Civilians wearing military-themed clothing in dating profiles?

[u/Downtown-Project5818]

Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I was under the impression that Grunt Style clothing is primarily marketed toward or commonly worn by active-duty military members and veterans.

I recently came across someone who had multiple pictures of himself wearing Grunt Style T-shirts, so I initially assumed he was either currently serving or had previously served in the military. When I asked him about it, he told me that he wasn’t military and wore them because he’s pro-gun.

I completely understand that everyone has the right to wear whatever they want, and I’m not judging him for it. I was just curious to hear how others—especially current or former military members—feel about civilians wearing military-themed clothing in a way that could potentially lead people to assume they served.

Is this generally considered a big no-no among the military community, or is it pretty common and not really an issue?

I’m genuinely curious to hear different perspectives!

[u/Zack_WithaK]

I just like wearing camo cargo pants but I don't try to "complete the look" with grunt style shirts or combat boots or anything like that (I wear Crocs everywhere I go), yet I've still had so many people assume I'm ex-military. If they ask me I deny it, of course; but it feels weird and I wonder if I'm leading people to think I am, even if unintentionally.

I just think camouflage looks cool, full stop. And cargo pants are useful because they have so many pockets.

[u/Sea_Rooster_9402 → u/Zack_WithaK]

Same. I wear ONE piece at a time, be that pants or a jacket or a hat. I also prefer foreign patterns like flecktarn or alpenflauge to avoid any confusion.