Fashion has a funny way of glamorising grit. Some of the most iconic silhouettes and everyday staples we wear today weren’t born in ateliers—they were engineered for war. These pieces were built to endure mud, blood, cold, and chaos. But somewhere along the way, their functional brilliance got rebranded as cool. Here’s how combat-ready gear—from boots to bombers—became the blueprint for street style, suiting, and high fashion.
1. Cargo Pants: The Utility Trousers Turned Streetwear Staple
Designed for British soldiers in the 1930s and embraced by American paratroopers, cargo pants were made to haul ammunition and K-rations. Now? They haul phones, vape pens, and fashion week invites.
Our Pick: Balenciaga Convertible Distressed Cotton Cargo Pants
2. Cummerbund: From Colonial India to Black-Tie Elegance
Born as the “kamarband” worn by Indian men, this sash was co-opted by British officers trying not to sweat through their stiff waistcoats. Today, it’s tuxedo-core done right.
Our Pick: Giorgio Armani Silk Cummerbund
3. MA-1 Bomber Jacket: High-Flying Fashion
Originally made for U.S. Air Force pilots to survive sub-zero cockpits, the bomber jacket landed in civilian wardrobes by way of punk clubs and 2000s hip-hop.
Our Pick: Bottega Veneta Down Bomber Jacket
4. Duffel Coat: Naval Necessity to Winter Classic
This woolly legend started with the Royal Navy. Toggle fastenings, oversized hoods—it was basically the original puffer before puffers were a thing.
Our Pick: Burberry Wool Blend Duffle Coat
5. M-65 Field Jacket: Combat Gear to Counterculture Icon
Vietnam War soldiers wore it first; anti-war protestors wore it next. The M-65 jacket somehow became both a symbol of rebellion and a go-to for fall layering.
Our Pick: Polo Ralph Lauren "The Iconic" Field Jacket
6. Pea Coat: Seafaring Style
With Dutch naval origins and double-breasted drama, the pea coat was built for brutal sea storms and now survives Manhattan winters just fine.
Our Pick: Dolce & Gabbana Cotton Peacoat
7. Chukka Boots: Desert Footwear to Fashion Favourite
Designed for WWII British troops in North Africa, these suede boots went from sand dunes to smart-casual Fridays.
Our Pick: Tom Ford Suede Desert Boots
8. Aviator Sunglasses: Eye Protection to Iconic Accessory
Made by Bausch & Lomb for pilots in the 1930s, aviators were functional before they were fashionable. Now they’re the unofficial uniform of “don’t talk to me” chic.
Our Pick: Bottega Veneta Aviator Sunglasses
9. Trench Coat: From No-Man’s Land to Sartorial Staple
WWI soldiers needed something water-resistant, breathable, and dignified to die in. The trench coat, somehow, stuck around—dramatic collar and all.
Our Pick: Tom Ford Wool Double-Breasted Coat
10. Jumpsuit: Paratrooper Gear Turned Fashion Statement
Built for WWII paratroopers to leap and land without freezing, the jumpsuit now moonlights as your all-in-one solution for dressing like you tried.
Our Pick: Jil Sander Cotton Jumpsuit
11. Raglan Sleeves: Combat Mobility to Everyday Ease
Lord Raglan lost an arm and gained a legacy—the angled sleeve that lets you throw a punch (or a frisbee) with ease.
Our Pick: Uniqlo Oversized Half Sleeve Raglan T-Shirt
12. Necktie: From Military Cravat to Modern Accessory
Croatian mercenaries wore knotted scarves in the 1600s. The French saw it, loved it, and voilà—the necktie. A symbol of civility with a militarised past.
Our Pick: Hermès H Twist tie
13. Fishtail Parka: Cold-Weather Military Wear to Mod Fashion
The M-51 was made for Korean War soldiers shivering in trenches. British mods turned it into a style icon layered over skinny suits and mopeds.
Our Pick: DRKSHDW by Rick Owens Fishtail Parka
14. Sukajan Jacket: Souvenir Turned Style Icon
American soldiers stationed in post-WWII Japan brought home embroidered satin jackets. What started as kitschy keepsake became a subcultural flex.
Our Pick: Superdry Sukajan Embroidered Bomber Jacket
15. Combat Boots: Battle-Tested to Street-Approved
Made for mud, march, and mayhem—combat boots now march through fashion weeks and mosh pits with equal authority.
Our Pick: JW Anderson Lace-Up Combat Boots
16. Field Watch: Tactical Timing to Everyday Essentials
Built for WWII infantry with clean dials and tough casings, field watches are minimalism-meets-survival gear for your wrist.
Our Pick: Expedition North™ Field Chrono 43mm Recycled Mixed Materials Strap Watch
17. Epaulettes: Rank and File to Runway Flair
Originally worn to show military rank and keep shoulder gear in place, epaulettes now scream ‘drama’ without needing to say a word.
Our Pick: Polo Ralph Lauren patch-detail jacket
