Military
Clothing and the Fashion Police
Although military clothing has influenced some
of the biggest fashion designers in the West, there are some countries
in the world that have strict laws about who can wear it
Military clothing and fashion
Major designers have always adapted khaki
and camouflage and other features of military clothing in their designs.
All the major clothing labels
have at some time expressed an influence from the military in their clothing
ranges and this has seeped down the fashion ladder into the high street.
But there are some countries in the world where wearing your camouflage
jacket could land you in jail or even shot at.
Non military personnel
Caribbean nations such as Barbados and Aruba have
strict laws against non-military personnel wearing camouflage military
clothing. It’s
a concern if you are a tourist who is unaware of the regulations – as
tourists are not exempt from this law.
The laws exist because of the existence of insurgents in the region – anyone
wearing combat gear and military clothing is assumed to be a rebel.
The Ivory Coast ban military clothing
The Ivory Coast is another location
that makes civilians wearing military clothing unlawful. In 2002, police
arrested civilians for defying the
ban which came into place when rebel activity increased. A special unit
of the military police was mobilised to enforce the law against civilians
wearing military clothing.
Identifying rebels
Wearing military clothing and uniforms was high fashion
on the Ivory Coast, but it was felt important that the security forces
enforced the
distinction between military and non-military to help identify and control
the rebels.
The rebellion on the Ivory Coast began in September 2002 and hundreds
had been killed and thousands fled their homes, which is why the ban
on military clothing became so crucial.
At risk wearing military clothing
Even a t-shirt that resembled military
clothing would put people at risk of being arrested or even attacked
by the government, who feared
people who dressed in that kind of clothing were trouble.
Fashion police
Although wearing military clothing dips in and out of
fashion on the high street, the army uniform is still a strong and powerful
symbol.
It’s clear judging by the Ivory Coast and the Caribbean and other
areas in the world that are unstable and at risk from rebels and insurgents,
that wearing military clothing as fashion can have deeper implications
than how you look.
John Bull Military Clothing is a supplier of quality merchandise to
the Forces worldwide. John Bull Military Clothing is based at the Catterick
Garrison, North Yorkshire. For all your military clothing, outdoor and
survival equipment needs you can order from the online shop. For more
details telephone 01748 833614 or email: mail@johnbullclothing.com
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