BACKGROUND: Although components of the Waffen-SS had served in tropical regions in the Balkans, Greece and southern Russia as early as 1941, tropical clothing regulations weren’t officially addressed until October 1943. Among the tropical items introduced was the "Sahariana" style shirt that was designed on the Italian bush tunic.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Light tan, ribbed, cotton twill construction, long sleeve shirt features a central, vertical, four button front closure plaquet and a lay down collar. The lay down collar has a subtle scalloped tip to reverse center. Shirt has two pleated, patch, breast pockets and an obverse and reverse shoulder yoke with scallop tipped edges. The obverse shoulder yoke scalloped tips, function as button down closure flaps for the breast pockets. The shoulder yoke has cotton twill tunnel loops to each shoulder to secure the shoulder straps/boards. Straight cut sleeve cuffs have a small vertical slash to the outside seam with a single button closure. Shirt has a long tail skirt with inverted, "V", slashes to each outside seam. Shirt has no insignia or any evidence of any ever having been applied. Nice worn and used example showing the expected age and wear. Some period sewing repairs. All original buttons and stitching. Shirt is roughly size 44" chest. Scarce tropical shirt.