I would like to acquire some 100% wool commando sweaters (Kochanski's video influence) because they seem really functionnal and would fit perfectly with the old fashion system of wool pants with suspenders because of the reinforcing patches on the shoulder that are just perfectly positionned to withstand abrasion from the suspenders or backpack straps.

Do you wear them? What is your experience with them? What are good retailers?

L.L. Bean has a version with regular or tall option (I'm tall and often have problems finding sweaters and coats with long enough sleeves in this ready-made prêt-à-porter world) but seems less form fitting than the military original (this sweater is originally designed to stretch and fit snug as a bug to hold in body heat).

Brigade Quartermaster claim to have the original Woolly Pully® brand.

Any comments or trivia about them?

Thank you

I have one that I bought second hand 10 years ago from www.Majorsurplusnsurvival.com. I still have it and still wear it. Only cost me 8 bucks! very comfortable and warm as well. Money well spent.

I too have gotten mine as NOS from Major's. The "Dutch Commando Sweater" is identical to what you have pictured, and they also have a "Norwegian Wool Sweater" which is even heavier. Both are a bargain, especially compared to what BQ wants!

If you are willing to live with issued condition, Sportsmans Guide has the Dutch sweaters for $9.99

-=[ Grant ]=-

The Dutch, German and newer Brit sweaters are all good
I got a new British sweater at a good price from Sportsmans
Guide.
The German Flecktarn camo fleece is much nicer than the British Green or DPM camo fleece.

Dave

What does NOS stand for? After a quick google search I got "New Old Stock". Is that it?

yep.

Bought one in a PX about 20 years ago. It's still in great shape. For some reason I remember it was made in Great Britain though.

Ok, a Post Exchange... Google is my best friend.

I've had 2: the first, 25 years back, was from LL Bean, & was great. Made in England, extra long sleeves to roll up (or not, depending on arm length. It had a crew neck. Second was from Brigade, also English made, has V-neck & epaulets. They're pretty much the same sweater.

BQM may have trademarked the term "Wooly Pully". My Bean version was advertised as such (that's the sweater's nickname), though labeled for Bean.

The design originated to help reduce bulk in flight gear for bomber crews in WWII, I believe.

Get one; you won't be disappointed. I love mine!

David

I have an LL Bean too but it's too small now. BP issued some to us many years ago and, after removing the patch from the arm, I wear it all the time. Just had it on during last weekend's snowstorm...good stuff.

I was issued one in the Coast Guard (except it is blue). It wears great, is very comfortable and lasts forever.

Speak of the devil. I'm wearing mine right now (I like window open for fresh air but the temp is 25). It's great. I only wish that for "civilian and/or outdoors" wear that it had a crew neck, no epaulets, and those reinforced shoulder patches (essentially like the one pictured). My issued one's got a v neck, has the epaulets, and lacks the shoulder patches. I wonder why the difference in style between the services? I assume the epaulets are for our rank shoulderboards, but I don't know a good reason for a v neck and no shoulder patches. Seems like a crew neck would keep you warmer and a shoulder patch would reduce wear and tear...

The USMC version is green (of course), with a crew neck. Not sure if it has epaulets or not, but I don't think so...

You are right about this sweater not having epaulets. Also, the sweater is made for "lean and mean" . I suggest size up if you are not.

Is the USMC sweater manufacturer Rothco? They have this brand at Sail here but it's rather expensive. I'm not sure if I will waist my time shopping in the stores in Montréal because most of it is just mallwear.

Frankie

I bought a couple MC sweaters a few years ago on ebay. They are the real deal, 100% wool. I wear one hunting and the other is in a BOB. I also scored another military style sweater from ebay that was advertised as being a British SAS sweater. I don't know if that is true or not, but I like it better than the MC versions. The "SAS" sweater has extra long sleaves for rolling up and a diagonal zipped turtle neck that goes down to the center of my chest. The zipper is great for climate control and when it gets cold, up it goes to my chin. The sweater is a wool blend, and is a woodland camo pattern - I love it! I bet I don't have $30 in all three sweaters. I know I bought the two surplus Marine Corp sweaters for $7 and $9. You can't beat surplus wool!

Tom