# Who makes army uniforms? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 15, 2013, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-makes-army-uniforms/653056 "2013-03-15T22:53:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![matt357](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@matt357](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt357)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-makes-army-uniforms/653056/1 "2013-03-15T22:53:23Z")
I used to buy army ACU’s from army surplus stores but most of the stuff they sell is old, used, and dirty so I would like to know who makes army ACU’s and uniforms so I can buy directly from them. Also I think alot of the stuff online sold as real ACU’s are just knockoffs and are inferior quality, I want the actual brand(s) the army is using. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-makes-army-uniforms/653056/2 "2013-03-15T23:02:52Z")
[Propper](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propper) ---
**Author:** ![Lsura](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-makes-army-uniforms/653056/3 "2013-03-15T23:06:32Z")
I doubt they’ll sell them to the general public (apparel manufacturers aren’t generally set up to do so), but you can search government contracts at [http://www.usaspending.gov](http://www.usaspending.gov). Use the advanced search and use uniforms or clothing, or further down the age use the product/service field and select #84. ETA: stupid librarian trick of mine-going for the search rather than the find 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-makes-army-uniforms/653056/4 "2013-03-15T23:17:02Z")
> [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > [Propper](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propper) Propper, yes, but also at least a dozen others companies. > **[USA Contracts for New Army Combat Uniforms, New Camo - Defense Industry Daily](https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/usa-contracts-for-new-army-combat-uniforms-in-acupat-camo-03024/)** > > Latest updates: Over $100M in contracts, New ACU pattern for Afghanistan. The New ACU: Changes(click to view full) The USA's Army Combat Uniform (ACU) has undergone significant redesign over the last few years, including the recent addition of an... I don’t think any of them are going to sell to you, though. They are factories. If you’re looking to buy new ACUS, you should look into places like: > **[Military Uniform Coats | Combat Coats | USAMM](https://www.usamm.com/collections/uniform-coats)** > > USAMM offers military uniforms coats for ABU, ACU, OCP, and ASU. Our on-site tailoring services are also available to get your uniforms fitting just right! [http://www.rangerjoes.com/ACU-Pants-Regular-Length-P1884C20.aspx](http://www.rangerjoes.com/ACU-Pants-Regular-Length-P1884C20.aspx) [http://uspatriottactical9.reachlocal.net/army-combat-uniform-acu-propper/acu-army-combat-uniform-propper.html](http://uspatriottactical9.reachlocal.net/army-combat-uniform-acu-propper/acu-army-combat-uniform-propper.html) ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-makes-army-uniforms/653056/5 "2013-03-15T23:19:08Z")
BTW, just looking in my closet, I have ACUs made by Propper, Tru-Spec and UNICOR. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-makes-army-uniforms/653056/6 "2013-03-15T23:21:23Z")
My SO used to. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![matt357](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@matt357](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt357)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-makes-army-uniforms/653056/7 "2013-03-15T23:29:31Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > Propper, yes, but also at least a dozen others companies. > > [USA Contracts for New Army Combat Uniforms, New Camo - Defense Industry Daily](http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/usa-contracts-for-new-army-combat-uniforms-in-acupat-camo-03024/) > > I don’t think any of them are going to sell to you, though. They are factories. If you’re looking to buy new ACUS, you should look into places like: > > [http://www.acuarmy.com/acu-coats-c-5229\_17990.html](http://www.acuarmy.com/acu-coats-c-5229_17990.html) > [http://www.rangerjoes.com/ACU-Pants-Regular-Length-P1884C20.aspx](http://www.rangerjoes.com/ACU-Pants-Regular-Length-P1884C20.aspx) > [http://uspatriottactical9.reachlocal.net/army-combat-uniform-acu-propper/acu-army-combat-uniform-propper.html](http://uspatriottactical9.reachlocal.net/army-combat-uniform-acu-propper/acu-army-combat-uniform-propper.html) ya, I was looking at [acuarmy.com](http://acuarmy.com) before but how do I know if they sell proper ACU’s or knockoffs? ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2013, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-makes-army-uniforms/653056/8 "2013-03-16T00:47:44Z")
[acuarmy.com](http://acuarmy.com) ACUs will be Propper or Tru-Spec (both are Mil-Spec from military clothing contractors) according to their website. Though I have never purchased from them before, I would have no reservations ordering ACUs or anything else from that site. According to their website banner, they are part of [usamilitarymedals.com](http://usamilitarymedals.com), a website I have purchased from many times and would recommend. ETA: They also state: “[ACUarmy.com](http://ACUarmy.com) is an approved Department of Defense contractor and guarantees compliance with all U.S. Army uniform specifications.” ---
**Author:** ![matt357](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@matt357](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt357)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2013, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-makes-army-uniforms/653056/9 "2013-03-16T11:59:10Z")
I have also seen people say to look for USGI military clothing, is that a brand or a specification? ---
**Author:** ![Boozahol\_Squid\_P.I](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/d9b06d/32.png) [@Boozahol\_Squid\_P.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boozahol_Squid_P.I)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2013, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-makes-army-uniforms/653056/10 "2013-03-16T12:26:04Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > BTW, just looking in my closet, I have ACUs made by Propper, Tru-Spec and UNICOR. I have ACUs made by all three, plus American Apparel and Tullahoma Industries. ---
**Author:** ![matt357](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@matt357](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt357)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2013, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-makes-army-uniforms/653056/11 "2013-03-18T20:33:20Z")
anyone know if USGI is a brand? ---
**Author:** ![anson2995](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c77e96/32.png) [@anson2995](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anson2995)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2013, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-makes-army-uniforms/653056/12 "2013-03-18T21:58:58Z")
> [@matt357](#): > > anyone know if USGI is a brand? USGI means US Government Issued. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2013, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-makes-army-uniforms/653056/13 "2013-03-18T22:12:44Z")
> [@Boozahol\_Squid\_P.I](#): > > I have ACUs made by all three, plus American Apparel Am I the only one who finds this really perplexing? I mean, this is the company with the pervy owner, the borderline child-porn and highly sexual ads, and yet, they’re making military uniforms like crazy apparently. ---
**Author:** ![RadicalPi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/radicalpi/32/9806_2.png) [@RadicalPi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RadicalPi)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2013, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-makes-army-uniforms/653056/14 "2013-03-19T03:23:34Z")
> [@bump](#): > > Am I the only one who finds this really perplexing? I mean, this is the company with the pervy owner, the borderline child-porn and highly sexual ads, and yet, they’re making military uniforms like crazy apparently. It’s got to be because they manufacture in America. There aren’t too many garment companies left that do this. No cite though.