Man's military poncho
1948
Coated cotton
Museum purchase
Object number2003.98.1
The French developed camouflage during World War I to help soldiers (and equipment) blend into combat environments. By World War II, the U.S. had introduced the print into its military uniforms as ponchos and helmet covers, which were worn over standard issue uniforms. Today, combat uniforms are entirely camouflage—the colors and shapes in the print vary between countries and climates.
DescriptionU.S. Marine waterproof poncho in coated cotton, printed in reversible camouflage, one side for woodlands in shades of green and brown, other side for desert in shades of tan and brown, large rectangle with neck hole, stand collar and CF slit, brass snaps at neck and outer edgesExhibitions