Many if not most of the best looking pieces of classic menswear have evolved from military dress. And that makes sense. Military uniforms have always helped give the wearer a strong look while remaining functional. Land was never defended and empires were never conquered by men wearing snuggies and crocs.
The military is also a bastion of discipline. And frugality is one subset of discipline. Good looks, low cost, and the quality needed to keep up with a soldier’s use is a pretty solid combination. Lucky for us, the manufactures of these goods are happy to sell off the leftovers to us civilians. Five items to look for follow, with pricing examples found during a field trip to the surplus store closest to the Dappered home offices.
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#1 Hats and Scarves: Wool Scarf – $5.97, Wool Watch Cap – $5.97
Stunningly inexpensive. The scarves are probably the best bet and the quality of the wool is second to none. The watch caps are obviously plain, but the wool is thick, warm, and will keep you from losing too much heat even if they get wet. The hats are pretty bulky and will itch more than most other hats.
#2 Sweaters: Acrylic Commando Sweater – $34.97 (wool will be a little more)
You probably won’t find a sweater you can wear to the office, but weekend sweaters (especially if you like to get outdoors on your time off) are easily had for $50 and under. Everything from bulky wool sweaters made to take a beating, to slim fit commando style sweaters with shoulder and elbow patches.
#3 Boots of most shapes and sizes: Logger Boots – $95.97
You’re not as likely to find a boot that’s slim through the toe (and thus would be easy to dress up with a blazer and jeans) but if you want real tough boots made of good quality leather, than one of the best places to find the lowest price is at a surplus store.
#4 Wool Pants: Made in Canada Wool Pants – $24.97
These aren’t suiting wool by any stretch. This is the real deal. Thick, flannel type stuff. Tough as well. You should be able to find pants from the US, Canada, Germany, and all over the globe. Cuts can vary, but for an initial cost of around $25 then a trip to the tailor is a small extra investment.
#5 Wool Peacoats: Short Style – $139.97, Long Style Bridge Coat – $159.97
The sign above says “finest quality” and they’re not kidding. These are the real thing. 75% wool with some nylon mixed in to keep the water from soaking through. The longer coat does look a little costumey with the buttons, and it’s probably not the best idea to wear that around unless you’re actually in the service. But a tailor can easily replace those with something more subtle. Both are made in the USA.
BONUS #6 Thick Leather Jackets: Full Grain Leather Jacket – $129.97
Pretty sure this jacket weighed at least 10 pounds. You’ll find plenty of odd finds and other unusual stuff in surplus stores. You might have to sacrifice a little when it comes to looks, but expect a lot when it comes to the quality.
A sincere thank you to all the Dappered readers who have served or are currently serving in the military. The enormous benefits we run of the mill civilians get to take advantage of thanks to your sacrifice are greatly appreciated. And know that most of us realize those benefits go way beyond a stray watch cap or peacoat.
Very cool feature. Never expected things of such decent looks to be in the surplus stores.
I would also add belts and bags as well.
Definitely agree. If you ever need a web belt, A/N is the place to get it. Very cool authentic and unique bags as well, some leather, some canvas.
Very cool but no tactlenecks?
Thanks. I have been thinking about going to an Army/Navy surplus store to find a bag or backpack. Now I know what to expect with this post.
Doesn’t Archer own the rights to those?
Joe, any wool socks?
Nothing beats a REAL commando sweater. The Sportsman’s Guide (http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/Main.aspx?) has surplus from around the globe. Some interesting stuff for dirt cheap.
That’s why we can’t have nice things…
I know the one by me carries them… A/N is always a stop of mine when I can see winter coming.
Nice post! I was just thinking how I need a new gym bag and I think I’ll look at the A/N surplus.
anyone know where i can pick up that leather jacket in the DC area?
No mention of the classic M65 field coat? If you find an actual, non-fashion M65 and size down a bit, they’re great. I have an Alpha and, after some minor needlework, it will probably be my main jacket for years.
http://www.alphaindustries.com/Mens-Field-Coats/Alpha-Industries-M-65-Field-Coat.asp
Joe,
Have you found any decent online sources for surplus shopping? I once got a great commando sweater for about $20 on http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/, but the site usually has little and less in the way of decent finds.
