A Trend In Uniform

Jean Paul Gaultier

Ok so military is a huge trend right now, with avant garde versions being sent down 2010/2011 runways and retailers like Urban Outfitters and H&M carrying full lines of jackets, pants and shirts.

I like this trend. Green is my favorite color, and the khaki and cotton of military surplus is a bonus for summer that can easily carry over into the colder months. Olive can also be utilized as a nuetral like white or black and incorporated easily into a wardrobe with bright colors.

But here is my issue: prices. The Ecote Military Detail Surplus Jacket, above, is $78! You can (and I have) found jackets similar to these for $30-$40. And where might you find these trendy steals?

You guessed it: The Army Navy Surplus store. They're everywhere, and they even have websites where you can pick up all kinds of military gear, like jackets, shirts, hats, boots, even flashlights (and knives... if you're into that kind of thing).

The Canadian Bush Jacket seen above is $39 at www.armynavysales.com, but other sites like www.go-armynavy.com and www.colemans.com offer similar deals. At the Army Surplus World website, the most expensive field jacket is $60, and you can even personalize dog tags to go with it.

So don't buy into the hype! Just say no to jacked up, watered down versions of army garb and head to your nearest Army/Navy Surplus store to find the real thing without breaking the bank. That's an order.