Chinonso Nwajiaku

Vintage Military Apparel: Timeless Style With A Story

In many ways, clothes define us and enhance our overall personality. The right clothes make you stand out from the crowd and give you immense self-confidence.

Over the years, fashion has undergone drastic changes, and various trends have either accidentally or inadvertently become famous. Military clothing is one such trend. It has captivated the minds of young and old alike due to its range and the sheer thrill attached to the idea.

The beauty of Military clothing lies in the fact that they can be arranged and customized in many ways so that everyone can incorporate some or other item into their overall attire. Let’s discuss more.

Military-style clothing: Reinventing fashion

Vintage-Military-Apparel-Timeless-Style-With-A-StoryImage Source

Ideally, military apparel is based on utility and consistency; from camouflaged cargo trousers to combat boots, each thing a soldier wears has a specific function.

However, military patterns and trends have heavily influenced the fashion industry since many people think that wearing military-inspired clothing or accessories is a way to express their style. It cannot be denied how much military attire has affected fashion preferences.

Fashion designers worldwide have taken note of the military component in the fashion industry and incorporated it into regular attire. Some of our most common dresses that are worn commonly have been heavily customized according to military trends.

Common Military inspired clothing

1. Tank Tops

Originally, tank tops were just inner tank-suit jackets worn underneath boiler suits and were frequently worn by coal miners. When working underground, these outfits offered excellent protection against sparks and other hazards that could ruin their clothing.

However, military personnel diligently wore tank tops because they offered additional protection from snipers with a penchant for shooting at troops’ upper bodies. As a result, tank tops were made available as an optional addition to men’s army uniforms during the Second World War.

Later, various athletes and anyone looking for something durable but lightweight for physical activity or outdoor work in warm weather embraced these clothes. Tank tops are widely worn by men in the modern world.

2. Bomber Jackets

In 1950, the U.S. Army developed the MA-1 bomber jacket, also known as the “MA-1 flight jacket,” for use by military pilots. It provided an added layer of protection for army personnel who had to face challenges related to weather and demography.

Today, the relevance of bomber jackets is mainly centered on their coolness and elegance. Setting trends by decorating the jacket with unique patches bearing rebellious phrases and band names to make a stronger statement has become very common.

The bomber jacket continues to gain popularity in modern culture, punk rock, and hip-hop.

The jacket is now available in several colors, goes with many different outfits, and can add flair to a simple ensemble or give the little black dress an edgy-sporty feel. Stylish ensembles like the bomber jacket also benefit from accessories like aviator sunglasses.

3. Aviators

Vintage-Military-Apparel

Image Source

The origins of aviator sunglasses, also known as Ray-Ban aviators, may be traced back to the 1930s and 1940s when airline pilots were the target market for this design created to shield them from sun glare while flying. However, their fashionable appearance helped them become quite well-liked by citizens.

The original aviator glasses had substantial frames and round lenses similar to those on fighter planes from World War II. Bausch & Lomb eventually changed its name to Ray-Ban and developed the most well-known aviator sunglasses for ordinary people.

Aviators are currently one of the world’s top manufactured and worn sunglasses. Celebrities and other people who want to infuse their everyday outfits with personality adore aviator sunglasses.

4. Boots

Vintage-Military-ApparelImage Source

Boots are a widespread choice of footwear, especially for those who work outdoors and frequently traverse rocky terrain or engage in other sports.

The U.S. Army began looking for a new style of footwear in the middle of the 19th century that would be better suited for soldiers who had to travel great distances and be on their feet for long periods.

This was when military boots were created. As a result, sturdy leather uppers and rubber soles were used to make boots.

But now regular people use them to dress up their outfits or fend off the cold. Combat boots are now frequently worn for fashion rather than usefulness in various ways.

Combat boots can be paired with dresses, denim shorts, black leggings, and fitted jeans, as well as over these items to add a rebellious, somber touch to any playful ensemble.

5. Camouflage

Camouflage typically comes to mind when people think of the military. This design has gotten into trends all over the place. Although camouflage was developed to help military personnel blend in with their surroundings, it makes anyone stand out fashion-wise!

One of the most well-liked military-inspired fashion features is camouflage print in all its varieties.

Since World War I, camouflage prints in clothing and artwork have been commonplace. It was initially intended as a method of “military deception.” The camouflage print gives your outfit more depth and slightly toughens your appearance.

Wrapping Up

The impact of military clothing on popular fashion parlance and, more importantly, popular culture cannot be underestimated. All the clothes we see and wear have some other kind of impact, either contemporary or erstwhile military fashion.

It’s up to you to decide what looks best on you and which clothes or accessories you want to incorporate into your daily attire.

Sign Up for More!Subscribe to our newsletter to have first-hand access to our special offers and life tips.


More resources

Leave a Comment