FANS:

MEMORIES:

United States military surplus clothing didn’t start out as a fashion statement – or any kind of statement. It was basic, cheap, and practical clothing, and was only seen on soldiers. But the style began to creep into the public wardrobe during the Vietnam War protests, when teenage rebels wore army surplus as an anti-fashion statement against the war. 
In the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, the skinhead and punk movements adopted the look as an ironic display of their anti-patriotic and anti-establishment political views. The political roots of the style began to change as the punk rock look and the military-style clothing that came with it started to filter into mainstream fashion. Fashion-forward thinkers began combing the cheap military surplus shops for their clothing needs.

 

The military look broadened with the addition of nylon flight jackets that skinheads wore with their skinny stovepipe leg jeans and Army combat boots. Punk rockers added leather bomber jackets and fatigues. Army jackets or Navy peacoats were the favorites of the New Romantic set, along with Army ration satchels slung across their shoulders as purses. 

 

The military look went totally mainstream with the release of films like Stripes and Private Benjamin. Clothing companies like Camp Beverly Hills, UFO and I.O.U. specialized in military-style clothing with their brand names prominently featured on their fashion fatigues. Olive drab and camouflage print started showing up on everything from tee shirts to pants to hats, and everything in between. Dog tags were worn as jewelry. Rap groups like Public Enemy used urban commando chic as an intrinsic part of their style with black field jackets and combat caps. Breakdancers and b-boys did their thing in loose-fitting combat pants. In the early ‘90’s, day-glo colored camouflage became a hip-hop style, and showed up on girl’s baby tees and summery dresses. 

 

Continuing to sport a rebellious edge, Army surplus has become a staple of fashion. For teens – and anyone else – who wants their clothing to make a statement, military-style clothing is always there to say it.