Ah… this makes me wish my Dad and I wore the same size. I used to love wearing his olive green commando sweater when I was little. Pretty sure it must have been wool, as it itched like a mother without long sleeves underneath it. And even though it’s marked as a size XL, it actually fits me pretty well except for being WAY too long.
For those facing cold winters with wool outerwear, another great thing to pick-up is a jacket liner like this. It’s a very thin ripstop jacket with a layer of polyester insulation, but it’s great at adding a bit of extra warmth without any bulk. My Dad still swears that it’s the only useful thing he ever got standard-issue. Get it in black, wear it under your nice overcoat, and you’ll be the only one who even knows it’s there.
awesome post, joe — hmm i think it’s time for another peacoat…
I’ve been wondering the same thing, Jon – well, actually, about where to find a surplus store that’s Metro-accessible. Just polled twitter and am being told there’s a place called Ranger Surplus in Bethesda, a few blocks north of the Metro station on Wisconsin Avenue. No clue if they have that jacket, of course, but it seems a good place to start.
“STERLING MALORY ARCHER!”-as heard from his mother,Malory Archer….I love that show!
M65’s are dope…..wear one without the liner and like you said,size down a bit for maximum effect…..
x2 on The Sportsman’s Guide. I’ve purchased many items there over the years. Only drawback is fairly high shipping costs and a high free shipping threshold (usually $99-$125). Otherwise no complaints.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/2-used-italian-military-combat-jackets-olive-drab.aspx?a=558447
I agree. The M65 field jacket has probably been copied and reinterpreted by designers more than any other type of jacket. Definitely size down a bit if you want a snug fit.
Military surplus is, by nature, not a “steady” retail business. In other words, it’s going to be hit and miss no matter where you go. The way I’ve found stuff in the past is just to google the specific thing I’m looking for and find the most reliable-looking store with the best price.
In my experience, Sportsmans’ Guide is a bit of a weird store. It actually sells very little American surplus, but sells lots of secondhand military gear from European countries as well as “military style” clothing from non-contract makers like Alpha Industries.
+1 on web belts. They are good casual belts and you can usually detach the brass buckle and toss the belt itself in the laundry.
Awesome. Top 5 all-time best posts. I continue to learn new stuff here.
LL Bean now makes an all-wool commando sweater, in 4 colors, for $60.
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/43324?page=commando-sweater-crewneck
I have the navy blue one, and it’s awesome, good quality, and lifetime guarantee as with all LLB.
a little itchy without longsleeves underneath, but it’s wool, what’d you expect
Thanks Joe. I think it give me and every other service member a big boost of encouragement seeing a post like this.
Love your site and keep up the good work.
From Iraq.
Yeah I think there’s a Ranger Surplus at Tysons Corner as well, probably outside the mall.
I really really like this article. I’ve had terrible luck at my local surplus stores but it’s good to see some people finding awesome items.
Joe, is that really a full grain leather moto jacket for $129?? Those chest zippers look like vents. I’m in the market for a good jacket with vents but they’re all $$$$.
It’s in the same shopping center where they used to have a Tower Records, at the corner of Gosnell Rd and Rte. 7 – the shopping center is called Pike 7 Plaza.
Hey, Dappered is based in NYC correct? Is this particular surplus store in or near the city? I’m relatively local and these deals are fantastic! I very much need a coat.
Only in black and slightly darker black. Wouldn’t want to push it or might end up eating so many cobwebs
Dappered is most definitely not based in NYC. I’m pretty sure I know where it is but I’ll leave that to Joe in case he’d rather not say.
How do you properly wear a scarf?
Huh weird. I don’t know why I thought they were in this area. Oh well. New York happens to have several Army/Navy stores, so I’ll just check one of the ones in the theater district.
try armynavydeals.com it is free shipping always, no min
I told my daughter I’d like a Peacoat. She told all her friends I’d like a Pettycoat.