Military trends: A new fashion direction in the UK

Pull on those military boots because a new fashion trend has arrived. As we draw nearer to autumn, military mania has notably been on the rise. This article discusses the reasons why military style is taking over the UK fashion scene. Over the years, fashion has solidified itself as a form of expression. Research has also shown that it often reflects a society’s political and social climate at any given time. To fully understand this tendency, it’s necessary to first grasp how military-style garments and features, such as cargo trousers or camouflage prints, became fashion statements.

History of military fashion

It does not take much to recognise uniforms worn by members of the armed forces as the inspiration behind some of contemporary fashion. This influence was especially prominent during the World Wars era when many members of society had some form of military experience and wore the uniform. When the wars came to an end, uniforms and other army garments, in all shapes and forms, eventually progressed into day-to-day fashion. This form of clothing would remain popular for being comfortable and durable. Initially, retailers would sell surplus clothing to the general public, but over the time they started making their own, more civilian versions of military-style clothing, including items such as shirts and jackets.

Elements of military fashion

There are many elements to military fashion, and while some, such as the army green colour and camouflage print, are easy to pinpoint, there are many other features that only slightly lean in the direction of military style. Along with army green, many other colours are strongly connected with military fashion. These are grouped into what can be called earth tones. Colours under this category include taupe, khaki, greys and blacks. Military fashion is also by nature designed to be quite comfy. This is because as soldiers are sent off to different locations, it is important for them to be able to move freely. These clothes are also extremely durable and made to withstand all seasons and tough conditions. Finally, functionality is the pinnacle of military fashion. With a plethora of pockets, loops and epaulets, a soldier can be sure to be prepared for any situation.

Why now?

As stated before, fashion in many ways reflects the political and social conditions of society. And with all the troubles happening across the world – conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, and more – one does not need to look too far to recognise the civil unrest haunting humankind today. For many, dressing in military-inspired outfits is a form of expression. This becomes an empowering political statement, just as relevant as any in today’s world. The simplicity and neutrality of military-style clothing are also attractive attributes of this fashion trend.

Just as these factors influence us as individuals in society, they also shape the designs coming out of major fashion houses across the globe. Some recent work by big names such as Hermès, Celine and Altuzarra shows many elements of military-style fashion. All this proves yet again that this is a timeless fashion statement that is here to stay.

To conclude, one may say that this trend goes far beyond being just a style – it is a movement and a representation of people’s desire for security in a world that feels more and more precarious with each passing day. For this very reason, military-style fashion as it stands today is certainly here to stay.

The editorial unit