For men’s clothing used military uniforms are a staple. Lots of classic male clothing items like bomber jackets and trench coats are of military origin. During the wars they become symbols of determination and strength when facing adversity. Soldiers brought them back from wars and surplus sales made them ubiquitous. Veterans wearing their uniforms during protests against wars is a common sight as well.

You can adopt a piece of veteran clothing and introduce it to civilian life.

Military clothing isn’t only camouflage pants for frontline service. There‘s quite the range for various activities ranging from sitting in an office, riding a motorcycle, camping outdoors in freezing cold, looking snazzy on a parade in the summer, flying a plane, working on a ship, physical exercise.

The clothing is designed to be functional, comfortable, good looking, durable, and timeless.

Find a shop for military surplus clothing to find some good quality and durable items. I bought some great quality leather gloves and a nice navy jumper for a few euros for example. Shops with uniforms from different countries provides variety. You can even get stuff from countries that don’t exist anymore.

Some classic items like the WW1 trench coat and WW2 MA1 bomber jacket are produced new in varying quality levels as well.

The range of colors is typically limited to olive, greens, tan, brown, dark blue, white, grey, black. Navy and Air Force tend to have more options in blue and grey colors.

You might want to remove flags, crests, and other symbols. Military clothing is often customizable by design. Shoulder straps used for rank insignia can be used to attach other stuff. Modern items often feature Velcro patches for the same purpose. You can buy Velcro patches from a huge market or make your own.

Usually you wouldn’t run around in full uniform, but add one piece to an outfit. You can use inconspicuous plain color basic and winter pieces with lots of regular, colorful and patterned clothing. A busy camouflage piece like pants or jackets are more of a statement item, you combine with simple clothing.

Now on to some examples I was able to find quickly. Prices are examples. I have seen similar ones for half at times.

NVA Winter Hat

The former East German Army. Ushanka style winter hats. Huge numbers were made during the Cold War. This iconic hat is perfect not only for Lemmy.ml hot heads. Others might want to remove the crest though. Sold for 10 to 15 €.

British Police Jumper

Plain color, warm and comfy. It even has a pocket. Similar jumpers in green, navy, and black are used in many militaries. Excellent when on tone policing duty. 20 to 30 €

American Flight Jacket

These short jackets are nice for many occasions during fall and spring. Mockingly called the Chair Force, because they sit down during their jobs. The modern development from the classic MA1 jacket. Perfect for when you want to shitpost from a park bench. 80 to 100 €

Bundeswehr Leather Gloves

Grey fits lots of outfits. Durable leather can be worn for many many years. When you need to use a strong hand while protecting your fingers. 10 to 15 €

French Tropical Jacket

For people who love pockets and the sun. 10 to 20 €

Polish ‘wz.68 Moro’ Air Force Winter Jacket

Accommodates those who like and hate the Soviet Union. 50 €

Balaclava

Keeps you warm, protects your identity. 5 to 10 €

Beret

Militant activist drip 5 to 15 €

Slovakian Army Shirt

A simple blue shirt for just 5 €

Bundeswehr Tracksuit from 1990s

Exercise is good for you. Only 15 €

Outdoor equipment

Sleeping bags, backpacks, camping gear, motorcycle gear, boots can also be good value.

Shopping, Quality, and Prices

There are lots of internet shops as well as brick and mortar ones. Prices can vary quite a bit. Some items and patterns become collectors items over time.

There are also cheap fast fashion items being made that copy military clothing. Some shops sell surplus, cheap low quality fast fashion, and new stuff. Be careful you don’t buy new cheap crap instead of used cheap quality.