Is wearing camo “stolen valor”? - YouLookFab Forum

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Is wearing camo “stolen valor”?

Aquamarine

Veteran

A few months ago, I purchased a Free People camo t-shirt on sale, planning on wearing it when the weather warmed up. Then I read in a NYT column (“Ask Vanessa”—fashion related) that wearing camo by non-military is “akin to stolen valor,” especially now with the conflict in the Ukraine.

I was taken aback and am now questioning my purchase. (The column really addresses army green cargo pants, which I would not hesitate wearing, personally.) I’m generally not attracted to camo but I purchased it after seeing it styled on an older blogger whose fashion choices generally align with mine, and since most of my t-shirts are solid colored, I thought it would add some interest.

Curious to hear your thoughts. Not sure if the column would be behind the NYT paywall, so I’ve linked to it from another site:

https://vigourtimes.com/can-i-.....rmy-green/

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43 replies

Latest reply was from Cee

BlueJay

Veteran

hmmm...interesting question. Camo isn't my style, but it never has been. I haven't served in the military.

However, I purchased this BP + Wildfang sweatshirt because I love all the colours together although it's in a camo print. I do feel a bit conspicuous when I wear it and I'm thinking it's because of the print and not the bright bold colours.

I do know some people who hunt deer, moose, and turkeys and they wear camo and they're not military, but they are using it for camouflage when hunting.

I'm not sure I answered your question, although I am reminded of Angie Advice to "wear your clothes with joy." If you're not feeling the joy from the shirt, then return it and hunt for another one with the same palette in a different print.

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Lesley

Veteran

I read this too, and it was definitely food for thought. I have camo jeans and an army green jacket.

BlueJay, I think you're safe--the pink takes it in another direction. No one is going to say you're being disrespectful to people at war!

I didn't really know what to do with that article. I don't live in a place where my clothes are on display, like at a high-profile job in a big city. I don't know that it even registers to people around here that someone is wearing or not wearing camo. I wore my jeans last weekend, in fact, because I had forgotten about that article! But maybe it would give me pause if I were going someplace really public, like a carnival or something. I definitely wear camo because it feels like another pattern that has just turned into a classic style (and its mixing possibilities are irresistible for someone like me--interesting but neutral!) but I definitely do not want to take war lightly or disrespect anyone who has been in the military.

Runcarla

Veteran

My thoughts, and my thoughts only…I don’t personally wear camo. I have lived most of my adult life in a semi rural remote northern community where wearing camo has associations with hunting and gun culture. I don’t hunt, and I abhor guns. Now that I live ‘down south’ I see camo worn by birders (accessorized with binoculars and camera) )

I don’t blink when the camo pattern is used in a fashion outfit, or a T with jeans and sneakers combo. It’s just another pattern. The further from the olive/khaki standard, the less ‘signalling’, IMO.

Lesley

Veteran

I think maybe my distance is what allows me to forget its origin—I, too, abhor gun culture, but I have lived my whole life in urban settings, where you don't see a lot of it.

slim cat

Veteran

I have couple items but recent event put me off it ( will probably donate ).

catherine

Veteran

The implications of traditional camo make it a big “no” for me and I would never wear it. I have been really surprised and baffled by its use as a fashion statement.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I hope not!
Camo in many different color combinations is one of my favorite patterns. It works for me, and I would have a hard time giving all of it up.
It's become very prevalent in fashion lately and is very distant from its roots.
I understand what they are saying, but I'm not sure that I agree. It's a pattern that many occupations and hobbies now use regularly, so less tied to military. The war in Ukraine is a really terrible thing. At any given time, there are wars just as terrible going on in the world that we may not be as aware of. Is camo even something the soldiers there are wearing? I honestly don't know- I have purposely distanced myself from images.
I guess anything super military looking would feel odd to wear now, but I don't think I will get rid of all my camo just yet.

Joy

Veteran

I think it sort of depends on where you live.it may be taken as more of a fashion choice in NYC (I am guessing) than in Leavenworth, Kansas, where military and hunting and guns would be thought of. I would never wear it myself, but I feel a bit the same way with wearing Western wear and cowboy boots, I will wear jeans although I have never lived on a farm or ranch. They seem more universal. It was not so long ago when what one wore signaled their occupation. If you are not a nun you are not going to wear a habit. If you are not military or a hunter, you will not wear traditional camo. There is a similar taboo for wearing traditional national dress that is not yours.

JAileen

Veteran

I saw the question in the NYT a few weeks ago and almost posted it here. I wondered if I shouldn’t be wearing my few items. I myself have a few camo pieces: a few tees in non military colors, a pink jacket and green shoes.

