Gear (Articles of Interest)

This podcast episode, titled "Gear," explores the surprising connections between the military and the outdoor goods industry. It begins by examining how classic menswear often draws inspiration from 20th-century military surplus clothing, with brands like Buck Mason replicating details from vintage military garments. The episode then discusses the role of the U.S. military in American clothing manufacturing, highlighting the Barry Amendment and how military contracts support many American factories, particularly in the outdoor industry. The episode further explores the historical relationship between Americans and the outdoors, focusing on the idea of recovering rugged masculinity and the evolution of outdoor wear. It also delves into the history of military uniforms, from the hunting shirts of the American Revolution to the adoption of khaki during the Spanish-American War, and how the military began to take cues from the outdoor industry.