What Is Military Style Fashion?

Fashion is an odd thing. It always resembles the person’s personality, the present political and social situation of society, and even their current mood. Like any other fashion style, military fashion arose out of a need or a reflection, resulting in a broad movement of styles and trends.

So, now we’ll discover more about the military dress style, how it came to be, its key traits, and how it has influenced fashion.

Military Style’s Origins

two soldiers in camouflage uniforms holding guns and surrounded by smoke

The technological and formal evolution of uniforms is at the root of modern dress; standard military issue comprises a system of industrially produced garments of various quality and sizes that alter depending on weather and social conditions and transmit rejection or belonging values. Military uniforms may be considered the first ready-to-wear clothing, with defined proportions and sizes to accommodate ladies and men of various physiques.

Over time, civilian clothing and military uniforms have impacted each other through osmosis. After the French Revolution, the leg-wear of the sans-culottes, who were in revolt against the monarchy, provided the basis for the practical, clinging trousers sported by Napoleon and his troops.

The same thing happens with the latest fashions: the functionality of civilian clothing is constantly incorporated into military outfits. The garments idealized and polished in military iconography make a triumphant return in everyday civilian attire.

Military Fashion’s Primary Characteristics

Military fashion is built on functionality and simplicity. It is never about the outward attractiveness, though it does have some, but rather about personal comfort. Every item in a soldier’s clothing can benefit civilian life, from the famous aviator sunglasses and camouflage print to polycotton tees, combat boots, and tactical cargo pants.

The most distinguishing attribute of each military item is its particular protective coloration. Green, taupe, earthy tones (khaki), blacks, grays, and deep blues (for navies) are the most common hues used in military fashion. Such hues blend nicely with the environment, concealing the soldier from unwanted notice.

Another distinguishing characteristic is the previously stated camouflage print. Each country has its unique set of camouflage designs and colors. These guidelines, however, do not apply to the military-inspired design that we are accustomed to seeing on catwalks and the streets.

The Military’s Influence on Fashion

 

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Here are a few examples of classics that are undeniably impacted by the military:

Combat Boots

Did you know that you may trace the roots of combat boots back to the late 1970s and early 1980s punk rock subcultures? Given what the name implies, this may not come as a surprise to you.

According to numerous sources, combat boots were first created and made for combat and combat training and were first issued to Assyrian foot soldiers. The boots were adorned with “hobnails” — little metal nails with a screw fastener or sharp pin. The comfort and functionality of the combat boot improved over time to better suit a soldier’s work in the field.

Combat boots are now often worn for fashion rather than usefulness in various ways. Combat boots may be worn over fitted jeans and black leggings or dresses and denim shorts, adding a defiant, more serious edge to any lighthearted style.

The Bomber Jacket

In 1950, the MA-1 bomber jacket, also known as the “MA-1 flight jacket,” was designed for US Army pilots. This jacket is more popular than ever, being worn by celebrities and skinheads.

The MA-1 bomber jacket was created to satisfy new pilot requirements following predecessors’ footsteps like the B-15 flight jacket. Comfort, safety, and performance were all improved due to the overhaul. And, despite minor changes throughout the years, the MA-1’s mass popularity remains unquestionable.

Today, the relevance of this flight jacket is primarily centered on swag and style, with trendsetters frequently adorning theirs with bespoke patches with rebellious sentiments and band names to make a statement. The bomber jacket, an androgynous fashion piece that is gaining popularity in punk rock, pop culture, and hip hop, now comes in various colors and may be worn with a variety of outfits.

It can complement a simple ensemble or add an edgy-sporty attitude to a little black dress. A cool military-inspired ensemble is also enhanced by accessories such as aviator sunglasses.

Camouflage Print

 

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Among the most popular military-inspired fashion components is the camouflage pattern in its varieties. Camouflage print in art and fashion has been popular since World War I, having originated as a method of military deception. It’s the print that can provide depth to your ensemble while also toughening up your exterior!

Camouflage is a pattern that you either detest or love, depending on whether you wear it to demonstrate support for the military, protest a war, or express your edgy street fashion. From fashionable tees and leggings to caps and coats, camo-printed clothing makes a rebelliously trendy statement on the runway and the huge city streets!

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Olive-Green Staples

The answer is easy to understand why olive green is such a popular color in the army! This color is another form of camouflage: olive-green conceals soldiers from the enemy’s vision and allows them to fit into their surroundings naturally. And we now, as a whole, adore olive green!

The possibilities with this color are truly limitless. You could want to look at cute rompers, long duster jackets, pantsuits, button-up tops, cargo pants, and leggings. Olive-green might exude a free-spirited earthy style at an outdoor music festival, or it can convey a sense of informal, alternative work attire!

Steampunk Fashion

Although our general modern society does not fully understand the Steampunk movement, and its popularity is less mainstream and more underground, admiration for this movement remains. Steampunk dress was created during the Civil War with the post-apocalyptic era in mind, and military clothes heavily influenced it. Men’s military-inspired design includes brass buttons, bias-cut trench coats, and different shoulder cuts on jackets. 

In contrast, women’s Steampunk apparel includes multi-tiered gothic skirts, leather corsets, lace saloon skirts, and brocade bolero tops. This subgenre includes the innovative style, regardless of how a woman’s Steampunk dress is designed, like with Neo-Victorian gothic accessories for a wonderful and dark vibe. It’s up to you how you incorporate steampunk style into your wardrobe, from body modification and clothing to hairstyling and jewelry!