East German Uniform Conversions.

[angus1235]

Given that they are seemingly identical to wehrmacht/ss M36 tunics (excluding colour and material), can the Volksarmee tunics be converted into ww2 uniforms?
I would love to know as I am interested in reenactment, but given that the NVA uniforms are considerably cheaper (And I will be considerably cheap until I can give full commitment), I would prefer this alternate method.

PS: I'm aware of Swedish/Swiss conversions, but they just never seem to look right, plus a lot of units won't accept them.

[speidy]

I don't think there is any possible way to convert them, they're two completely different materials. The swedish and swiss jackets are still wool so they're close but the east german ones are not, I think?

[pop401k]

The "tailoring methods" are German on both styles, and that's a plus... but things like pockets and sleeve cuffs are very different. Mind you, years ago I made a nice conversion (before repops were available) that I would have put up against anyone's: it was based on my original. However, by the time you buy the tunic, replace the sleeves, re-do the pockets, dye the tunic etc. you'll have enough money wrapped up in the project, you could buy a decent reproduction (repro will be correct color).

My recommendation would be to save your money and do it right the first time.

[angus1235]

They're still wool based, just a lot softer due to Nylon or polyester or something being blended in.

You do make it sound hard... haha.

How do they vary though? (I am curious).
Would I be right to assume they have a slightly longer skirt as well?

I AM planning on making a mock-up M44 style jacket from an East German tunic, just for the hell of it. I like the style

[unteroffizier38]

NVA tunics are about as close to WWII Wehrmacht tunics as a US Army M41 jacket is...different cut, color, material, buttons, everything. "Wool-based" does not equal "wool." Even assuming you could do a conversion that would be cheaper than buying a repro (and I don't think you can), you will stand out like a sore thumb when you stand next to Germans wearing repro wools. Believe me, it'll look like you're wearing neon or something. I can almost guarantee that no unit or event would allow them.

Now, as far as Swedish/Swiss conversions go (and this may be heretical), you wouldn't want them to look "perfect." Considering how many uniforms the Germans captured from the Austrians, Czechs, Poles, Danes, Dutch (you get the point), there would be a whole lotta conversions going on. Granted, reenactor gospel says "thou shalt wear a tunic that conforms to M36/M40/M43 style" but I have to wonder if that's what you would've seen during the war. Those designations didn't exist, and the Germans were constantly repairing and recycling tunics.

Wanting to save money by cutting corners to save a few bucks is a very common concern, and I can relate. However, most people will tell you that you'll save much more money in the long run by buying the correct thing in the first place. If you buy and NVA tunic, pay through the nose to convert it, and THEN find out that nobody will let you wear it, you're going to need to buy a repro anyways.

[pop401k]

The lapels are cut differently (wider on the WWII). The cuffs are mock "turn-back" on E. Ger and have lower patch pleated pockets IIRC. WWII have a button close cuff, so you can roll up the sleeves and the lower pockets are "bellows" style. The skirt is about the same on both and the "wool" is about the same texture; wool-poly for E. Ger and wool-rayon for WWII... but the color is stone gray not field gray and will not take dye. It's not that noticable if you compare to Swedish conversions but would really stand out against reproductions. E. Ger DO NOT take dye well. Seriously, by the time you buy a tunic and trousers (for replacing sleeves) and pay for all the alterations you will have as much or more wrapped up in it than a repro would cost...and you still won't look exactly right; they'll spot your obvious conversion every time. Again, my advice is don't do it; you'll just be pissed off and frustrated in the end and the money for a good repro will have been spent on an unacceptable conversion.

[angus1235]

Awesome that sucks, but it probably saves a hell of a lot of hassle in the long run
Im still getting an EGerman uniform simply because i like them, and i just purchased some russian officer boots to go with them (i hear east german jackboots are crap)
Thanks for your help
I feel less Nooby now

[Chris P.]

If you want to put together a uniform suitable for reenactment you will have to find a reproduction field blouse. These are available for under $100 and you might be able to find a used example for $50 or even less. Swedish converted uniforms actually wind up looking a lot better than NVA ones but most units would not allow those, either.

[Fehrmann]

You can get a good entry level legitimate reproduction tunic for around 100 bucks or less, and all the work is already done. Don't waste your money on conversions.
As you grow in the hobby you can start thinking about saving up for a higher end tunic, but start basic. Don't make it too difficult for yourself.

Just some friendly advice.
-Christian.

[gummipuppe]

I understand where you're coming from angus1235.  Correct repro WWII German uniform stuff can get quite expensive. After shopping around and taking advantage of some big sales, I forked out a total of around $850 for my repro wool tunic, wool trousers, insignia, cap, service shirt, service belt, socks, gloves, toque, gameschen, cammo smock, and boots.  Texled stuff would have cost me many times more.  However, I agree with others that you should avoid trying to make use of the East German stuff.  Save up the money to do it up right.  You will be better off in the long run.

[cblackthorne]

Another tip that might help out is to keep your eye out for re-enactors selling uniforms at events.

Start off with a basic, reproduction uniform like Fehrmann recommends that will get you to events. Very regularly other re-enactors will show up with gear to sell. Thats where you can get some really good deals. The trick is to have some cash on-hand for when these opportunities present themselves.

Ive seen guys buy a tunic, pants, boots, hat, and belt for $100.