Report Summary:

Military clothing is an integral part of a soldier’s fighting kit. It plays a key role in protecting soldiers during combat, and must therefore perform several functions in the most rugged of wearing conditions. At the same time, it must remain durable.

Developments in military clothing have been driven mainly by changes in the ways in which wars are fought. Because modern warfare is more likely to take place in congested urban streets than on battlefields, today’s military clothing has an appearance and performance characteristics which contrast sharply with those of uniforms worn by soldiers fighting in the trenches during the First World War.

Since the terrorist attacks on the USA on September 11, 2001 (9/11), and the consequent war on terror, the demand for military clothing, body armour and other military equipment has risen sharply. In turn, this rise has greatly benefited a number of clothing manufacturers in the Western world.

The ever present threat of terrorism has raised concerns about the vulnerability of military forces in general, and troops in war zones in particular. Governments around the world have sharpened their focus on military preparedness—including how best to clothe and equip their countries’ soldiers. They have invested heavily in the development of military uniforms which improve a soldier’s performance and comfort and offer the potential to save lives during combat.

As a result, developments in military clothing are being made today at a faster pace than at any time in history. New battledress concepts which harness nanotechnology and other advanced technologies have been devised with a view to helping the performance of soldiers on the battlefield by improving their ballistic protection, reducing the weight they carry, optimising their camouflage and amplifying their physical strength.

For the future, scientists have designed concepts for highly advanced multi-functional combat wear. However, it may take several years before these technological breakthroughs can be translated into wearable products.

Developments in Military Clothing

Textiles Intelligence, Technical Textile Markets

26 pages, published 4th quarter 2008

Price: US$520