Walk down Orchard Road or hop on the MRT during rush hour, and you’ll notice a shift. The skinny jeans are gone. In their place? Cargo pants with endless pockets, magnetic buckle belts, and technical vests.
It’s not a mobilization exercise; it’s the rise of Tactical Fashion (often called Techwear or Gorpcore). Here is why this utilitarian look is exploding in Singapore and why it’s more than just a passing trend.
Singapore is a modern city, but it’s a demanding environment. Between the intense humidity and the sudden torrential rains, our clothes need to work as hard as we do.
For the Singaporean male, "tactical gear" used to mean one thing: NS (National Service). For years, we couldn't wait to get out of the uniform. Now, the script has flipped. We are seeing a reclamation of that aesthetic—but on our terms. It’s no longer about drab, ill-fitting army fatigues. It’s about sharp, tailored cuts that borrow the durability of military gear but look sleek enough for a coffee run in Tiong Bahru.
Fast fashion is losing its appeal. People are tired of shirts that shrink after one wash. Tactical gear is inherently designed to take a beating.
If you want to adopt the trend, the key is moderation.
The Verdict? Tactical gear is becoming mainstream because it solves a problem: it bridges the gap between looking good and being prepared for the urban grind. It’s fashion that functions.
