https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 03:45:17 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2256851 Sun, 27 Mar 2022 12:59:47 +0000 Cee 2256851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No, it's not stolen valour. People who step over that line wear dress uniforms and medals they're purchased online either for attention or for financial benefits.</p> <p>The authorities take a very dim view of that crap and if prosecuted, they may face prison time for fraud. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2256830 Sun, 27 Mar 2022 06:27:09 +0000 Zaeobi 2256830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Jenni I think there are unfortunately many cases the world over where the armed forces don't act well - not saying it's everyone, of course, but any organisation in a position of power will inevitably have some people who abuse said power or let it get to their head </p> <p>We of course still have discounts for army veterans &amp; army surplus stores etc in the UK, but I think many there see it as a profession just like any other (ok, maybe a slightly more *dangerous* profession than the usual - perhaps like firefighters or underwater welding)? That's not to discount the risks people take in the armed forces, but just a possible explanation why the idea of 'valour' may also be culturally subjective (i.e. like @Lana said, wearing actual military identifiers like dog tags, as opposed to general colours or patterns). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2256829 Sun, 27 Mar 2022 06:19:54 +0000 Zaeobi 2256829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Reading some of the other responses also has me thinking about how culturally specific military connotations can be - I never really saw army green camo in-person in the UK but see it now as an adult as part of actual uniforms here in Hong Kong. But growing up, I saw plenty of beige camo in southern Pakistan, so that's the automatic association *for me* with the armed forces &amp; law enforcement (police) - especially since they openly carry guns but the UK police don't. </p> <p>I'm also now realising this is likely why sandy beige cargo pants/ tanned chinos/ camel slacks have never appealed to me - whilst I don't see others in the forum debating whether they 'can' wear them (meaning I likely could!), they still carry particular connotations for me which I don't wish to emulate *anywhere*. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2256828 Sun, 27 Mar 2022 06:11:36 +0000 Jenni NZ 2256828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good point Zaeobi. I nearly said so before, but found it difficult to word… in NZ we also don’t have “quite the same level of reverence” for the armed forces! And sadly in NZ the armed forces do not always act well as per a famous hidden case from our SAS in Afghanistan that I have read about. Exposed by a journalist. Hard to find truth but the army did not come out of it looking too good. I am sure there is often a lot of valour but not always. Hope this comment is not too controversial! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2256825 Sun, 27 Mar 2022 04:45:55 +0000 Zaeobi 2256825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think in the UK, we don't have quite the same level of reverence for the armed forces (rightly or wrongly) as they do in the USA. As such, we didn't really grow up with this concept, but most people around me would still avoid wearing anything *literally* army inspired (maybe camo print but in blue or pink, that sort of thing). Similarly, I have one pair of olive cargo pants for hiking, which I try not to wear with an olive top when I have my combat boots on, because of the possible 'connotations'.<br /> Hunting is also a different matter, since I'm sure you know the stereotypically British clothing for those activities (I had classmates who would wear such garments for fox hunting etc).</p> <p>That said though, DH grew up in Georgia &amp; would buy items from army surplus stores - which he still wears (I've joked about it here on the forum before that he pretty much lives in cargo shorts - this past winter has taught me that's not an exaggeration, lol...) Whilst he does sometimes have second thoughts about wearing the more literal versions of his army gear (i.e. *camo* cargo shorts), he says he likes army surplus goods because they're literally made for durability &amp; practicality. So he continues to wear them. </p> <p>So whilst I don't have a clear-cut answer to this, I think it's usually a good idea to let those who served take the lead on such things - I have friends in the RAF (Royal Air Force) who don't particularly care, but also those in OTC who made sure not to wear their uniforms outside of training (though some did so for their Halloween costumes despite being instructed not to, but still...) but I'm sure those in the US Armed Forces may have different opinions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2256810 Sun, 27 Mar 2022 01:58:39 +0000 Jaime 2256810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting thread. I don't wear camo, it does have military connotations for me that I do not find appealing, but do wear olive green pants, combat style boots and I am sure other military references. I think it is too context and personally specific to make blanket judgments.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2256780 Sat, 26 Mar 2022 20:14:01 +0000 Aquamarine 2256780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sorry to post and run yesterday. But wow, all these thoughtful and intelligent responses have really made me think. I appreciate everyone weighing in and value all your viewpoints.</p> <p>Camo has always been a print that held little interest for me and I doubt I would ever have more than one or two pieces in my wardrobe. I hadn’t even considered it in relation to gun culture. I live in a very progressive part of the country and hunting isn’t really a big thing here. In my suburban town, and in the nearby city I visit occasionally, camo is just a fashion statement (in my mind).</p> <p>gryffin’s post reminded me I have an old pair of Frye engineer boots, yet I’m the last person you’d ever see on a motorcycle. I have riding boots yet have never ridden a horse, either. Same with running shoes…I mostly walk.