Militaries play an essential role on the global stage, as these individuals work to protect civilians, maintain border security, and ensure safe travel and commerce. An estimated 27 million people worldwide serve in their country’s military; these individuals can be identified by their uniforms.
Military uniforms have several meanings and purposes, from ceremonial duties to frontline combat. Each country has a different uniform and camouflage fabric to differentiate branches and nationalities. Exploring the coolest military uniforms is an excellent way to learn about military history.
Fortunately, you’ve come to the right guide to learn more about the most fantastic military uniforms from across the globe. Continue reading to find your favorite military style for your wardrobe today!
1. United States Marine Corps Dress Blues
The United States Marine Corps is a world-famous military branch. Serving on sea and land, Marines represent toughness and courage. They’re also famous for their stunning dress blue uniforms.
The uniform is unique in the U.S. military. It’s the only uniform designated to display the American flag’s red, white, and blue. The branch dates its origins to the American Revolution.
Marines pride themselves on the Corps’ values. Those values are on display prominently in the dress uniform design. Look for these uniforms during parades and ceremonial duties.
2. Royal Horse Guards
Another impressive military uniform to learn about is the Royal Horse Guards attire. Also known as the Blues and Royals, the uniform traces its roots to Charles II’s restoration as king of Ireland, England, and Scotland.
The armored heavy cavalry units transferred to royal duties during the restoration. The units wearing these dark blue uniforms were responsible for protecting the royal family.
As time passed, the soldiers of the Royal Horse Guards became “The Blues” to differentiate them from the red coats of standard British infantry units. The uniform colors and materials are still connected to the royal family.
3. Spanish Foreign Legion
The Spanish Foreign Legion has an exciting history. It formed after the French Foreign Legion was handed to the Spanish when Queen Isabella ascended to the throne in the mid-1800s. It’s a military unit with an extensive history, though it’s most famous for military actions to quell rebellions in North Africa.
The primary duties of this unique military unit are more focused on peacekeeping missions in the 21st century. They’re a force to be reckoned with, wearing traditional green fatigues with distinct hats. The best part of the Spanish Foreign Legion is the goat mascot.
The distinctive traits of this military uniform are the open lapels, military boots, and hats with piping. It’s a simple but classy uniform that shows the legion means business.
4. Argentinian Mounted Grenadiers
Argentina, with the Argentinian Mounted Grenadiers, is the first South American nation to make the list of coolest military uniforms. The unit formed in 1812 but was disbanded shortly after. Nearly 100 years later, the unit was remade as a ceremonial unit.
The primary purpose of the Argentinian Mounted Grenadiers is to act as an honor guard for the President of Argentina. The uniforms stand out for the white belt and strap that cross the front of each soldier’s body. Buttons are also prominent on the uniform at the bottom of the sleeves and along the uniform’s top.
Grenadiers wear tall hats to top off the uniform’s unique look. It’s a traditional appearance that is well-suited for ceremonial duties. The tall hats are designed to intimidate enemies of Argentina, and the overall uniform ranks as one of the most impressive in the world.
5. Royal Regiment of Scotland
You’ll love the Royal Regiment of Scotland uniforms if you enjoy flair. These uniforms hold nothing back and combine traditional Scottish and English elements. The uniform features an impressive kilt to honor Scottish history, clans, and warriors.
It’s a patriotic symbol that all Scots are proud of. The kilt is paired with a traditional sporran, a small pouch hanging from the soldier’s front. The official sporran of the Royal Regiment of Scotland is made of black and white horse hair.
You can differentiate battalions within the regiment by the hats they wear. Each battalion has a different hat color, which serves as a sign of unit pride. Members of the unit’s band wear large plumed hats for parades and ceremonial duties.
It’s a stunning combination of martial dress and cultural pride. The Royal Regiment of Scotland ranks high on the world’s list of coolest military uniforms.
6. United States Navy
The United States Navy has a long and impressive history and the uniforms to match. The regular uniform might not blow anyone away, but the updated version of the traditional dress whites is stunning. The new uniform features a leaner fit with all the best features from the original.
Members of the Navy at rank E6 and below wear the timeless white Dixie Cup hats to match the dress white uniforms. A classic navy blue neckerchief ties the outfit together. It’s a stunning ensemble that is meant to impress when sailors are in formation.
7. The Swiss Guard
The Swiss Guard is most famous for guarding The Vatican. Their duties include guarding the Holy See and the Papal Palace. The unit has been active in its duty for over 500 years, and the Pope depends on these elite units for safety.
The Pope himself leads the small number of infantry soldiers. These soldiers wear Renaissance-era blue, red, orange, and yellow uniforms in vertical columns.
During ceremonial duties, the Swiss Guard wears helmets. Ostrich feathers adorn the helmets for additional style.
Find the Coolest Military Uniforms in History Today
Military uniforms have a long history dating back thousands of years, with designs to display pride and intimidate potential threats. The coolest military uniforms range from The Swiss Guard to the U.S. Marine Corps.
The Argentinian Mounted Grenadiers wear an impressive historical uniform, while the Royal Regiment of Scotland wears kilts and sporrans. The U.S. Navy is another beautiful uniform that captures military style.
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