TANKER JACKET “TAXI DRIVER”

The WWII Tanker Jacket worn by Robert De Niro in the 1976 film Taxi Driver has become an iconic piece of cinematic fashion, symbolizing the gritty, urban atmosphere of the film. The jacket itself is a vintage U.S. Army M-1943 Tanker Jacket, which was originally designed during World War II for tank crews. Its practical and utilitarian design made it ideal for the confined spaces and cold conditions inside military tanks, where ease of movement and warmth were essential.

In the film, De Niro's character, Travis Bickle, wears the jacket as part of his disheveled, lone-wolf persona. The jacket's rugged, olive-drab cotton exterior and quilted lining give it a tough, worn-in look, which complements Bickle's descent into madness. The jacket's practical design, including the front zipper, snap cuffs, and waist belt, reflects the utilitarian nature of military clothing, while its distinctive, militaristic aesthetic adds to the character's sense of isolation and alienation.

The Taxi Driver Tanker Jacket became an enduring symbol of 1970s counterculture and post-Vietnam disillusionment. Its rugged style, associated with the film's dark portrayal of urban life, cemented its place in fashion history, influencing both military-inspired fashion and the way vintage garments are appreciated today.