From the Jungle to the Block: The Rise of Camo in Men’s Fashion

From hunting grounds to city streets, camo has made its move, flipping from tactical gear to a streetwear staple. It’s now popping up everywhere—from downtown coffee shops to high-end runways. The pattern is having one of its biggest style moments ever, especially with the rise of RealTree camo, a hyper-realistic version of the classic pattern that’s equal parts rugged and fresh. 

Originally built to blend in, camo has flipped the script—today, it stands out.

At Brooklyn Cloth, we’ve always had a thing for camo. We’re here for the edge, the attitude, and the adaptability. Whether you’re trying to turn heads or turn up, camo’s got your back. Let’s break down how this once-military motif became a fashion powerhouse—and how you can rock it like a pro.

Camo 101: A Brief Look Back 

Camo wasn’t always cool—it was strategic. It first appeared on French soldiers during WWI, painted by artists called “camoufleurs.” Fast-forward to WWII, and camouflage became an official military-issue around the world. Function over fashion… for now.

But when military surplus hit the streets, rebels made camo their uniform. In the ’60s and ’70s, activists rocked army jackets and camo pants to protest the very wars they came from. In the ’80s, punk and skate kids picked it up, pairing camo with ripped tees and combat boots. By the ’90s, hip-hop legends turned camo into a flex.

Then the 2000s hit, and camo exploded. Luxury brands like Valentino and Off-White started remixing the print. The lines between street and high fashion blurred—and camo was leading the charge.

Enter RealTree: When Nature Meets the Streets

While military camo is all about geometric shapes and earth-toned greens, RealTree camo brings the outdoors inside with tree bark, twigs, leaves, and branches, printed with photo-realistic detail.

Originally made for hunters, RealTree wasn’t trying to be stylish… but that’s exactly why it became a hit. It was raw and authentic, and when streetwear brands and rappers started rocking it? Game over.

RealTree gave camo a fresh remix. It’s less “military grit” and more “outdoors meets urban.” It says you don’t follow trends—you follow your own path, whether that’s through the woods or across the city street.

Brooklyn Cloth’s Camo Essentials 

Ready to level up your wardrobe? Here’s the Brooklyn Cloth camo lineup:.

1. Premium Heavy Weight Cotton Stick Camo Tee

This isn’t your average tee., Brooklyn Cloth’s Premium Stick Camo Tee is built from 250GSM heavyweight cotton, so it holds structure and makes a statement. The stick-style camo blends natural elements with urban edge—forest vibes filtered through a street lens.

Style it like this:
Throw it on with our Multi Pocket Stretch Twill Cargo Joggers for a utility-core vibe—lots of pockets, no nonsense. Or,Or keep it chill with relaxed denim for a casual vibe. White kicks? Always. Maybe even a chain to ice it out. And, of course,- pause for a fit check.

Why it hits:

• Heavyweight feel = instant upgrade
• Statement camo that’s not too loud
• Designed to stand out but easy to style

Camo Tee Colors:

·       Pistachio 

·       Tan

Cargo Joggers Colors: 

·       Black 

·       Olive

2. Heavy Weight Camo Full Zip

This hoodie makes camo chill. With a 320GSM heavyweight fabric, this full-zip is warm and, durable without compromising comfort. Whether you’re layering up for a chilly morning commute or just pulling off a street-styled fit, this hoodie shows up and stays solid.

The camo pattern keeps things low-key but far from basic. It’s subtle enough to wear on the daily yet detailed enough to catch eyes. You’re repping camo without screaming it.

How to wear it:
Start with the essentials: a clean white or black tee underneath sets the base. Zip the hoodie halfway for that effortless layered look. Match it with our Olive Side Pocket Zip Twill Jogger 2.0 for a neutral-on-neutral combo that hits different. The Sand and Light Grey camo options especially vibe well with olive tones. Finish off with your favorite pair of sneakers or even combat boots if you’re going all in.

