Jeep cap

The jeep cap was originally knitted close to the head, with a six-stitch "starfish pattern" on top (supposedly to support the webbing suspension inside the helmets), with a cuff coming out like a V from the top center of the brim and around the rest of the cap, which soldiers could pull down over their ears for even more warmth.

The cap was issued in four different sizes – small, medium, large, and extra large – and made of olive drab wool; perfect examples of these original jeep caps can be found being worn by Staff Sergeant Kinchloe from the sitcom Hogan's Heroes (he wore his with the brim folded up), and Radar O'Reilly from M*A*S*H (who was seldom seen without one).

Although made specifically for wear under the steel pot helmet, the cap alone grew to be very popular with soldiers for its casual and relaxed look and was often worn on its own, especially on night patrols.

Another significant change that has been made is that the cap is now manufactured in a much deeper shade of olive drab, but is also available in navy blue, and black.

Exact and near-exact reproduction jeep caps are also manufactured by various companies for the reenactment and living history communities.