British military clothing is built around purpose, materials and experience. At Silvermans, we have spent 80 years trading in military clothing and equipment, connecting generations of customers with the kit, designs and traditions that have shaped British military history.
From the factories that supplied British service personnel to the unmistakable camouflage of DPM and the distinctive gabardine SAS windproof smock, the story of British military clothing is one of practical design, specialist materials and equipment developed to meet real demands.
Today, that heritage continues in our range of military surplus clothing, including used and new DPM ripstop combat jackets and genuine British-made SAS windproof smocks.
80 Years of Silvermans: A Connection to British Military Manufacturing
For eight decades, Silvermans has traded in military clothing, equipment and surplus kit. Over that time, British military supply has involved a network of specialist manufacturers producing garments and equipment for the demands of service life.
British-made military clothing earned a reputation for practical construction, robust materials and designs shaped by experience in the field. From the cut of a combat garment to the choice of fabric, fastenings and pockets, the details mattered because the equipment had to work.
Silvermans’ long trading history gives us a connection to this world of military supply and surplus. We have seen generations of equipment come and go, while certain designs and materials have continued to attract interest long after their original service life.
The story is not simply about nostalgia. It is about understanding why these garments were made as they were, the conditions they were intended for and the qualities that continue to make them useful today.
Windproof Smocks: A Wartime Idea That Endured
Among the most recognisable garments in British military clothing is the windproof smock.
During the Second World War, British forces used specialist outer garments designed to provide a practical layer over standard uniform. The 1942 Pattern windproof smock, issued from 1943, was developed to help protect the wearer from wind while remaining suitable for field use. Its loose cut allowed it to be worn over other clothing, while its hood and simple, functional design reflected the demands of military operations.
These wartime windproof garments formed part of a wider tradition of British military clothing designed around layering, mobility and protection from the elements. Their influence continued in later military smocks, including garments associated with specialist forces.
It is important to distinguish the wartime windproof smock from the later DPM SAS windproof smock. They belong to the same broader history of practical military outerwear, but their materials, camouflage patterns and details evolved over time.
Gabardine: The Fabric Behind the Classic SAS Windproof Smock
Gabardine is a tightly woven fabric known for its close construction and ability to provide useful protection against wind and light weather, depending on its composition and finish. It has a long history in tailored outerwear and uniforms, where a balance of durability, weight and weather resistance is important.
For British military windproof clothing, specialist fabrics were central to the garment’s purpose. Cotton gabardine and other tightly woven fabrics were used in different military applications, with particular materials selected for particular designs and requirements. Ventile, a specialist densely woven cotton fabric, is also associated with certain British military windproof garments, especially in demanding weather conditions.
The classic SAS windproof smock became known for its lightweight gabardine construction, generous cut, attached hood and large front pockets. Its design was intended to be practical in the field, including when worn over other layers. Later versions evolved in details such as sizing, fastenings and pocket arrangements.
The DPM windproof smock emerged as camouflage clothing developed through the post-war period. DPM itself became a familiar feature of British military dress from the 1960s onwards, eventually becoming one of the most recognisable British camouflage patterns.
Our genuine British-made SAS windproof smocks represent a later chapter in that story: new old stock from the older pattern, made in Britain and featuring the characteristic gabardine material, full zip with covering flap, attached hood and four large pockets.
These are not newly manufactured reproductions. Once this original stock has gone, it cannot simply be reordered from the same production run.
Explore the SAS Windproof Smock
DPM Ripstop Jackets: A Practical Military Classic
DPM — Disruptive Pattern Material — became a defining feature of British military clothing. Its combination of contrasting colours was designed to break up the outline of the wearer in suitable environments, and the pattern remained in service through several generations of British uniform.
Alongside the development of camouflage, military clothing also continued to evolve in construction and materials. Ripstop fabric uses a reinforced woven grid intended to help prevent a small tear from spreading easily. It became a practical choice for garments where low weight and everyday durability were important.
Today, DPM ripstop combat jackets remain popular with surplus enthusiasts, outdoor users and customers who appreciate practical clothing with a genuine military background.
At Silvermans, we have both used and new DPM ripstop jackets available, giving customers a choice depending on their preference and budget.
Used British DPM Ripstop Combat Jackets — Just £16.00
We have reduced our used DPM ripstop combat jackets to £16.00 as part of our current clearance.
With a good range of sizes available, they offer an affordable way to own a classic British camouflage jacket. As used surplus, individual jackets may show signs of previous wear and condition can vary.
Shop Used DPM Ripstop Combat Jackets — £16.00
New DPM Ripstop Jackets
Prefer new clothing? We also have new DPM ripstop jackets available. They offer the same familiar camouflage style without the previous-use history of used surplus.
Explore Our Combat Jacket Range
British-Made Military Clothing: Why the Details Matter
One of the reasons older military garments continue to attract attention is the detail built into their design. Large pockets, protective flaps, adjustable cuffs, hoods and carefully chosen fabrics were not simply decorative features. They served a purpose.
The same is true of the SAS windproof smock. Its recognisable shape developed around a particular set of practical requirements, and its fabric and construction are central to its identity.
For collectors, the interest may lie in the pattern, the manufacturing details or the garment’s place in military history. For outdoor users, it may be the generous cut, useful pockets and straightforward construction. For others, it is simply the appeal of a well-designed piece of British military clothing.
At Silvermans, we believe these garments are worth understanding as well as wearing. Their history helps explain why they look the way they do and why particular versions have become sought-after pieces of surplus kit.
Explore Military Clothing at Silvermans
After 80 years of trading, Silvermans continues to offer military clothing and equipment spanning different periods, styles and uses.
Whether you are looking for an affordable used DPM ripstop jacket, a new camouflage combat jacket or a genuine British-made SAS windproof smock, our range brings together practical clothing and pieces of military heritage.
Explore the current selection and discover more of the stories behind the equipment.
Shop Combat Jackets and Military Clothing
Silvermans — 80 years of military clothing, equipment and surplus heritage.
