History has a funny way of taking battlefield necessities and turning them into fashion statements. Some of the most stylish and essential pieces in our wardrobes started with a much more practical and sometimes downright deadly purpose. From keeping soldiers warm to ensuring they had room for extra ammo (or snacks, as we now use those pockets), military innovation has shaped what we wear in ways you’d never expect.
Related: Top 10 Dangerous Fashion Choices for Women
10 The High Heel – Built for Battle, Not the Ballroom
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Believe it or not, high heels were originally designed for battle, not the runway. In the 10th century, Persian cavalry wore them to keep their feet secure in stirrups while shooting arrows at their enemies. Imagine galloping into battle in a pair of red stilettos. Intimidating, right? When European aristocrats adopted them in the 17th century, they became a status symbol rather than a war essential.
Fast forward a few hundred years and high heels have gone from horseback combat gear to high fashion staples. Louis XIV of France famously strutted around in them, proving that a little extra height never hurt anyone except, of course, the people who tripped when wearing them. Now, they’re synonymous with glamour, but let’s not forget that their original purpose was much grittier than walking a red carpet.[1]
9 The Peacoat – From Naval Warfare to Nautical Chic
The peacoat, a winter staple for anyone wanting to look effortlessly stylish, was originally designed for Dutch sailors in the 1700s and later adopted by the British and U.S. Navies. Made from thick wool to keep seafarers warm and double-breasted to block out harsh winds, it was an essential part of naval warfare attire. The large buttons and short length also made it easy to move around while swabbing decks or firing cannons.
Nowadays, peacoats are more commonly seen at coffee shops than on battleships. Whether you’re braving a storm or just looking for a timeless jacket to pair with a scarf, you have centuries of sailors to thank for this effortlessly cool outerwear.[2]
8 Aviator Sunglasses – From Dogfights to Drive-Thrus
Before Tom Cruise made them cool in Top Gun, aviator sunglasses were designed in the 1930s for U.S. Air Force pilots. The large, teardrop-shaped lenses protected their eyes from the blinding sun at high altitudes, helping them see clearly while engaging in aerial dogfights. The mirrored coating, now used to check yourself out, was originally designed to block glare.
After World War II, aviators took off in Hollywood and became synonymous with effortless cool. These days, they’re less about aerial combat and more about dodging eye contact in public. Whether you’re piloting a fighter jet or just trying to look mysterious at brunch, aviators remain a top choice.[3]
7 The Cardigan – A Cozy Knit with a Battle-Scarred Past
Nothing screams “cozy” like a soft cardigan, but its origins are far from cuddly. The cardigan was named after James Brudenell, the 7th Earl of Cardigan, who led the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War in 1854. His troops wore knitted wool jackets that provided warmth without restricting movement, making them ideal for battle.
After the war, the cardigan became popular among civilians, eventually being embraced by everyone from university professors to grunge rockers. While it’s now more commonly seen in libraries than on battlefields, its roots remain surprisingly rugged.[4]
6 The Trench Coat – From Trenches to Trendy
The trench coat, now a staple of detective dramas and high fashion, was first developed for British soldiers in World War I. Made of waterproof gabardine fabric, it was designed to keep officers dry in the trenches while containing plenty of pockets for maps, weapons, and other battlefield necessities. Additionally, the belt and shoulder straps, now a symbol of dramatic flair, were initially used for carrying gear.
These days, the trench coat is more about style than survival, seen everywhere, from runways to rainy-day commutes. It remains one of the few fashion pieces that can make you feel like both a war hero and a film noir detective at the same time.[5]
5 Cargo Pants – From Utility to Staple
Cargo pants were first introduced in the 1930s as part of the British military’s battle dress uniform, designed for paratroopers who needed easy access to ammunition and supplies. The oversized pockets allowed soldiers to carry maps, grenades, and medical kits without being weighed down. By World War II, the U.S. military had adopted the design, making cargo pants a standard for infantry troops who required functional, durable clothing.
In the 1990s, cargo pants somehow made the leap from the battlefield to suburban malls, becoming a staple in streetwear and hip-hop fashion. Their baggy silhouette and abundance of pockets made them a favorite among skateboarders, musicians, and anyone who appreciated extra storage space. Even today, cargo pants continue to make a comeback, proving that a design meant for war can still thrive in peacetime, even if it is for holding snacks and phone chargers.[6]
4 Bomber Jackets – Keeping Pilots Warm and Civilians Stylish
Bomber jackets, also known as flight jackets, were first designed for military pilots in World War I and became widely used during World War II. They were designed because cockpits were unheated, and pilots needed a warm yet lightweight jacket that wouldn’t restrict their movement. The original design featured a fur-lined collar, tight cuffs, and a cropped waist to ensure insulation and mobility in high-altitude conditions. By the 1950s, the U.S. Air Force updated the design with nylon fabric and bright orange linings to aid in rescue missions.
After the war, bomber jackets found their way into mainstream fashion, particularly through subcultures like punk and hip-hop. Hollywood also played a significant role in their popularity, with stars like Steve McQueen and Tom Cruise making them iconic. Today, luxury brands such as Gucci and Balenciaga have reimaged the bomber jacket, proving that what once kept the pilot warm at 30,000 feet is now a must-have streetwear item.[7]
3 Combat Boots – From Battlefield to Streetwear
Combat boots have been a staple of military uniforms for centuries, evolving to meet the needs of soldiers in different terrains and climates. During World War II, soldiers wore leather boots with thick rubber soles for better durability and grip in rough conditions. Over time, improvements like waterproofing, steel toes, and ankle support made them even more effective in combat situations.
Following the war, combat boots gained popularity in punk and grunge fashion, symbolizing rebellion and toughness. Musicians like The Ramones and Kurt Cobain helped cement their place in alternative fashion. Today, they are a staple in streetwear and even high fashion, with brands like Dr. Martens and Prada offering modernized versions for everyday wear.[8]
2 The T-Shirt – From Undergarment to Icon
The T-shirt originated in the late 19th century as an undergarment issued to U.S. Navy sailors. It was lightweight, breathable, and easy to clean, all qualities that made it ideal for soldiers during both World Wars. The T-shirt became a part of standard military uniforms, providing soldiers with a practical and comfortable garment during long deployments.
It wasn’t until the 1950s, when actors like Marlon Brando and James Dean wore T-shirts in iconic films that the garment gained cultural significance. Symbolizing rebellion and youthful defiance, the T-shirt moved from military necessity to fashion icon. Today, the T-shirt is a universal wardrobe staple worn for comfort or as a fashion statement, evolving into a canvas for self-expression and personal style.[9]
1 The Dog Tag – From Identifier to Identity
Dog tags, which were first used during the U.S. Civil War as makeshift name tags, became standardized during World War I. These metal tags were designed to help identify soldiers’ bodies if they were killed in battle. Engraved with a soldier’s name, number, and medical details, dog tags ensured that soldiers could be identified even in the chaos of war.
By the late 20th century, dog tags transitioned into streetwear fashion, often customized with personal messages or symbols. What once served a grim purpose on the battlefield now represents individual style, with dog tags becoming a popular accessory in hip-hop and punk subcultures. Today, dog tags are no longer just military identifiers but a fashionable statement piece worn by people from all walks of life.[10]