Any Do's & Don'ts in military clothing?

[dr.velociraptor]

Shorts on men are definitely territory that has to be tread on lightly. Very few men can pull off shorts, but most try. If you haven't seen the sun or gym in over five years, chances are you should rethink the shorts and just be hot. Even worse than shorts are flip flops and sandals on big ugly hairy men feet.

 

[Corto]

This is a topic which I've thought a lot about over the years (I'm pushing 40 at the moment). As a teenager I wore a fair amount of surplus and mil-spec clothing, mostly because I wanted to be in the military. After I tried and failed to be accepted into the service, I stopped wearing any clothing with a specific service identity (like t-shirts bearing an EGA) and for a long time, camouflage. After a while I started wearing camouflage again, but never from an era that I could have served during, or a country I could have served in. I recently broke that self-imposed taboo when I came across a mint Gore-Tex Woodland ECWCS parka for $50 on eBay. I couldn't say no. It's very practical and I wear it all the time (but not without some measure of guilt). I will not, and never will wear anything digital or Multi-cam.

I've talked to vets about this as well. I had one very serious conversation with a Vietnam combat veteran who voiced his intense distaste for civilians who wore military or camouflage clothing. A former sailor chided me for wearing a pea-coat because he'd "earned [his]". Once a Iraq vet missing a hand gave me "the nod" at a gas station. I don't remember what I was wearing, but I must have looked like someone who had served. Whatever it was, I didn't feel that cool. I've had several of those interactions over the years.

However, after a certain point, I started wearing some military clothing items again. I can't stop. It's functional, well-made stuff. The amateur historian in me likes wearing something with a history. The artist in me is fascinated by the way different countries have visually interpreted and adapted the environments in which they think they'll fight, into a pattern on a piece of clothing.

Mostly, I keep to solid OD. In the summer I wear camouflage shorts- another taboo I broke because everyone's doing it. But I make sure to wear a real pattern and not something made for a mall store. I think "fake" camouflage patterns on Adidas shorts are more insidious than wearing Tiger-Stripes or Woodland BDU shorts. I think the advent of "fake" camouflage has had a desensitizing effect on our society. At least I feel half guilty about wearing my tiger-stripe shorts whenever I see a man wearing a CIB or a campaign ribbon. I doubt the average guy who bought his cammie shorts at Dick's has the same conflict. I also wear mil-spec khaki BDU pants in summer- without much inner turmoil- they're cheap, practical and lightweight.

(I once had an MA-1, but I stopped wearing mostly because of the Skinhead connotation (not to mention the cut). I actually had a conversation about it with someone who I believe was the wife of the owner of US Wings. I don't think she'd ever heard of the connection!)

So. With all this in mind, I still wear my M-65, British DPM Field Jacket, N-2 Deck Jacket, Woolly Pullies, 5-Button "Jeep" Sweater, USMC Fleece liner (black) and my brand new Woodland ECWCS. I am fully cognizant that to Veterans of wars distant and ongoing I look like an idiot (as well as to most civilians probably), but I can't help it. It's good kit and I'm a military geek. I yam what I yam.

 

[dr.velociraptor]

Corto - As an inactive US Marine I can say that any Vet who has an issue with civilians wearing some camo gear or a peacoat are wound way too tight.

 

[Italian-wiseguy]

"Earning" a peacoat? Aren't they issued? Besides, I think to peacoats as civilian "work" clothing, adopted by the military, and not the other way round.
I can assure you that in Italy peacoats haven't any particular military "vibe", nor are they perceived as exclusive of the military Navy (even if our Navy issues them as well- a model with "golden" buttons).

Critizing someone for wearing a peacoat, or camo pattern, sounds to me like critizing someone for wearing a trenchcoat: pure non-sense.

Now, a completely different thing would be wearing rank insignia and the like (outside of acting, reenacting, and other activities that requires them).

PS
I think that miilitary forces, when not based on conscription, tend to be too highly selective (or, at least here, to use criteria I don't agree with... but that would be a long digression); I was recruited and considered "sound" by conscription, but I'm pretty sure that going by current criteria (we have a voluntary army now) they would never considered me fit for service;
but you know, one of my friends was in a highly operative and "combat" unit in Israel... and he probably would never even been recruited in Italy!! Go figure...

 

[Corto]

Corto - As an inactive US Marine I can say that any Vet who has an issue with civilians wearing some camo gear or a peacoat are wound way too tight.

Dr. V- I understand how you could come to that conclusion about the Vet in question (he's also a former Marine, btw). In his defense, his Vietnam was as arduous as any infantryman's and to me that explains his instinctual feelings about seeing civilians in cammies. My guess is that when you go through something like the peak of the Vietnam war, military uniforms cease to be something that you think is acceptable for a person to wear as a fashion statement. Maybe seeing a civilian wearing camouflage looks like a mockery of the sacrifices he and his friends endured? I didn't discuss it that deeply with him.

In a complicated way, I also think that part of his reaction might have to do with his feelings towards the protestors and radicals of his era who avoided service or didn't make an effort to separate the servicemen from the architects of the war- and let the vets know it. Someone earlier in this thread was talking about "triggers". That might've been one of his (again, justifiably so). But I'm just conjecturing.

