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FATIGUE FRENZY?

Basic military or military-style fatigue pants, shorts, shirts and caps are at the top of the fashion parade right now, again as mentioned above, in solid colors.

The fatigue cap remains a popular head covering, boonies not so much, according to Ottaviano.

Rothco is also doing extremely well with vintage washed infantry utility shorts that feature plenty of pockets and a below-the-knee length.

The booty short and tank top, in military colors are going great guns with the ladies.

T - TIME

Of course, the t-shirt is the single most popular casual apparel item, and the army/navy store offers just about any style and look that the fashion plate desires.

Ottaviano noted that basic solid color tees with simple vintage-style iconic military graphics are big right now, as are tees with elaborate, coast-to-coast graphics of an edgy, gritty nature.

“The look is not necessarily dark or violent, but conveys a simple but stark message,” he added.

SUCCESSORIES

Opportunities for accessorization of the sale of military casual apparel abound for the creative army/navy retailer, according to Ottaviano.

“Retailers should sell insignia and patches in a kit or create their own shirt-accessory combinations, then put them on a mannequin,” he said.

There is no shortage of accessories for military casual apparel - some of the obvious choices include bags, sunglasses, caps dog tags, medals, ribbons, badges, insignia, patches, jewelry and watches.

It’s the latter item that Ottaviano claims is the newest, hottest accessory.

“The growth of watch sales in the apparel market is insane,” he opined.

He added that fashionable watches, notably in military styles, do not have to be expensive and that buyers, especially men, now will seek to own many watches rather than just one or two.

Looking towards the fall of 2008, Ottaviano also forecasted the popularity of the M65 jacket.

“The vintage M65 in nylon and leather was a big seller at the recent MAGIC Show,” he reported.