Growing up in central Pennsylvania gave me an early aversion to camouflage as fashion. In sixth grade, I had to take a hunting permit course (no, really), and ever since, I’ve avoided most signifiers of my rural upbringing. In doing so, though, I’ve overlooked just how easily camo can add a new dimension to an otherwise ordinary outfit.
Even without trying, it has a way of giving simple pieces like chinos or a white tee an unexpected edge. And I’m not the only one noticing. Among menswear junkies and IYKYK insiders, camo has quietly become the print of choice for standing out. (The irony of a pattern meant to disappear standing out so much isn’t lost on me.)
So how do you make camo look intentional? What are the dos and don’ts? I’ve got you covered.
How to Style Camo
Wearing camo is nothing new. Every few years it sneaks back into the mainstream, even if streetwear fans would argue it never really left. The difference now is in how it’s styled. Once reserved for Duck Dynasty aficionados or army-bro cosplay, camo today feels a lot more front-row than front-line.
When it comes right down to it, the color palette of camo is its greatest strength. Most camo print in menswear is what’s referred to as “woodland print.” You’re undoubtedly familiar with its big splotches of greens, browns, and tans. And because of this specific color combination, it’s a neutral, even if you wouldn’t immediately think of it as such. Because of this, there’s a lot of leeway in how one can dress when it comes to styling your camo pants without it veering too far into costume territory.
One such way to do this is by using it as a simple base as you would with, say, chinos. Upon this, I personally like to skew the rest of the look into prep with an oxford shirt and a sweater around my shoulders, or a more classic crewneck. This mixture of classic menswear and something a bit more “rugged” creates a fun juxtaposition that plays with the cultural undertones of both camo print and preppy style.
Keep it simple. While, yes, camo is in many ways a neutral, that doesn’t mean you should ignore that it is still very much a bold pattern. Pairing camo print with anything other than a solid shirt will undoubtedly make you look like my nephew who is at the stage where he likes to dress himself. Instead, stick with solid-colored tees or sweaters in blues or whites to avoid competing with your pants. Greys, unfortunately, will make you look like you’re in basic training.
Finally it should be mentioned that fit also plays a key part in getting this look down. While a bit oversized is fine, anything that’s baggy will start to look a bit too “stolen valor” for my comfort. Most menswear brands recognize this, where traditional tailoring principles are still adhered to, versus an army surplus store.
Photos via Wrangler
Wrangler Five Star Premium Relaxed Fit Flex Cargo Pant
Don’t let the $24.99 price tag fool you. Wrangler’s camo print cargo pants are a perfect entry point into experimenting with the print without breaking the bank. With a relaxed fit and a generous rise on the front, it’s comfortable and pairs easily with your favorite hoodie this time of year.
Photos via Huckberry
Relwen M-51 Lightweight Cargo Pant
Relwen’s apparel is inspired by vintage workwear and is headquartered in the Midwest, so it’s no surprise they’d have a great camo pant option in their line-up. The M-51 was directly inspired by the military-issue pant of the same alphanumeric name, meaning it will lean a bit more tactical than others on the list. With that said, the small details like the chain-stitched waistband and reconstructed pockets, make this feel more in the frame of reference in menswear than, perhaps, the original M51 would.
Photos via Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Camo Canvas Cargo Pant
Of course Ralph Lauren would have a camo cargo pant and of course it’ll be one of the best one’s out on the market. Ralph Lauren has been in conversation with American workwear for the better part of six decades and camouflage has become something of a mainstay throughout the years in his various collections, both on the runway and off-the-rack. Here, it’s the small details of his cargo pant which ultimately beat out the competitors, including the higher rise, the slanted front pockets and the side adjusters, which remind us that Lauren truly understands how to upgrade even the most ordinary garment.
Photo via Levi’s
Levi’s XX Cargo Straight Fit Pant
Like Wrangler, Levi’s longstanding relationship with American workwear outdoubtedly means the brand knows how to incorporate the print into a broader collection without sticking out like a sore thumb. Utilizing their XX Chino silhouette as the starting point, these cargo pants have a straight fit through the leg, tapering in slightly more than the relaxed fit many camo pants tend to lean towards. The pattern from Levi’s looks a bit bolder and this is due, in part, to the use of a stretch twill, which holds its shape and color compared to some cotton-based alternatives.
Photos via RRL
RRL Regiment Camo Ripstop Cargo Pant
RRL is a more premium label under the Ralph Lauren umbrella and this can be attested by their cargo pants. Using a durable ripstop fabric, these pants are built to last and will get better with age. The articulated knees and drawstring hems stay true to the tactical history of camo print, but the quality and more balanced silhouette of RRL’s version won’t easily be confused with anything you’d grab at Tractor Supply.