Available in:

·       Cream

·       Dusty Black

·       Light Grey

·       Olive

·       Sand

3. Heavyweight Fleece Camo Hoodie

Want to flex camo without shouting? This hoodie does the job. It hits that sweet spot between rugged and relaxed with its earthy inspired print and street-ready silhouette. The 320GSM fleece brings warmth without the bulk.

Style tips:
Layer it over a white tee, and toss on your favorite Brooklyn Cloth joggers and you’ve got a look that’s both tactical and trend-forward. But if you want to dial it up a notch, grab the Dusty Black Hoodie  and pair it with Brooklyn Cloth’s Black Multi Pocket Poplin Cargo Pants. The all-black fit keeps it clean and sharp, while the texture from the camo and cargos adds just the right amount of depth. Finish the look with chunky sneakers or combat boots and you’re locked in.

Colors: 

·       Sand

·       Cream

·       Olive

·       Light Grey

·       Dusty Black

4. Camo Fleece Pant

These camo fleece pants capture nature's organic textures. For a casual streetwear look, wear these fleece pants with a hoodie and classic sneakers.

Style this way:
Go for hHead-to-toe camo, with our matching  Heavyweight Fleece Camo Hoodie or Heavy Weight Camo Full Zip. But if you want to mix it up, balance out the print with solid tones up top. The Brooklyn Cloth Originals Quarter Zip Pullover Hoodie is a clean pick—especially in Black or Pumice Stone. It lets the camo do the talking while keeping the overall look fresh and put-together.

Finish it off with classic sneakers, or a puffer vest if it’s cold out, and you’re serving peak city camo energy.

Pant Colors:

·      Sand

·      Olive

·      Dusty Black

Quarter Zip Hoodie Colors:

·      Black

·      Pumice Stone

5. Rib Camo Mesh Shorts

These rib camo mesh shorts were built for hot days and cool moves. Breathable mesh meets a bold camo print that gives “I’m chill, but I still care about the fit.”

Wear it with:
Keep it simple with our clean Brooklyn Tee in white, or go for a graphic tee if you're feeling it. For athleisure edge, rock them with your favorite Brooklyn Cloth hoodie and kicks for a sporty, just left practice vibe.

Colors: 

·       Sand

·       Charcoal Grey

6. Fleece Camo Short

Our Fleece Camo Shorts combine the bold appeal of camo with ultimate comfort, featuring a soft yet durable fabric that’s perfect for lounging or hitting the streets. With their relaxed fit and modern design,  these men’s shorts offer a versatile way to incorporate camo into your everyday wardrobe.

 They’re the definition of throw-on-and-go but still look styled.

Styling:

For a street-ready look try oversized solid tee + fresh kicks. To layered it up, go for a solid bomber jacket. For a full monochrome moment pair with our Heavyweight Camo Hoodie for full-on camo drip. Feeling like an athleisure king? Rock a hoodie + slides for a clean and comfy look.

Colors: 

·       Cream

·       Dusty Black

·       Olive

Camo FAQs (aka, How Not to to Overdo It)

Is camo considered neutral?
Absolutely. Earth tones make camo surprisingly easy to match. Think of it like a pattern that acts like a solid.

What colors go best with camo?
Solid: Black, White

Neutral: Olive, Tan, Cream

Bold: Neons if you’re feeling wild!

Is camo seasonal?
Nope. Camo’s a year-round thing. Just switch up the fabrics—fleece for winter, mesh and cotton for summer. Brooklyn Cloth’s wide range of fabric choices  allows you to rock camo season after season.

Camo Isn’t Going Anywhere—Here’s Why

At the end of the day, camo is timeless because it adapts to the moment. Whether you're going for tough, chill, bold, or minimal, there’s a version of camo for you.

From military roots to hip-hop royalty, skate parks to streetwear runways, camo has always been more than a print—it’s a vibe. And with RealTree bringing a deep woods drip, camo’s future is looking even fresher.

So, if you're ready to flex without trying too hard, slide into Brooklyn Cloth’s camo collection. The streets (and the trees) are calling