Although it may seem that military style has exploded within pop culture only over the past 30 years, garments first introduced by the American and British armed forces have been a staple of civilian dress and a major reference point for the fashion industry since the 1950s. Everyone from teenyboppers to retired CEOs can be found in military-inspired clothing, whether they realize it or not. In fact, military silhouettes, fabrics and details have become so omnipresent throughout society that many designers and consumers may not know their histories or intended uses. The following list takes a closer look at the origins of five military garments that have transformed fashion and how they became standards of the modern wardrobe.

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Tags: military-fashion, bomber-jackets, alpha-industries