&nbsp;<div><div><br /></div><div>I’ll point out the shirt is black and grey, not colors I traditionally associate with camo, but I could be wrong. Much like Bluejay’s sweatshirt or Suz’s shorts, I’d like to think the t-shirt, worn in good faith, is just a playful (yet still respectful) interpretation of military-inspired style.</p> <p><div><br /></div></div></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2256702 Sat, 26 Mar 2022 13:12:08 +0000 Anonymous 2256702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well said, Lana. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2256700 Sat, 26 Mar 2022 12:58:31 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2256700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lana, I agree, and you put it so much better than I did. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2256698 Sat, 26 Mar 2022 12:45:04 +0000 Lana 2256698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Being the daughter of a career Army Colonel, I would not call camo stolen valor. &nbsp;Or anything military inspired. The only thing I would question is wearing someone’s medals, dog tags or impersonating the military by putting on the full uniform.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2256649 Sat, 26 Mar 2022 05:06:42 +0000 Echo 2256649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to wonder how wearing the flag, which would have originally been seen as extraordinarily disrespectful, became "patriotic", but wearing camouflage is "stolen valor."&nbsp;</p> <p>I hesitate each time I am attracted to a camouflage print because I don't want to be associated with gun culture or any of the other possible associations in a rural, conservative area. When/if I purchase one, it needs to be clearly fashion and not mistakable for gear or anything else. But it never occurred to me that anyone would mistake me for actual military, nor did it ever occur to me that it was disrespectful to those serving our country in that way.&nbsp;</p> <p>Dressing can get complicated. There is a fine line between appropriation and appreciation sometimes. I don't want to cross that line or disrespect any individual or group, but it is sometimes difficult to predict what the fashion police will be writing tickets for next.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2256641 Sat, 26 Mar 2022 04:25:13 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2256641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>This is an interesting topic, and I've appreciated reading all the comments. I am a retired US Army officer. Personally I avoid camo prints, because I associate it with the uniform I used to wear, and it seems wrong to me to wear it outside of that context. But that is because we had such strict rules about being "in uniform" (in which we were wearing it fully and properly) or "out of uniform" (i.e., not wearing the uniform fully or correctly, which was wrong). Otherwise, we were wearing "civilian clothes." Because the green or tan camouflage prints are associated with those uniforms and rules for me, they aren't really fashion for me, even now. I also avoid black smooth leather or tan suede combat-style boots for the same reason: they were a<br /> part of my uniform for so long, and they are tied up with those uniform rules in my mind. (Even though I never wore the tan suede ones; they were part of the desert uniform when I was serving.) <br /></div><div>However, I don't see camouflage patterns or black or tan suede combat boots, or other military styles as being off-limits for other people (they're not really off-limits for me--it's a personal association), and I certainly don't see military-inspired fashion as signifying "stolen valor." (I'm making a distinction here, with what I'm calling "fashion" to delineate it from the garb of self-styled militia participants, which to me raises a lot of issues.) <br /></div><div>Sometimes my love of diffuse patterns veers toward camo. As I type this, I'm looking down at my shirt, and I'm wondering if indeed I am wearing a camo print. I thought it was sort of an abstract animal print, but now I'm not so sure. hahaha! and [sigh]<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2256619 Sat, 26 Mar 2022 02:04:19 +0000 Sally 2256619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have an olive utility jacket and combat boots and I wore them together yesterday and I didn't think anything of it as I wore other pieces with them.&nbsp; A lot of what we wear has some association with it; its hard to avoid.&nbsp;<br />In regards to cultural appropriation,&nbsp; I work in a school which is dominated by one particular ethnic origin.&nbsp; We get asked to wear a shirt from that culture/group of cultures once a week to show our respect. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2256605 Sat, 26 Mar 2022 01:21:13 +0000 Janet 2256605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m with MsMary and Gaylene on this. I’ve spent too much time around folks in my husband’s home state who wear camo every day to be drawn to the “real” versions of it. I have a blue “camo”cashmere beanie and a pair of blue camo shorts. So I tend to like versions that don’t hew towards the traditional color palette. </p> <p>I have my dad’s US Navy bomber jacket. It’s very well worn and clearly authentic and vintage. I’ve thought about wearing it in a fashiony way but have never quite brought myself to do it. No one is going to think I’m active military if I do, and if anyone dares judge me for wearing my late veteran father’s jacket, they can kindly kiss off. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d#post-2256589 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 23:27:03 +0000 MsMaven 2256589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I disagree with Ms Friedman on this point and am more along with what Ms Mary said. If you should not be wearing camo, then we shouldn’t have been wearing military jackets all these years. Army jackets came into style when I was an undergrad, and I am pretty sure admiral jackets have been fashionable even longer. I also remember that sailor dresses and blouses were popular when I was a kid. I’m trying to remember if I wore one. And this wasn’t that far from WW II.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>Nonsense. And wear your white shoes before Memorial Day if you want to. Wear camo if you like wearing it (I’m not a fan of that green for me) and if you see a nice navy military looking jacket for a woman, send me the link please.