This is a vintage, Vietnam War U.S. Military tricot acetate Sleep Shirt. It is a size small. It is in used, very good condition and dated 1969. There are no holes or tears. There is pilling on the shirt (pictured). The elbows are not worn thin, which is common with heavily worn sleep shirts.



Please note that these shirts were meant to be tight fitting. They were to be worn underneath a fatigue jacket.



The tricot acetate sleep shirt was developed during Vietnam for the fighting men in the Central Highlands where the nighttime temperatures could drop forty degrees from daytime highs. During the rainy season, the damp cold evenings necessitated a base layer. This base layer had to be lightweight enough for the heavily laden infantryman to carry in a tropical climate, quick drying and provide sufficient warmth. The sleep shirt was a very popular item throughout the war. Various versions of this type of base layer were issued well into the 2000's.



Measurements:



Sleeve (Shoulder to Cuff): 22.5"

Chest (Armpit to Armpit): 21"

Length (Bottom of Collar to Hem): 32.5"