The American M1942 Jump jacket, this is the standard version of the "Coat, Parachute Jumper, Model M1942".

This is the M42 Jump jacket as it was issued so it does not have the reinforcements that the Airborne added just before the Normandy invasion.

This Unreinforced jacket is the style worn by the 82nd Airborne Division when they landed in Sicily and by all Airborne troops including the 101st Airborne Division while training in the UK.

This American WW2 M1942 jump jacket is made by Kay Canvas Manufacturing and is one of the most accurate M42 jump jackets available.

The “Kay Canvas” M42 jump uniform has been researched with help from various people including the "Screaming Eagles" re-enactment group.

This is more accurate than other M42 jump jackets as it is has the correct style of press studs (only the outer part of the stud is black the rest is nickel) which are made by "Scovill" and the zips are made by "Talon" (both war time manufacturers) its the correct design and the extra finishing touches like the press studs that make the difference.

Improved features as the originals include:

• Nickel press studs with a black front.
• Talon branded chrome zip.
• Sleeve length is 53cm on the size 36" chest and 55cm on all the other sizes.
• Chest sizes are correct sizing just order your normal size

Additional information:
The difference between reinforced and unreinforced (or standard) M42 uniforms refers to the presence or absence of additional reinforcements on certain parts of the uniform.

Unreinforced M42 standard model
This is the original M42 uniform as issued in 1942-1943. 
It had no extra reinforcements on the knees, elbows or other vulnerable areas. 
Made of a lightweight cotton twill, which was comfortable to wear but tore easily, especially during landings. 

Characteristics: 

• Lighter weight Smoother 
• finish 
• More suitable for training and early campaigns (such as Sicily, Salerno) 

Reinforced M42 
After experience in combat (especially in Italy and during training), the troops found that the uniform damaged too easily. 

Therefore, many uniforms were reinforced, either by hand or at the factory, with additional pieces of canvas or heavy cotton on the: 

• Knees 
• Elbow patches 
• Sometimes also on the seat or inner legs 

Characteristics: 

• Visible square or rectangular reinforcement patches on the knees and elbows 
• Darker or thicker material in those areas 
• Was intended to better withstand rough terrain and jumps