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>There are occasions when it would be inappropriate to wear, but that’s more of a question of being sensitive to the feelings of other people.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d#post-2256588 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 23:07:51 +0000 Gaylene 2256588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Totally agree, Gryffin, that it’s the self-pointed “enforcers” who earn my disdain. If I’m feeling generous, I’ll assume that the motive is worthwhile—to get people thinking about the implications of their choices—but the self-righteous negativity of the judgements used by these commenters &nbsp;to “shame” anyone who isn’t as “enlightened” as they obviously feel themselves to be remind me too much of the days when older, white males felt it was their duty to police what young females were wearing—in public and with pejorative language. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>And, to be honest, I think the line between “lifting” and “referencing” can get as muddled as the line between bullying and helping.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d#post-2256580 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 22:19:05 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2256580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gryffin, there is a huge difference between referencing a profession or activity and lifting something from a culture. I don’t see why you would want to group them together </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d#post-2256564 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 21:39:49 +0000 Anonymous 2256564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have one camo shirt in my closet. I like it but don’t want any more of it. I’m into animal prints these days, a departure from my floral &amp; lace days. I’m not a hunter, so does that mean that animal prints are also a no no? If I wear plaid (I don’t), will I be associated with a lumberjack? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d#post-2256560 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 21:19:59 +0000 gryffin 2256560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there is potentially a bigger question here.&nbsp; The concept could be taken "should we wear items that channel or reference a profession, culture or activity that we are not currently a part of?" as was mentioned above.&nbsp; The question of cultural or professional appropriation.&nbsp; I personally feel as long as you are not trying to "pass yourself off" as something you are not, if the clothing is respectful, then IMHO "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."&nbsp; I used to ride horses, so long equestrian jackets, paddock boots and jodphurs are my jam. I sold my horse when I went to college, but I wore pseudo- jodphurs from AT all the way through the 90's into the early 2000's.&nbsp; Although anyone who rode would realize they were "fashion," civilians would ask me if I rode.&nbsp; Should I have not worn them because I did not currently have a horse?&nbsp; What about leotards if you don't dance?&nbsp; Workout gear if your only workout is sitting on the couch?&nbsp; Sports or team apparel?&nbsp; Band tee's that you like but have never listened to their music?&nbsp; Ethnic clothing and jewelry?&nbsp; If you clothing is fashion and you are wearing it as such, if it is respectful and positive, I see nothing wrong with that.&nbsp; But I am concerned about the policing, negativity and judgement that is often associated with this subject.&nbsp; It makes me really sad.&nbsp; It makes me think of the halloween meme where kids go through umteen iterations of the costumes which they really want to wear, and the parents nix each one as it will offend someones.&nbsp; At the end you see a picture of all the trick-or-treaters dressed as minions.&nbsp; It's a shame we don't always see referencing for what it usually is, fandom, support, admiration, respect and appreciation.&nbsp; A bravo, standing ovation or maybe, in this case, a salute. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d#post-2256557 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 21:05:14 +0000 Sloper 2256557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't do camo - I started thinking about it after 9/11.&nbsp; Just felt that since American men and women were putting their lives in danger - it just wouldn't be ok for me to wear it.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d#post-2256549 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 19:56:52 +0000 columbine(erin) 2256549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm loving wearing an olive jean jacket lately, but it has slightly military look to it. This whole discussion was helpful for me to think though. So personally, I'm married to a veteran and would feel strange wearing camouflage, but no judgment towards those wearing it for style. I rather doubt many of my (same age) veteran friends would be offended, I can't speak for them, of course, but I don't think most would be offended, from my casual observation. It's such a common pattern now, on workout wear and accessories, etc. I live near 6 US military bases. It would be really different if someone were trying to pass as military as opposed to wearing a few pieces as part of their style.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d#post-2256545 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 19:45:23 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2256545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t and wouldn’t wear army surplus because I don’t want to be associated, even accidentally, with an army. I’m also not a hunter. I don’t think my relatives who hunt wear camo; they wear fluorescent orange vests. </p> <p>As for avoiding anything military-looking because of the war in Ukraine—the fifth biggest army in Europe is now Ukrainian farmers (because they tow Russian tanks). They don’t wear camo. There are other wars going on around the world; during the first night of shelling in Ukraine, we dropped bombs near Mogadishu, Israel bombed Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia bombed Yemen. None of those are brand-new conflicts. I have deep concern for the victims of shelling in each of those cases. While I would not want to be mistaken for the people who are dropping the bombs or making the choice to do so, I don’t think wearing camo would be enough to cause such confusion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d#post-2256544 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 19:43:21 +0000 Style Fan 2256544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a topic I have struggled with for years.