Swedish Civil Defense Grey Work Jacket M40 "Grotrock" – Grade A Surplus
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Military Clothing Size Guide (Click to Expand)
Military clothing sizes are listed as Height / Chest (for jackets and smocks) or Height / Waist (for trousers).
Example: 180/96 fits someone around 5'11" tall with a 38" chest.
| NATO Size (Label) | Approx Height | Chest / Waist (in) | Generic Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160 / 88 | 5'3"–5'5" | 34–35" | Small (S) |
| 170 / 88 | 5'7"–5'9" | 34–35" | Small (S) |
| 170 / 96 | 5'7"–5'9" | 37–38" | Medium (M) |
| 180 / 96 | 5'10"–5'11" | 37–38" | Medium (M) |
| 180 / 104 | 5'10"–5'11" | 40–41" | Large (L) |
| 190 / 96 | 6'2" | 37–38" | Medium (M) Tall |
| 190 / 104 | 6'2" | 40–41" | Large (L) Tall |
| 180 / 112 | 5'11" | 43–44" | X-Large (XL) |
| 190 / 112 | 6'2" | 43–44" | X-Large (XL) Tall |
| 200 / 120 | 6'4"+ | 46–48" | 2X-Large (2XL) |
⚙️ Sizing Tips
- The first number is your height in cm.
- The second number is your chest or waist in cm.
- Military gear is usually cut roomy for layering and movement.
- If you’re between sizes, go down for a closer fit or up for layering.
- Example: 5'11" tall with 40" chest → 180/104 (Large).
Swedish Civil Defense Grey Work Jacket M40 "Grotrock" – Grade A Surplus
The Swedish Civil Defense M40 "Grotrock" (literally "porridge coat" or "grey coat") is a legendary piece of mid-century European utility wear. Sourced as genuine military surplus, this jacket was a staple for Swedish Civil Defense (Civilförsvaret) and military personnel involved in logistical, maintenance, and rescue operations throughout the Cold War. Constructed from a heavy-duty, slate-grey cotton canvas, the M40 Grotrock is prized for its "bombproof" durability and its distinctive structured silhouette. Whether used as a professional workshop chore coat or a vintage fashion statement, this jacket offers a level of natural-fibre resilience that modern synthetics simply cannot match.
Technical Details & Features
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M40 "Grotrock" Pattern: An authentic 1940s-style pattern featuring a longer, structured body and a high-buttoning front for maximum protection.
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Heavy-Gauge Cotton Canvas: A dense, high-density natural fabric built to withstand the rigours of manual labour, industrial environments, and heavy abrasion.
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Authentic Tin Buttons: Features original metal button closures. As these are vintage surplus items, some buttons may show minor surface oxidation (patina), adding to the jacket's authentic historical character.
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Functional Shoulder Epaulettes: Traditional military-style shoulder tabs provide a structured look and serve as secure anchor points for bag straps or equipment.
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Oversized Utility Pockets: Includes spacious front waist pockets designed for easy access to heavy tools, gloves, or field essentials.
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Industrial Grey Finish: A neutral, practical grey hue that effectively hides dirt, grease, and sawdust, making it the premier choice for workshop or field use.
Realistic Use Cases
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Workshop & Garage Utility: A superior protective layer for mechanics, woodworkers, and blacksmiths who require a breathable but spark-resistant natural-fibre jacket.
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Traditional Bushcraft: The heavy cotton shell is ideal for working around open campfires and through thick undergrowth where synthetic jackets would melt or snag.
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Vintage Heritage Fashion: A classic European utility piece that pairs perfectly with raw denim or olive drab cargo trousers for a rugged, timeless 1940s-50s look.
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Outdoor Maintenance: A dependable "all-rounder" for property maintenance, providing wind resistance and a professional, structured appearance.
Condition & Authenticity
This is genuine Swedish surplus in Used Grade A condition. These jackets have been issued and may show minor signs of field service, such as light fading, small scuffs, or previous markings on the internal labels. All Grade A items are inspected to ensure they are structurally sound, with all buttons present and no significant holes or tears. As with all army surplus UK vintage gear, we recommend a standard wash before use to refresh the cotton fabric and soften the canvas for a more comfortable fit.
Domestic Shipping
We mainly use Royal mail 48 for items under 1kg and DPD for items over this weight. We may change this at any time dependant on service availability and destination.
We send out the majority of orders the same day of receiving upto 1pm
We also offer an express shipping service which ensures your delivery is prioritised for delivery as quick as possible and usually delivered the next working day.
We do offer Saturday delivery and timed delivery but prices are on application.
For US and Canada we mainly use Fedex priority and deliveries are usually recieved within 2 to 5 days
For EU deliveries we mainly use DPD by road and usually takes from 3 to 7 days, your parcels are not necessarily delivered by DPD in your county and the parcel may be passed to your countries nominated carrier.
Rest of the World, we have availability with all the major carriers and each is nominated dependant on the best service for the receivers destination.
If you can not get an automated shipping quote please contact us for a spot shipping quote.
If you are not entirely satisfied with your purchase, we're here to help.
You have 7 calendar days to contact us and arrange for the item to be returned which will be received by us no longer than 30 days from initial order. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused (if applicable) and in the same condition that you received it. Your item must be in the original packaging (if applicable).
There is a £3.99 charge to use our returns facility. (UK domestic only)
To return your item(s) please click here
When sending items back please ensure that the proof of purchase (or copy) is within the package with any instructions if applicable.
Once we receive your item, we will inspect it and notify you that we have received your returned item. We will immediately notify you on the status of your refund or exchange and if applicable we will initiate a refund via your original method of payment.
If you opt for an exchange we will contact you for further postage costs. (price dependant on weight/destination).
If applicable you will receive the credit within 7 days, depending on your card issuer's policies. Contact Us If you have any questions on how to return your item to us.