I personally came to the conclusion that the article itself was silly. Camo is widely worn by hunters. Are they stealing valor? No. Stealing valor is a particular thing: pretending to be a veteran. Would my pink camo utility jacket make anyone think I’m military or former military? No. The article mentioned people wearing actual military cargo pants (military surplus). I have worn genuine military pants. I wore my father’s US Navy wool sailor pants as a teenager. I doubt anyone thought my 15 year old self was a WW2 military veteran, though. And my father, an actual veteran, was fine with it, too. It was common back then, in the 60s and 70s to wear military surplus. My brothers both wore US Navy pea coats. However, with their long hair, no one mistook them for military personnel.

cat2

Veteran

Stolen Valor is such a great way to express my reservations about this print and military style clothing in general. I have an army green Trina Turk jacket with beading on the chest pocket. I thought it was far enough from real gear to be ok, until I was on a flight with a veteran and she first lit up when she saw what she thought was a colleague and then glared at me when she realized I wasn’t. So I don’t wear the jacket much anymore. I do wear other army green pieces but only those in shapes that are clearly fashion: a flared skirt, non-army looking girlie tees, etc.

kkards

Veteran

I am, and will continue, to wear my camo pieces. I don’t think anyone will confuse my camo with military wear.

Like JAileen, my dad served in the navy and during my high school year I wore his jumper with his blessing, and with his understanding that I would not be serving. I was not stealing his valor. And my continued wearing of navy blue, is not being questioned.

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Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

Hmm. I have never considered camo print as such - and now I'm reconsidering. I mean... there have been Army surplus stores in existence for decades. Hunters wear camouflage, and I don't believe they are stealing valour. They're simply blending in to hunt fresh food. If we're going to start down this path, then following this logic, stompy/combat boots might be considered the same.

I feel like there will always be opinions about textiles and pattern. As an example... I wear clothing with Asian and India embroideries, and I have textiles and furniture in my house from Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam. I don't consider it 'stealing' or appropriation. It's simply things I find beautiful and peaceful and enjoy.

But. This (camoflauge) is different, in that it's the uniform print of military and hunters, which makes it representative of war, strife, hunting, stalking, killing, guns. But what is fashion, if not a commentary on the times we're living in? You could style this as a form of peaceful civil protest, or support for military personnel, with something beautifully whimsical, such as a flower necklace, or floofy skirt a la Vivienne Westwood, and I can't imagine anyone would call that "Stolen Valour".

I second BlueJay's comment about "wear it with joy". If you aren't feeling the joy, you should send it back. If you really love it, find a way to work with it, that fits your value system and your personal style. There's nothing wrong with changing your mind or altering your original plan, after something has opened your eyes to expand your worldview. That's what makes us better people.

rachylou

Veteran

I don’t think so in general, but where I’d wear it depends probably a little bit on location, venue. I don’t think I’d show up on a miltary base in pink camo. But hello army surplus store — ‘everyone’ goes there for hard-wearing, practical and affordable gear for camping, life in the concrete jungle, etc. Actually, on the flipside, my friend who’s a soldier, was completely annoyed at the reverse situation… the army started making Juicy Couture style sweats with ‘Army’ across the behind for women. He was also annoyed by the private Facebook style app that the army has now for soldiers… and that all the vehicles are automatic… he basically thinks all young people are idiots if this is what they need to function. Lol. He’s an old fogey now

Jules

Veteran

Like many things I think there’s a difference between feeling something is not right for me and telling other people
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.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What Mary Beth said. And also, what Jules said.

I think perhaps camo has become an iconic pattern in the way that mariner stripes have become iconic.

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.

Meanwhile, I tend to love military "officer" detailing on clothing, e.g. double breasted, trench coats, etc. So what's the different, really?

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.

MsMary

Veteran

I agree that camo is an iconic pattern at this point. I do think that if you wear a piece of actual 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.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

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.

Helena

Veteran

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 ...

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 ...

Aurore

Veteran

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.

Personally though, I do work with military people and would feel awkward wearing credibly camouflaged items around them. Something along the lines of falsely trying to blend in with a crowd I don't belong too - indeed.
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.
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...

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Gaylene

Veteran

For me, it’s about it’s all about context—the when, where, and how.

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”.

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. My choice either way…

Style Fan

Veteran

This is a topic I have struggled with for years. I have several camo pieces, and they are army green. I have the same feelings as Carla does about hunting, which is common in my area. But I doubt if anyone would think I am headed out to bear hunt. It is donning something from the military that is my struggle. I have not served in the military, and is it fashion?
I don't have an answer, but I will probably not buy too much camo in the future.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

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.

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.

columbine(erin)

Veteran

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.

Sloper

Veteran

I don't do camo - I started thinking about it after 9/11. 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.

gryffin

Veteran

I think there is potentially a bigger question here. 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. The question of cultural or professional appropriation. 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." 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. Although anyone who rode would realize they were "fashion," civilians would ask me if I rode. Should I have not worn them because I did not currently have a horse? What about leotards if you don't dance? Workout gear if your only workout is sitting on the couch? Sports or team apparel? Band tee's that you like but have never listened to their music? Ethnic clothing and jewelry? If you clothing is fashion and you are wearing it as such, if it is respectful and positive, I see nothing wrong with that. But I am concerned about the policing, negativity and judgement that is often associated with this subject. It makes me really sad. 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. At the end you see a picture of all the trick-or-treaters dressed as minions. It's a shame we don't always see referencing for what it usually is, fandom, support, admiration, respect and appreciation. A bravo, standing ovation or maybe, in this case, a salute.

Anonymous

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 & 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?

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

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

Gaylene

Veteran

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 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.

And, to be honest, I think the line between “lifting” and “referencing” can get as muddled as the line between bullying and helping.

MsMaven

Veteran

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.

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.

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.

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