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Style Inspired: Military Issued
Style inspired by the military is nothing new. People have been rocking camo and cargos for ages. But with fall coming, the inspiration is as prominent as ever, so why not take a minute to salute the mil-spec styles that we'll be rocking this season. We've gathered the trends and done the research, so check out the Complex Guide to Military Inspired Style.
Rucksacks
Rucksacks
Archival Rucksack ($265)
Backpacks are cool. Messenger bags are fine. But peep the ever-useful and stylish rucksack. A German military staple (“der Rucken” means back, and “Sack” means bag) that dates back to 1890, typically used for hiking due to its durability, ability to withstand harsh weather and heavy weight. Now, of course, they still do the same, just to a lesser extent. Carrying your books to class has never looked so rugged.
NATO Watch Straps
NATO Watch Straps
Timex for J. Crew Andros Watch ($175)
You may be hearing shout outs to Rollies, Audemars Piquets or Hublots, but nylon watch straps are probably the biggest trend for time-telling wristwear right now. Though commonly referred to as a NATO, the “G10” was first issued to the British military because it could survive just about any height, depth or treacherous condition. The fact that Sean Connery as James Bond cosigned it let's you know it ain't going nowhere in the menswear world.
Cargo Pants
Cargo Pants
L.L. Bean Signature Sportsman Chino Cargo Pant ($89)
Even though a young Jonah Hill via Superbad once said, “No one’s gotten a handjob in cargo pants since ‘Nam!”, we beg to differ. Cargo pants have made a strong resurgence in the menswear crowd as of late, especially the slim fitting version. Why have these pants, first used by British soldiers in 1938, made a comeback? It's utilitarian, son! The military cargo featured strong pockets with easy access for storage. While we probably aren’t keeping grenades in there, we still use the pockets. You know, to hide our drugs and stuff. And for that, we salute you, cargo pants!
Elbow/Shoulder Patches
Elbow/Shoulder Patches
Junya Watanabe Gingham Bib Shirt ($684)
Traditionally, 19th century military shooting jackets featured these patches to rest the butt of the rifle on the shoulder, and on the elbow to rest on a sturdy surface when they were about to go for a killshot. Now, we doubt you will ever use it for this purpose, but nobody else needs to know that. And they still look cool as all get out.
Desert Boots
Desert Boots
Beams x Clarks 35th Anniv. Desert Boots ($270)
Inspired by Word War II British Officer boots, desert boots were originally made of suede or full grain leather to withstand the elements. Nathan Clark swooped in and turned this functional, yet stylish boot into a menswear favorite and dubbed it the Desert Boot by Clarks, which was a favorite of style icon Steve McQueen. We salute Mr. Clark, may he rest in peace, because he has us set for life with these timeless boots.
Khakis
Khakis
Dockers Alpha Khaki Slim 1 Year ($78)
An everlasting staple in menswear, everyone owns a pair of khakis. Bet you didn’t know that Sir Harry Lumsden was the originator of them, did you? Basically, in 1846, this dude decided to dye his British Indian corps’ traditionally white-clothed garb with mulberry juice. This gave off a yellowish drab shade, appropriately named “khaki”, derived from the Persian word “dust”. He wanted them well-dressed, but not too clean, and you can’t hate on a leader who wants you to look good while maiming and pillaging villages, can you?
Boonie Hats
Boonie Hats
Tantum LA Madras Boonie ($65)
Wu-Tang, Cam, and Gucci are notorious for rocking this hip-hop staple. First issued during the Vietnam War for our armed forces to wear while in the field, these dome pieces were usually worn with insect nets attached. They used it to protect their neck, literally, and now we wear it for the same reason.
Epaulets
Epaulets
Nike Tech Pack M-65 Jacket ($252)
Whether on your shirt or jacket, epaulets have been a mainstay in menswear that suprisingly date back to the 17th century. Armed forces used them on their uniforms to demonstrate rank—more fringe and stuff means bawse. They eventually got way better looking, translating into style, like you see on the average M-65.
Peacoats
Peacoats
Schott NYC Melton Wool Naval Peacoat ($220)
As the perfect semi-formal cold season overcoat, the Peacoat has served well from New York to San Francisco. Throw one on over an oxford and sweater and you look dapper as hell, but it served a greater purpose to those who rocked it back in 1723. Men on the sea were constantly fighting the bitter colds with heavy coats made of Pilot cloth—a heavy blue twill material, thus the "P" coat was born.
Camo
Camo
Hamilton 1883 City Camo Shirt ($245)
Camo is everywhere. Forever a part of menswear and style, this trend will never falter, and why should it? Its origins are as bad-ass as it looks. When military forces started using it in the 19th century and saw their accuracy and hit rate go up, and their opponents go down, they knew they had shit poppin'. Now you can rock the urban camo uniform to raise your "hit" rate, too.