One of the topics that I've bandied about with some of my friends involves people who wear military surplus uniforms. It seems to me that just as with hats and white shoes, there are absolute rules in how this should be done.
For military veterans, there are two options. The first is to wear the uniform in its entirety, just as one did in the service. This is appropriate for memorial services, formal occasions and just for the fun of it – such as going to the range and firing a service pistol that you used to use, or a period-appropriate rifle.
The other way to wear it is in an assertively incorrect manner, preferable only one or two pieces and to do so for a functional rather than aesthetic reason. I've found old uniform blouses can make nice lightweight jackets and broken-in boots are always useful. What's important here is that it be clear that you're not trying to show off per se, just using the clothing items Uncle Sam so generously gave you.
I have two Army-marked hoodie sweatshirts that are about to disintegrate but they are super comfortable and useful. I used to pair them with some Air Force-issued sweat pants, but alas the latter wore out.
For the families of veterans, the rules are similar – don't try to wear the whole thing (unless as a costume) and function isn't so paramount because you're clearly showing some familial pride.
For non-veterans, it's a little more ambiguous. I guess the question that comes to my is why one would wear it without having served?
People who haven't been through the training almost always wear it incorrectly, often with (unintentionally) comedic results. Wearing bits and pieces – as a veteran would – makes it look like you are pretending you're a veteran.
To put it another way, I can't see a good reason for a civilian to buy this stuff because to be honest, I'd never pay for sany of it out of my own pocket. The civilian versions are almost always better.
Chateau Lloyd 
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