How to Wear Military Pants

Military pants aren’t just for service members! These rugged pants are very popular with the general public for their comfort and durability. They’re also extremely versatile, and will work with your outfit whether you’re on a hike or sitting in a meeting. Try these tricks to make your military pants fit any occasion. Anyone looks amazing in them!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Everyday Style

1
Pair camo patterns with solid, neutral colors for the best match. If your pants have a camo pattern, you might be wondering how you can make that work with your outfit. It’s easier than you might think. Camo usually works best with neutral, solid colors. Think black, gray, or white. You can’t go wrong with these choices.^{[1]XResearch source}
- This color code can work with any of your accessories too. Belts, bags, backpacks, and shoes in solid, neutral colors will look great.
- You could also be more bold if you want to. Why not try a pink shirt or jacket with your camo pants? Everyone will definitely notice you!
- Camo usually doesn’t look good with other prints, like leopard. Save those for another outfit.
2
Put on a simple T-shirt for a casual look. Military pants are a great pairing with any casual outfit. T-shirts, tank tops, polos, V-necks will all bring together a comfy, relaxed look.^{[2]XResearch source}
- You can't go wrong with wearing your military pants with a cool T-shirt and a pair of high-top sneakers.^{[3]XExpert SourceLana Blanc
  Personal & Fashion StylistExpert Interview. 13 October 2021.}
- It’s easy to make the outfit a bit more formal by tucking your shirt in, or wearing a button-up instead.
- You could also wear military pants with a crop top for a more feminine look.^{[4]XExpert SourceLana Blanc
  Personal & Fashion StylistExpert Interview. 13 October 2021.}
- A nice blouse would also make your outfit more business-casual, if that’s the look you’re going for.
3
Complete your outfit with sneakers to look relaxed and laid-back. If you’re just heading out to the store or seeing your friends, sneakers are a great choice. They go well with tight or loose pants and almost any color pattern. Any brand with neutral colors that match your pants will look great!^{[5]XResearch source}
- Casual, toned-down walking sneakers usually work best. Running shoes with wilder colors will probably clash with your outfit.
- Plain white sneakers with military pants are a popular look right now.
4
Try a denim jacket for a casual accessory. Denim jackets are a great accessory for any outfit, including with military pants. The color matches nicely with dark green or camo patterns, so you can stay warm without looking too formal.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Washed-out or faded denim usually works best with military pants. Darker colors might not match as well, but they could definitely work.
- You could also go with an oversized sweater and combat boots, or a shacket and dad sneakers.^{[7]XExpert SourceLana Blanc
  Personal & Fashion StylistExpert Interview. 13 October 2021.}
5
Pick a tighter fit to accent your body shape. Military pants are traditionally baggier, but don’t let that stop you! Picking a tighter fit will accent your body more and show your curves.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Tighter fits usually work well for more formal outfits, so try this look if you have a meeting or event to go to.
- Military camo prints also come in leggings or skinny jeans, if you'd prefer an even tighter fit.
6
Add some metallic jewelry to make the outfit look more feminine. If the military pants are a little too masculine for your look, you can soften the look a bit with some jewelry. Shiny silver or gold hoop earrings, necklaces, and bracelets will give your outfit the feminine look you’re going for.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Shiny, metallic buckles and clasps will look great too. Keep this in mind when you’re choosing a bag or belt.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Formal Options

1
Choose a button-up shirt or blouse for a more formal look. Who says you can’t wear your military pants to a dinner or business meeting? A nice top can really transform your whole look for fancy occasions. Instead of a T-shirt or tank top, pick a dress shirt or blouse instead.^{[10]XResearch source}
- If you're wearing a button-up shirt, tuck it in to look more put-together. If you want to look more relaxed, leave the shirt out instead.
2
Dress up the outfit with a blazer or sport coat. It’s easy to make the look a bit sharper with a nice jacket. Men and women can use this trick to sneak military pants into more formal events.^{[11]XResearch source}
- For more formal occasions, wear a button-up shirt tucked in with a nice belt. A nice blouse would work too.
- Blazers also work well with T-shirts and untucked shirts for less formal outings.
3
Pair the pants with nice shoes or heels. A fancy pair of shoes or heels can bring any outfit together. Colors like black, gray, brown, and white will work especially well.^{[12]XResearch source}
- For a men's look, any dress shoe will work. You could also try a loafer for a more business-casual look.
- Heels will look best with tighter pants that accent your body a bit.
- Remember to add a nice top and maybe even a jacket to really pull this outfit together.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Authentic Military Dress

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Wear the pants properly fitted around your waist. Service members don't raise or lower their pants. For an authentic look, make sure the pants sit snugly around your waist and you can move comfortably in them.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Make sure to get the right waist size. If the pants are too big, they'll sag and it'll be tough to look authentic.
2
Put on boots for a classic military look. When you think of military pants, you probably think of boots. This is why they’re the perfect footwear for this outfit. Pick a nice, neutral-colored pair of boots to go with your pants for an authentic style.^{[14]XResearch source}
- If you're in the service, then your tactical boots are the ideal pairing.
- You can wear dress boots for more formal occasions, or hiking and work boots for outdoor work. Anything works.
- Black and brown boots work best, but tan or faded boots are a great choice too.
3
Blouse the pants above your boots for a more authentic look. This is how members of the military wear their pants. Start by putting your boots and pants on, then rolling your pants up to your knees. Wrap a hair tie or bungee cord about halfway up your shin. Pull the pant legs down to your boots so they cover the cord. Roll the pants underneath the cord on each leg so the ends rest slight above your boot. Finally, pull the ends down a bit so they rest on the laces of your boots.^{[15]XResearch source}
- There are also other blousing methods, like tucking the pants into the boots or using a rubber band on the boot. Servicemen have different tricks for blousing.
- Blousing is meant for boots, but it could work with other shoes as well.
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