 

[Corto]

I was recruited and considered "sound" by conscription, but I'm pretty sure that going by current criteria (we have a voluntary army now) they would never considered me fit for service;
but you know, one of my friends was in a highly operative and "combat" unit in Israel... and he probably would never even been recruited in Italy!! Go figure...

The first time I tried to enlist, I was dinged (and discouraged from applying for a waiver) because I had flat feet. When I told this to a Vietnam Vet, he scoffed and said, "Flat Feet? In my day they just wanted to know if you had feet."

 

[Edward]

This is a topic which I've thought a lot about over the years (I'm pushing 40 at the moment). As a teenager I wore a fair amount of surplus and mil-spec clothing, mostly because I wanted to be in the military.

Interesting, I was always the opposite: I have always been certain I do not want to be in the military, so obviously the clothes / equipment have a different pull for me. I think it is partly the notion of uniforms (steady!) - I grew up watching a lot of sci fi, Star Trek, that kind of stuff where most of them wore uniforms most of the time, and thus their "clothes" were reduced to being less about form, more function. The utilitarian nature of military equipment has a big appeal for me: I do believe there is a certain beauty in simplicity of form, and form being dictated by function (for the most extreme example of this, look not to lothing but to musical instruments, specifically the Fender Stratocaster). Also, I turned against the idea of gaudy logos and the likes ve early on (about twelve, I think - maybe earlier), so the military gear, with no fashionable labels, logos, or flash designs appealed. The fact that it was also cheap I'm sure was an issue. I remember as an undergraduate wearing a lot of combat trousers, always the dyed black ones, because they were half the price of a new pair of decent jeans at the time. I recall I was particularly fond of the Dutch options - concealed stud-fastening pockets, and a much less course (but equally hard wearing) cloth than the German option widely available at the time. Wore those for years. Sometimes to with the idea of going back to them, but they do look a little odd in photos being sported by a twenty one year old me, paired with a Ramones t-shirt and a wool blazer.... heh. Great for travelling and Summer (jacketless) weather, though - those thigh pockets really are convenient.

 

[Corto]

The utilitarian nature of military equipment has a big appeal for me: I do believe there is a certain beauty in simplicity of form, and form being dictated by function (for the most extreme example of this, look not to lothing but to musical instruments, specifically the Fender Stratocaster). Also, I turned against the idea of gaudy logos and the likes ve early on (about twelve, I think - maybe earlier), so the military gear, with no fashionable labels, logos, or flash designs appealed.

I'm on board with functionality and a lack of branding. I love clothes that are really made for hard wear (and have lots of pockets). Military clothing has those characteristics in abundance. Like you, I also don't like branded clothing. No one needs to know who makes my clothes, but me.

 

[Phantomfixer]

As a vet, I think surplus GI clothes are just that, surplus. Who wears them and why is their business, as long as they do not pretend to be a vet. How many folks run around in surgical scrubs because they are comfortable, yet never went to medical/nursing school.
Enjoy your cargo pockets and field jackets folks...they are just clothes (but cool ones)

 

[Tony B]

Oh God I have the image of Eddie Murph in trading places in my head now.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

As a vet, I think surplus GI clothes are just that, surplus. Who wears them and why is their business, as long as they do not pretend to be a vet. How many folks run around in surgical scrubs because they are comfortable, yet never went to medical/nursing school.
Enjoy your cargo pockets and field jackets folks...they are just clothes (but cool ones)

I'm a Vietnam era Vet...and agree. I earned some things...and was just issued others. If your dressing in full uniform attempting to decieve...then that's a more serious matter. Vet opinions can vary on the subject just as opinions can differ on many things. Some feel honored where others may find offense. Such is life.
HD

 

[Fifty150]

Imagine if you did not belong to a certain motorcycle club, and you went around with their patches on.

 

[Two Types]

Military clothing is always a difficult issue. I wore plenty of military surplus when I was young - but that was based on our economic situation (i.e. it was cheap). However these days, being a military historian, I avoid surplus wear. It would be rather bizarre wearing surplus kit when interviewing WW2 veterans since I have never done any form of military service (not even army cadets).
That said, there are circumstances where I consider military clothing acceptable. I own a Lithuanian army waterproof jacket for skiing. All other ski wear seems to be emblazoned with logos. And I absolutely refuse to wear logos (if a company wants me to advertise their product, they can pay me!). Also surplus wear is in plain colours and I cannot bear to wear garish clothing. My only other item is a reproduction WW2 German army mountain cap. This was originally designed for mountain and ski wear and was adopted by the military. Thus I have no qualms about wearing it on the ski slopes. I am just putting the cap to its original use, not trying to look like a Nazi.
I have a genuine unease about many of the wannabe military types who dress up for re-enacting events. I was recently at the 'War and Peace Show' in the UK (I was runnign a charity stall for the Red Cross). I was in the bar with my teenage daughter and her friend. We were virtually surrounded by Germans dressed in full SS uniforms (including one dressed as an SS doctor). At one point someone appeared with a lifesize cardboard cut out of Barrack Obama and one of the Germans held a pistol to the cutout's head. There was a real air of tension and I felt it would have taken just one spark to start a massive fight. At the time I was talking to an ex-British Army sergeant (a veteran of iraq and Afghanistan), he was fuming and was appalled by their behaviour. He was typical of so many ex-soldiers, he would never wear any form of uniform and described himself as a pacifist. To him the sight of German men dressed in SS uniforms was a step too far. Added to that, I felt intimidated by these large men dressed in SS uniforms leering at my daughter and her friend. Now, I can't judge the thoughts of the would-be SS men, but I felt very uncomfortable.
My only thought was, would they have behaved in that way to the Obama cutout if any real US soldiers had been there? I think we all know the answer.

