Fact Of Fashion #5

The term design use to make me think only of fabric, colour, swatches or fancy silhouettes if not virginal (new)structures and concepts -Ideas far from literal war grounds, unless one spoke of military being a trend influence through print, style or accessories. In 2006, any passenger boarding a US Sikor-sky during the war against Iraq would have been asked a rather baffling question considering their surrounding: Are you wearing synthetic materials? It has been said that diplomats and foreign correspondents where asked to change any synthetic materials they had on be it a polyester blended shirt or polypropylene vest on the spot as such fabricated garments where outlawed by the US Marine due to being highly ignitable, thus unsuitable in the theatre of war. The Marine corps developed a FROG(Flame Resistant Organizational Gear) line of garments from underwear to t-shirts that would protect the troops. Even though polyester blended synthetic materials are cheaper, they have revolutionized war/military gear through a common though expensive fabric from a merino sheep. Regarded as having the finest and softest wool of any sheep this wool is said to be light, strong and incredibly heat resistant through its elastic fibres. The beauty of the fibre itself is evident in intense, cold-weather or high-performance applications, where merino distinguishes itself from cotton and polyester fabrics by offering superior breath-ability, temperature regulation, moisture control, and inherent anti-microbial properties. Unlike "traditional" wool, merino is much finer, softer, and, best of all, itch-free for all but those with severe sensitivities or lanolin allergies. Natural excellent performance in war.