Catching a glimpse of somebody wearing a military-style tactical vest as you walk through the Beaux-Arts commuter rail terminal at Park Avenue may take you by surprise; however, "tactical wear" has pretty much infiltrated everyday life, and for good reason. A quick glimpse through the many fashion magazines of today will reveal just how awe-struck fashion designers are of military fashion or tactical wear, which can be seen in some of the top designers revealing their animal instincts by designing fashion creations that reflect what you would expect was only limited to the battlefield. That being said, more and more fashion designers are finding wiggle room when it comes to integrating their designs with tactical accents, and the result has been revolutionary as far as streetwear goes.
The countless benign fashion designs of pants, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and more have been invaded by military-grade design upgrades, which now line a wide range of online and physical consumer outlets. Inspired by law enforcement, modern fashion designers have begun to offer up tactical streetwear with their distinct styles that are both functional and chic.
Servicing Civilians
The rise of the popularity of tactical gear in everyday fashion may feel like something new, but the first person to ring the alarm on the interest in tactical gear in everyday users was graphic novelist Nate Powell. A National Book Award-winning author Powell keenly observed and traced the surge in tactical gear-wearing civilians back to the 2000s. In his essay, 'About Face,' which was published in 2019, Powell documented his findings, tracing the trend back to the surge in voluntary military service during the early 2000s, which in his opinion, made the everyday consumer more accustomed to tactical-style everyday wear.
This likely dovetails with 9/11 and the new breed of young soldiers who were returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan with a preference for military-grade aesthetics. In short, tactical vests and other military-grade gear found their place in a post-war America where the military lifestyle was not restricted to the olive-drab attire worn by service men and women abroad and at home but was also adopted by an increasing number of civilians who felt patriotic and supported military action.
The creation of this distinct subculture in fashion attracted many brands that seized the opportunity to serve this new tactical fashion trend by integrating military-like wear into their fashion offerings for regular civilians who admired the contributions made by the military and other law enforcement.
The Rise of Function-First Attire
While it is not possible to attribute the macro-political, social, and other influences over civilian interest in tactical-adjacent clothing, according to the latest statistics, more people in the US are searching for tactical-style clothing online than ever before. This is mainly due to the fact that many prefer the function-first element of tactical clothing, which is something you just can't expect from regular streetwear attire.
Besides, it is no secret that firearms can inflict serious damage, especially if the bullet hits any of our vital organs, which happen to be located in the torso. A tactical vest is, therefore, effective when it comes to the protection of your chest and other organs from gunshots. For decades, folks had no choice but to wear bulky, bullet-proof vests just to stay safe, which ended up restricting their movement. Thanks to technology, alternative tactical designs that are lightweight and offer the same level of protection have burst onto the fashion scene, providing users with both fashion and function. The lightness of the modern tactical vest means that it can be worn not just by civilians but also by law enforcement or special units.
Unlimited Customization
One of the biggest advantages of using tactical vests is that they offer a wide variety of personalization. Modern tactical vests can be tailor-made to your specific requirements, and the plethora of add-ons means you get to customize your tactical vests according to your specific requirements with relative ease. Some of the personalization options that are available to those who opt for tactical vests include multiple pockets, ammunition pouches, and more so that you can load up for any specific situation.
This also goes for other factors when selecting a tactical vest, such as the degree of protection you need and the weight of the tactical vest due to the replacement plates. The good news is you can easily find various styles and weight categories of plates that go with the tactical vest you choose, along with multiple style options as well.
Safety Reasons
Since the majority of consumers are turning towards tactical-style clothing for safety reasons, it makes sense for tactical clothing brands to offer multiple options when it comes to tactical vests. Some of the other features that fashion-forward folks have to look forward to when it comes to tactical-based clothing include thermo-regulated and lightweight designs as well as protection against small firearms such as the .357 Magnum or 9mm rounds.
Just because the tactical vest offers unmatched safety when it comes to knives or small arms does not mean that they have to be bulky and visible from a mile away. Many brands are now offering lightweight designs that are incredibly discrete while offering the same level of protection that one would expect to get from a tactical vest. A great example of the modern tactical vest can be given of ex-President Barack Obama, who, back in 2009, shortly after its inauguration, wore protective gear from designer Miguel Caballero which was incredibly discreet.
Some of the tactical gear that's growing in popularity are windbreakers and tactical jackets that come with several pockets for concealing without making the individual look like a member of law enforcement.
When it comes to tactical vests, looks have become just as important as practicality, with young buyers turning to tactical vests to make a fashion statement, knowing they'll get the added advantage of protection from a straight-on bullet as well. And, when we see instances of horrific shootings on almost a daily basis, it makes sense why a growing number of consumers would be concerned about their safety at a subconscious level.
Thanks to the advancements in design, military-grade apparel is no longer deliberately kept from the masses. The tactical vests designed today are framed as providing versatility and design aesthetics to meet both every use for civilians and mission-critical use for law enforcement. This is the main reason why tactical vests have been embraced by fashion-conscious individuals.
Ending Note
The rise of tactical vests in fashion can be traced back to the improvements in design and function that have been the drivers of consumer interest in tactical wear for everyday use. This means the growing trend of wearing tactical-style streetwear extends far from what was normally aligned with military use. To find out more on tactical gear and military-grade options such as tactical vests, tactical belts, and more, you can visit ShieldConcept.com.