&nbsp; I have several camo pieces, and they are army green.&nbsp; I have the same feelings as Carla does about hunting, which is common in my area.&nbsp; But I doubt if anyone would think I am headed out to bear hunt.&nbsp; It is donning something from the military that is my struggle.&nbsp; I have not served in the military, and is it fashion?<br />I don't have an answer, but I will probably not buy too much camo in the future.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d#post-2256541 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 19:32:21 +0000 Gaylene 2256541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, it’s about it’s all about context—the when, where, and how.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>Throughout history there have always been “rules” about what people put on their bodies. Sometimes there were harsh penalties for not following the “rules”, while other times the “rules” could be interpreted just as guidelines for “good taste”.&nbsp;</p> <p></div><div>My own way of wading through this thorny issue is to think about others’ sensitivities and then decide what seems right for the particular situation. There are times where asserting my “right” to wear what I like seems appropriate but there are also circumstances where it just feels wiser—or more considerate—to leave the contentious item in my closet. &nbsp;My choice either way…</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d#post-2256539 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 19:27:58 +0000 Aurore 2256539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm overall on the same boat as Suz or Jenni. I tend to consider camo a rather classic pattern in fashion and don't mind anyone wearing it. To me, it's a matter of personal taste and personal sensibilities.</p> <p>Personally though, I do work with military people and would feel awkward wearing <i>credibly </i>camouflaged items around them. Something along the lines of falsely trying to blend in with a crowd I don't belong too - indeed.<br />But I definitely don't have the same feeling with quirky versions of the pattern (such as the pink one shown by BlueJay) or with items that otherwise don't look military.<br />Incidentally, I have have already brought my blue camo handbag to work - and my military colleagues enjoyed it. They made a lot of jokes about how badly camouflaged it is...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d#post-2256537 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 18:50:52 +0000 Helena 2256537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such a nuanced discussion; thank you all for making me think critically and compassionately. My personal opinion is similar to Suz' ... camo has become so pervasive in the last 20 years that it's akin (in my mind) to mariner stripes, or Aran knits, or similar ...</p> <p>I do think if a person donned camo as a way to make a statement about gun culture or to try to convey a militaristic attitude or was full-on wearing army gear, but they are not actually serving in the military or putting themselves in harm's way - "posing" we would have called it as teens - then that could be reasonably seen as stolen valor and also is just kinda gross. But my issue there is with the intent and attitude more than the print per se. Hope that makes some kind of sense ... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d#post-2256533 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 18:27:23 +0000 Jenni NZ 2256533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like what Jules said. That’s an incredible judgement to say other people have “stolen valour”, isn’t it? Military styling has been around for at least 100 years as per the trench coats. Most people who put these items on are doing so because they like the look of them. If one is personally not comfortable ( like what Runcarla said) then don’t do it for oneself. But don’t criticise others for it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d#post-2256524 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 18:07:56 +0000 MsMary 2256524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that camo is an iconic pattern at this point. I do think that if you wear a piece of <b>actual </b>military gear, or something that could be mistaken for same, then you are veering close to stolen valor and I would definitely stay away from that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d#post-2256488 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 17:08:12 +0000 Suz 2256488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What <b>Mary Beth</b> said. And also, what <b>Jules</b> said.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think perhaps camo has become an iconic pattern in the way that mariner stripes have become iconic. </p> <p>The farther away it is from army green, the less close the associations. I personally don't care for the associations with gun culture, myself, so don't wear the green version, but I had a pair of navy camo shorts and loved them.&nbsp;</p> <p>Meanwhile, I tend to love military "officer" detailing on clothing, e.g. double breasted, trench coats, etc. So what's the different, really?&nbsp;</p> <p>I'd say if you like it and feel comfortable in it, go for it! But if not, send it back. I understand the dilemma, though. I'm dealing with the same issue over a military-styled or RCMP reminiscent jacket. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-wearing-camo-%e2%80%9cstolen-valor%e2%80%9d#post-2256477 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 16:50:23 +0000 Jules 2256477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like many things I think there’s a difference between feeling something is not right for me and telling other people<br /> it’s not right for them. And I believe one of the values many in the military would profess to be serving for would be freedom of expression. </p>