MILITARY CLOTHING

Of course you want to wear your knit hipster hat today—when don’t you?—but it’s so damn sunny. We got you covered, literally, with this olive drab 100% wool knit cap that includes a built-in brim in front. This “jeep cap,” inspired by the U.S. military, meets U.S. Defense Department specs, though it’s been redesigned to be larger, cover the ears, and include the bill upfront. Radar O’Reilly loved his! Made in the U.S. of A., of course.

Peace, brothers and sisters. If you’re on the peace train, you might like this sky blue 100% woolen beret from the United Nations, just like the UN peacekeepers wear. Inside, the label says “United Nations Property,” which will cease to be true when it’s your property. Available sizes: 7, 7-5/8 and 7-7/8. Drop us a note with your approx size and we’ll see what we can do. No promises, though--you get what you get without throwing a fit.

Survival bracelets, actually. These are braided paracord, and quite attractive, but unbraid them and you’ve got (7) feet of military-grade (per the mfr) paracord with a safe working load of 100 lbs and a max working load of 550 lbs. Bracelet closes with black snap closures. Mildew and abrasion-resistant. In black, royal blue, red, purple-ish gray with black edges, and camo. We’ll pick, but order two or more and we’ll try to send different colors.

This East German MDI gold medal, awarded to officers with 25 years of service, is 1-3/8” dia and hangs from a red ribbon with (2) gold stripes on the sides. In great condition and packed in a see-through plastic case. You’ll also get a 1” x 1/2” ribbon bar for less formal dress events with a smaller gold button on it. Both have a safety-style pin on the back for securing to a uniform and are quite amazing in design and historically.

From the U.S. Navy stock of unused Gob hats (no, we don’t know where that name comes from) or more familiarly “dixie cups,” in white cotton twill. We’ll pick from sizes 7.5, 7.75 and 8 if you’re going for the Cracker Jack look, but if you turn the sides down like Gilligan, one size fits every noggin. Upright, it should be squared up for authenticity. Group discount available for drama teachers staging South Pacific.

Don’t let Sir Winston Churchill, or even The Pogues’ brilliant 1985 album, quell your fervor for British Navy style. Nothing should keep you from wearing these smart, snappy, white shorts in size XL. Well, nothing besides frigid temperatures and the dates between Labor Day and Memorial Day! Shorts measure approx 17” long with built-in waist adjusters (approx 30"-35"), pleats and a single, buttoned back pocket. They’re used, but when shorts look this good, they’re going to get used. Tennis anyone?

Looking for the perfect accent to offset those paratrooper fatigues or tactical pants that aren’t nearly as flattering as you’d imagined? This black belt will turn the other foot soldiers green with envy! It’s nylon, 1-1/2" wide x 57" long, with “ribs” every 1/8" for your pleasure. Or for a secure hold. Probably for a secure hold. The non-metallic pull-through buckle makes for quick clearance at security checkpoints. It’s ISO certified, designed to carry gear, and has a built-in belt loop for added security. Cut it to suit your figure. Just make sure to melt or epoxy the new end to keep it from unravelling.

Remember that Halloween when you wanted to go as a Czech soldier? Well, your full M98 uniform has arrived. In deep olive green and made of a synthetic khaki material, the shirt has bronze buttons down the front and on all (4) pockets, a Czech emblem on the left sleeve, button-down shoulder straps for epaulets, and “ASR” pins on both collars. Size Small, measuring 19" at the shoulders and 27" top to bottom, with 23" sleeves. Button-fly pants have an adjustable 30” waist and 38" legs. Made in Lipany, Slovakia ironically.

One thing we know for sure about this olive drab belt with a gunmetal gray molle buckle: it was made in China. We think it might be genuine military surplus, and where better for the Chinese military to make their stuff than in China? But we can’t be 100-percent positive it was made for soldiers. It sure looks and feels “military” to us. Has a nice commie star on the buckle, along with a symbol that looks Chinese enough to be Chinese. Expands to fit a 48” waist, and is 2” wide. We’ve seen them called “Chinese Pistol Belts,” but whatever they are, they’re awfully attractive. Ours have a little wear, as if they’ve been sitting in a wet Chinese warehouse, and you may see some corrosion on the eyelets, but we promise, they’re new.

Remember that Halloween when you wanted to go as a Czech soldier? Well, your full M98 uniform has arrived. In deep olive green and made of a synthetic khaki material, the shirt has bronze buttons down the front and on all (4) pockets, a Czech emblem on the left sleeve, button-down shoulder straps for epaulets, and “ASR” pins on both collars. Size Medium, measuring 20" at the shoulders and 32" top to bottom, with 23-1/2" sleeves. Button-fly pants have an adjustable 31" waist and 40" legs. Made in the Slovakia, oddly enough.