Planet Money Strange threadfellows: How the U.S. military shaped what we all wear
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Dec 10, 2025 
Avery Trufelman, host of the fashion history podcast Articles of Interest, dives into how the U.S. military has influenced everyday clothing. She explores the hidden connection between military design and common apparel, tracing innovations sparked by WWII. From military surplus flooding markets to iconic pieces like the M65 jacket becoming symbols of protest, Avery reveals the evolution of style. She even uncovers modern outdoor brands that maintain covert ties to military contracts, all while reshaping our understanding of fashion's roots.
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WWII Labs Made Clothing Technical
- World War II forced the U.S. Quartermaster Corps to systematize clothing as performance gear rather than fashion.
- Their lab testing and Chauncey mannequins led to layering systems like the M43 field jacket that shaped modern outerwear.
Postwar Surplus Flooded Civilian Stores
- After WWII the U.S. had massive surplus clothing and created the War Assets Administration to sell it off cheaply.
- Army surplus stores exploded and became a primary source of affordable basics for civilians in the 1940s–1950s.
Banana Republic Began With Surplus Makeovers
- Patricia and Mel Ziegler bought surplus military shirts and remade them into stylish safari pieces at a flea market.
- Their tweaks and refashions became the foundation of Banana Republic's early aesthetic and business.