Today, camouflage is a common sight. It is used not only in the military, but also for hunting, architecture, and fashion. The idea behind camouflage is to be visually disruptive. A camouflage pattern is designed to confuse the brain and allow one to disguise themselves from whomever is looking in their direction.
Military camouflage first appeared during the 19th century. Its development was necessitated because of the increasing accuracy and power of firearms. However, it would not be until World War I that the concept really took off when the French military began to employ artists to create camouflage patterns. Such artists were called camoufleurs. The word “camouflage” comes from the French verb “camoufler” meaning “to conceal.” While camouflage was originally used to disguise military troops, today, it is also used to disguise battleships, tanks, and other military equipment.
The United States would not fully embrace camouflage until 1942 when the U.S. military hired two artists named Grant Wood and Jacques Villon. The two were responsible for creating the camouflage patterns that were widely used by the U.S. military for many years. Since then, the U.S. military has changed its camouflage patterns to fit the theater of war that it is engaged in. For example, during the Gulf War, the U.S. military adopted special camouflage, nicknamed “cookie dough” and “chocolate chip” by U.S. soldiers, to blend in with their surroundings.
Now days, camouflage is quite popular in fashion. There are companies that specialize summer and winter camouflage clothing. You can even buy camo formal prom dresses or camo wedding gowns. Camouflage’s influence goes beyond just clothing. For example, you can buy camo bed sheets. If you would like to find some summer or winter camouflage clothing, then a quick internet search can get you started.