9 Military-Inspired Wardrobe Essentials

From trenches to trend cycles, these military-born garments have fought their way into our wardrobes with rugged and timeless appeal

- By Niraj Kakade

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 as well as high fashion.

M-65 FIELD JACKET

First issued during the Vietnam War, the M-65 came with a concealed hood, Velcro cuffs, and enough pockets to store a survival kit. It was tough, weather-resistant, and utilitarian. Postwar, it became a counterculture uniform, worn by everyone from antiwar protestors to Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver, cementing its place as rebellious outerwear with a conscience.

CARGO PANTS

First issued to British troops in the 1930s, cargo pants came with large pockets meant to carry maps, tools, and spare magazines. American paratroopers took to them during World War II, loading their pockets before jumping out of planes. Today, they've gone from battlefield essential to off-duty streetwear staple, beloved by tech bros, Gen Z, and Hailey Bieber alike.