Military fashion has profoundly influenced mainstream clothing trends over the decades. While uniforms were initially designed for functionality in combat, certain silhouettes and fabrics from military apparel have seamlessly transitioned onto runways and into everyday wardrobes.
The rugged durability and versatility of military-inspired pieces appeal to many styles. This article will explore the many influences of military clothing on fashion in greater depth, highlighting examples and suggesting styles you may want to incorporate into your looks.
1. Battle Fatigues
The loose-fitting army fatigue pants originated from the need for easy movement and storage on the battlefield. This military clothing was made from sturdy cotton canvas and had cargo pockets, belt loops, and tapered legs. Designers have reimagined the silhouette in lightweight fabrics like linen and added decorative topstitching.
Fatigue-style trousers are a staple of various rises, lengths, and washes. Their adaptability makes them perfect for all-day wear, dressed up or down. Opt for a medium-wash pair with pockets on the thighs and below the knees for ample storage. Cuff the bottoms to show ankle skin for an on-trend look.
2. Bomber Jackets
Originally crafted from durable leather or thick cotton, bomber jackets kept pilots protected and warm at high altitudes. Signature details like ribbed collars, cuffs, and hems have endured in modern versions.
Contemporary bombers use insulating materials like downfilling and come in various fabrics, from wool to leather. A cropped fit and zip front closure provides versatility.
Choose a mid-weight wool bomber in black or olive green for transitional weather. Layer it over knits, blouses, and tees.
3. Pea Coats
Double-breasted naval pea coats provided seamen with ample warmth and protection from the elements. Made from heavy wool, the classic silhouette had large anchor buttons running down the front.
Contemporary pea coats come in various weights, colors, and fabrics beyond the traditional navy. Opt for a mid-thigh length wool-blend coat in a neutral hue.
Wear it open over dresses or pair it with jeans, boots, and a scarf on windy days. The timeless cut ensures it will never go out of style.
4. Combat Boots
Crafted initially for rugged terrain, combat boots are popular on city streets. Goodyear-welted construction provides support, while rugged leather uppers stand up to wear. Popular styles include the Chelsea boot with elastic side panels and chunky-soled boots.
Leather combat boots can be dressed up or down. For a polished look, choose a pair in black or brown with a low-stacked heel and almond toe. Wear them with skinny jeans, a turtleneck, and a blazer. Combat boots will last for years with proper care.
The loose-fitting army fatigue pants originated from the need for easy movement and storage on the battlefield. This military clothing was made from sturdy cotton canvas and had cargo pockets, belt loops, and tapered legs. Designers have reimagined the silhouette in lightweight fabrics like linen and added decorative topstitching.
Fatigue-style trousers are a staple of various rises, lengths, and washes. Their adaptability makes them perfect for all-day wear, dressed up or down. Opt for a medium-wash pair with pockets on the thighs and below the knees for ample storage. Cuff the bottoms to show ankle skin for an on-trend look.
2. Bomber Jackets
Originally crafted from durable leather or thick cotton, bomber jackets kept pilots protected and warm at high altitudes. Signature details like ribbed collars, cuffs, and hems have endured in modern versions.
Contemporary bombers use insulating materials like downfilling and come in various fabrics, from wool to leather. A cropped fit and zip front closure provides versatility.
Choose a mid-weight wool bomber in black or olive green for transitional weather. Layer it over knits, blouses, and tees.
3. Pea Coats
Double-breasted naval pea coats provided seamen with ample warmth and protection from the elements. Made from heavy wool, the classic silhouette had large anchor buttons running down the front.
Contemporary pea coats come in various weights, colors, and fabrics beyond the traditional navy. Opt for a mid-thigh length wool-blend coat in a neutral hue.
Wear it open over dresses or pair it with jeans, boots, and a scarf on windy days. The timeless cut ensures it will never go out of style.
4. Combat Boots
Crafted initially for rugged terrain, combat boots are popular on city streets. Goodyear-welted construction provides support, while rugged leather uppers stand up to wear. Popular styles include the Chelsea boot with elastic side panels and chunky-soled boots.
Leather combat boots can be dressed up or down. For a polished look, choose a pair in black or brown with a low-stacked heel and almond toe. Wear them with skinny jeans, a turtleneck, and a blazer. Combat boots will last for years with proper care.
5. Field Jackets
Made from weather-resistant cotton or nylon, military field jackets have numerous pockets and button closures for function over form. Modern interpretations maintain the silhouette while using materials like waxed cotton and leather.
A field jacket is highly versatile, working for all seasons. Opt for an olive green or navy jacket with epaulets. Layer it over sweaters, tees, and dresses alike. Its adaptability means a field jacket will get heavy rotation in your wardrobe.
6. Parachute Fabric
The lightweight, durable nylon used in parachutes found new life on runways. Designers experimented with ruffled hems, drawstrings, and full skirts made from the signature fabric.
