name on a label inside the tunic. The town is on the coast of Japan.

There  is some wear around the back of the neck and a hole in the right rear of the trousers.

Tunic is about size 36. Waist 30 inches; inseam 27 inches.