Today we’re taking a look at a current popular trend in menswear: camouflage. (Sorry, I missed the blizzard, but don’t worry we have plenty of freezing-cold weather posts coming soon)
Lately camo has been popping up on everything from small accessories to tailored garments and, as with any bold pattern, it’s a game of high risk/high reward.
As you probably know by now, I am a strong believer in all things authentic, as well as all things (or at least most things) in moderation. Therefore, as general advice for pulling-off camo: keep it authentic (all versions here are actual vintage army gear) and keep it in moderation by using it as the sole pattern, keeping the rest of your look muted and streamlined.
Here, three style-forward ways to wear camo.
1. Sharp Casual + Infantry Pant
Combining tailored pieces with a dose of camo is a fresh and unexpected way to add some manly ruggedness to a sharp look (especially if the camo is authentically beat-up).
I don’t do this terribly often, but similar to last post, I’m mixing-it-up by pairing a utilitarian pant with a sleek “white collar” dress shoe. I guess because of my love for rugged/manly pants and sharp well-made shoes, in a way I’m subconsciously trying to pioneer this look.
Double breasted wool coat by Rag&Bone (size 40). Grey crewneck wool sweater (size M). Vintage camo pants (altered, size ?). White oxford club collar shirt by Ralph Lauren Polo (altered, size 15.5). Vintage wool tie. Pebbled leather wingtips by Scarpe Di Bianco.
Bonus Tip: do the camo thing once in a blue moon. Perhaps once a month or so…you don’t want to look like a wannabe soldier.
2. Simple Casual + Fatigue Jacket
A vintage fatigue jacket, in camo or solid olive cotton, is a great layering piece. I picked up this vintage one for $30 and I’ve worn it with everything from a v-neck and jeans (as shown here), to a waistcoat and and tie, to a t-shirt and sneakers, and layered it several other ways.
Bonus Tip: pairing strong orange with camo is a cool subtle nod to hunting camouflage rather than fighting camouflage – a mix that goes back a long way and therefore is not unnatural to the eye.
Vintage camo fatigue jacket (size 36). Orange V-Neck by Uniqlo (size M). Khaki subtle shirt by Theory (size M). Jeans by JCrew (vintage slim size 34). Socks by Happy Socks. Loafers by Bass. Watch by Montblanc.
Bonus Tip: extent your shirt cycle through the Fall/Winter by wearing your short sleeve shirts under knits – they also bunch less and fit more easily under sweaters
3. Just A Touch
With a strong pattern like camo, often all you need is a small touch. What better small touch that a pocket square?
Bonus Tip: this is my first time wearing these new dark jeans. Notice how slim they are, specifically in the thighs. For the first few wears, your jeans should be hugging your legs and be snug in the waist. Within a matter of days (sometimes hours, depending on the denim) they will loosen up nicely to a “slim not skinny” resting state. I promise.
Olive cotton jacket by MAB (bespoke, my own design). Beige henley by Ralph Lauren Polo (size M). Olive scarf by H&M. Jeans by JCrew. Camo bandana pocket square. Suede chukka boots by John Varvatos.
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