You'll still see parachute details incorporated into clothing. A skirt made from ripstop nylon with a flouncy hem is a fun way to incorporate the trend. Wear it with ankle boots, a cropped top, and a denim jacket on weekends.
7. Utility Vests
Originally made of heavy-duty canvas or cotton, military utility vests carried the necessary gear. Modern vests focus more on aesthetics with details like webbing and buckles. Layering a vest provides versatility beyond full jackets.
Opt for a lightweight cotton vest in olive, navy, or army green. Wear it open over knits and blouses, or button it up as an outer layer. Neutral colors ensure it will mix and match with your existing wardrobe pieces.
8. Shoulder Pads
Military uniforms incorporated structured padding for protection and strength. Runway shows have featured exaggerated padded shoulders.
You'll notice subtle shaping on contemporary outerwear. Padding can balance narrow or broad shoulders. Choose a blazer, coat, or jacket with lightly padded shoulders. The structure will polish your look for the office or evenings out.
9. Web Belts and Straps
Webbing - the flat woven nylon used for belts and straps on uniforms - has become a popular fashion detail: decorative webbing accents bags, shoes, tops, and more.
Look for a crossbody bag with webbed shoulder straps for a subtle military influence. Carry it casually with jeans and sneakers, or dress it up with trousers and heels. Webbing adds visual interest without being overly embellished.
10. Dog Tags
Soldier identification tags have been reinvented as jewelry. You'll find dog tag necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in metals like silver and gold.
Make a simple dog tag necklace part of your everyday look. Opt for plain tags or ones personalized with initials or dates. Wear dog tags alone or layered with other pendants for a modern military twist.
Conclusion
While initially crafted for practical use, certain silhouettes and fabrics from military uniforms have endured mainstream fashion. Designers continue to draw inspiration from functional military apparel. The rugged durability and versatility of military-inspired pieces appeal to diverse styles.
Staples like pea coats, bomber jackets, and combat boots have become closet essentials. Military fashion's timeless functionality and adaptability ensure its influence on trends and personal style—experiment with incorporating these trending military details to develop your unique look.
Made from weather-resistant cotton or nylon, military field jackets have numerous pockets and button closures for function over form. Modern interpretations maintain the silhouette while using materials like waxed cotton and leather.
A field jacket is highly versatile, working for all seasons. Opt for an olive green or navy jacket with epaulets. Layer it over sweaters, tees, and dresses alike. Its adaptability means a field jacket will get heavy rotation in your wardrobe.
6. Parachute Fabric
The lightweight, durable nylon used in parachutes found new life on runways. Designers experimented with ruffled hems, drawstrings, and full skirts made from the signature fabric.
You'll still see parachute details incorporated into clothing. A skirt made from ripstop nylon with a flouncy hem is a fun way to incorporate the trend. Wear it with ankle boots, a cropped top, and a denim jacket on weekends.
7. Utility Vests
Originally made of heavy-duty canvas or cotton, military utility vests carried the necessary gear. Modern vests focus more on aesthetics with details like webbing and buckles. Layering a vest provides versatility beyond full jackets.
Opt for a lightweight cotton vest in olive, navy, or army green. Wear it open over knits and blouses, or button it up as an outer layer. Neutral colors ensure it will mix and match with your existing wardrobe pieces.
8. Shoulder Pads
Military uniforms incorporated structured padding for protection and strength. Runway shows have featured exaggerated padded shoulders.
You'll notice subtle shaping on contemporary outerwear. Padding can balance narrow or broad shoulders. Choose a blazer, coat, or jacket with lightly padded shoulders. The structure will polish your look for the office or evenings out.
9. Web Belts and Straps
Webbing - the flat woven nylon used for belts and straps on uniforms - has become a popular fashion detail: decorative webbing accents bags, shoes, tops, and more.
Look for a crossbody bag with webbed shoulder straps for a subtle military influence. Carry it casually with jeans and sneakers, or dress it up with trousers and heels. Webbing adds visual interest without being overly embellished.
10. Dog Tags
Soldier identification tags have been reinvented as jewelry. You'll find dog tag necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in metals like silver and gold.
Make a simple dog tag necklace part of your everyday look. Opt for plain tags or ones personalized with initials or dates. Wear dog tags alone or layered with other pendants for a modern military twist.
Conclusion
While initially crafted for practical use, certain silhouettes and fabrics from military uniforms have endured mainstream fashion. Designers continue to draw inspiration from functional military apparel. The rugged durability and versatility of military-inspired pieces appeal to diverse styles.
Staples like pea coats, bomber jackets, and combat boots have become closet essentials. Military fashion's timeless functionality and adaptability ensure its influence on trends and personal style—experiment with incorporating these trending military details to develop your unique look.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