 

[Hal]

That said, there are circumstances where I consider military clothing acceptable. I own a Lithuanian army waterproof jacket for skiing. All other ski wear seems to be emblazoned with logos. And I absolutely refuse to wear logos (if a company wants me to advertise their product, they can pay me!). Also surplus wear is in plain colours and I cannot bear to wear garish clothing.

I think many of us would find the wearing of practical, comfortable, good-looking military clothing without insignia entirely acceptable.

We were virtually surrounded by Germans dressed in full SS uniforms (including one dressed as an SS doctor)...Now, I can't judge the thoughts of the would-be SS men, but I felt very uncomfortable.

Most of us (certainly myself) would also be very uncomfortable in that situation. But it needs to be said dressing like that is actually illegal in both Germany and Austria today - those people couldn't do that in their own country.

 

[Magister]

I have always used military surplus clothing for doing work outdoors. It is cheap, durable, functional, and I don't get upset when I destroy it. I have some USGI boots and a boonie hat for yardwork and a great pair of Canadian milsurp arctic mittens with leather palms. I don't think I currently have any other clothing, but I have had various coats, jackets, pants, hats etc. in the past. I also have a number of non-clothing surplus items that get used for camping.

I don't think I have actually worn military clothing as daily wear items since I was in high school in the '80's, when it was de rigeur for my social group

 

[MissMittens]

Unfortunately, that's why I left the reenactment scene. Too many middle-aged, rather large old men who want to dress up as Nazis or SS. I don't mind Heer, after all, they were conscripts. There's a place for the Heer in reenactment, and the Luftwaffe, but no place for the BROWN SHIRTS or SS and Einstatzgruppen..........none at all.

 

[Edward]

Unfortunately, that's why I left the reenactment scene. Too many middle-aged, rather large old men who want to dress up as Nazis or SS. I don't mind Heer, after all, they were conscripts. There's a place for the Heer in reenactment, and the Luftwaffe, but no place for the BROWN SHIRTS or SS and Einstatzgruppen..........none at all.

Yes, there is a line. To be honest I'm not much more comfortable with the bomber crew stuff either that replicates units that were sent out to hit specifically civilian targets. I suppose what concerns me is how far some of this sort of thing loses sight of the "living history" aspect and becomes a celebration of war as a Hollywood event rather than a real portrayal of all its horrors.

 

[ButteMT61]

Reenacting is a mixed bag for sure. I tend to think the good outweighs the bad, but there's no denying it attracts some iffy characters who get a chance to play out their twisted fantasies and feel it's "OK" because after all, it's just reenacting. You can tell them pretty easily though, so it's easy to steer clear of those fools.

 

[scottyrocks]

I have always used military surplus clothing for doing work outdoors. It is cheap, durable, functional, and I don't get upset when I destroy it. I have some USGI boots and a boonie hat for yardwork and a great pair of Canadian milsurp arctic mittens with leather palms. I don't think I currently have any other clothing, but I have had various coats, jackets, pants, hats etc. in the past. I also have a number of non-clothing surplus items that get used for camping.

I don't think I have actually worn military clothing as daily wear items since I was in high school in the '80's, when it was de rigeur for my social group

I did it about ten years before you. My generation was coming off the end of the Vietnam era, emulating the hippies who did the same in protest of the war during the late sixties, and especially the early to mid-70s, until we finally withdrew. The late 70s, when I was goign through the high school to college transition, was dominated by disco which was absolutely not my thing. I, among some others, used whatever other 'fashion possibilities' that were out there.

 

[Tyler Lange]

My biggest surplus hiccup occurred this past weekend, actually. I was riding the Metra train into the city (Chicago) which also happens to run past the Great Lakes Naval Station, which meant my train was filled with freshly buzzed Navy and Marine cadets. I'm 18, but have facial hair so look about the same age as most of the guys I passed. I was wearing my old 60's navy-issue peacoat; slightly slimmer cut and a nicer wool feeling than the modern Navy issued ones, but I doubt they could tell. Every single uniformed fella stared at me with a burning fury, like I hadn't earned the right to wear my 5 dollars rummage sale find.

It was truly an awful experience.

The worst part is, my girlfriends family is all Navy vets, and they happen to think my old peacoat is pretty damn cool!