Articles of Interest Gear Gear: Chapter 1
Oct 22, 2025
Joshua Kerner, a citizen researcher and military-uniform enthusiast, dives deep into the historical ties between military attire and American civilian fashion. He discusses how vintage military clothing informs modern design and the significance of the Berry Amendment in preserving U.S. garment production. Kerner also shares fascinating insights into early American militia dress, the mass production of Civil War uniforms, and how surpluses fueled civilian military fashion. His passion for history reveals how military styles helped shape American identity.
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Designers Study Surplus Up Close
- Kyle Fitzgibbons showed Avery a conference room filled with vintage military surplus that designers dissect to replicate details.
- They literally count stitches per inch with magnifying glasses to reproduce authentic finishes.
Military Roots Of Classic Menswear
- Almost every classic menswear archetype traces back to military surplus garments from the 20th century.
- Designers copy tiny military details to graft character and perceived history onto new clothes.
Berry Amendment Sustains U.S. Apparel Factories
- The 1941 Berry Amendment requires US military clothing to be made domestically, sustaining parts of American textile manufacturing.
- Many civilian-made-in-USA products survive because factories also supply military contracts and components.
