What Are Ripstop BDUs?

A BDU Camouflage Shirt

Battle dress uniform, or BDU, comes in a variety of material. One of these is ripstop, a fabric also commonly used in marine sails. This fabric is resistant to tears and rips.

Definition

BDUs made of ripstop material are constructed with double thread, which is woven into other squares of thread within the material. This lessens the incidence of tears. When tears do occur, the threading helps prevent the spread of the tears.

Types

Hot Weather BDUs have pants and coats made from ripstop fabric. They come in the typical four color camouflage pattern of greens, beige, black and brown. Poplin, or ribbed fabric, jungle uniforms came into wide use in Vietnam, replacing green sateen uniforms used prior to the ripstop fabric. Many other types of uniforms are made from this durable fabric.

Fun Fact

Ripstop is not only used for BDUs. It also sees common usage as a material for weather balloons, kites, tents, backpacks, parachutes and banners.

References

• Fas: BDU - Battle Dress Uniforms
• Ascendingparachutes: Parachute Facts
• Acronyms.thefreedictionary: BDU

Resources

• Sportsmansguide: Military - style Ripstop BDU Pants and Shirt