1970s—Authentic Fabric—Postwar Manufacture—VNMC 5th Model South Vietnamese Marine Corps Tiger Stripe Shirt—Used
The 5th Pattern Tiger Stripe is a prime example of the very last generation of Tiger Stripe camouflage, known for its use by the South Vietnamese Marine Corps (VNMC). While the fabric is authentic, it may have been sewn after the war. This pattern, seen during the latter half of the Vietnam War in the 1970s, is characterized by its ripstop fabric, which is distinctly different from earlier Tiger Stripe patterns. Although thin and lightweight, the fabric—with its grid-like weave of reinforcing threads—exudes the practicality expected of combat wear used in tropical regions at the time. While examples of this 5th Pattern are known to have been manufactured in Thailand and used by the South Vietnamese Marine Corps, a large number of shirts, pants, and boonie hats were also produced as souvenirs from the remaining original fabric after the war ended.Although the fabric itself on this particular piece is authentic 5th Pattern Tiger Stripe from that era, we believe the shirt was sewn after the war as a souvenir or civilian product. Nevertheless, this piece is brimming with the unique charm of vintage Tiger Stripe fabric. Particularly remarkable is the coloration of the fabric, which has aged over the years. The stripes, which were originally dark, have faded from black to a distinctive purplish charcoal color. Overlaid with shades of olive green, khaki, and brown, this creates a stunning contrast that is very difficult to replicate with modern reissue fabrics.Uneven fading is visible across the entire fabric, and comparing the front and back reveals the color changes brought about by the passage of time even more clearly. This is the distinctive character unique to vintage items, shaped by wear, washing, and the passage of time. This is a simple short-sleeved combat shirt style featuring two flap pockets—one on each side—at the chest. Near the inside of the collar, there is a stamp mark that appears to be from the South Vietnamese Army’s QM (Quartermaster) system; however, it has faded considerably and the text is no longer clearly legible.This faded stamp is yet another detail that conveys the passage of time the fabric has endured. The 5th Pattern is also an intriguing piece when tracing the history of tiger-stripe patterns. From the dense cotton twill tiger stripes of the 1960s to the lightweight ripstop fabrics of the latter half of the war.Furthermore, from 1975 onward, the remaining fabric was repurposed into souvenirs and civilian clothing—this particular piece can truly be described as one that straddles the boundary between “wartime tiger stripes” and “postwar tiger culture.” I recommend this piece not as an original VNMC shirt used in actual combat, but as a postwar-made shirt that allows you to appreciate the authentic 5th Pattern fabric from that era. The fabric itself has an exceptional character, and the combination of purplish stripes and faded green is incredibly appealing. This is a used item. It shows signs of wear, fading, and stains throughout. In particular, the darker areas exhibit a noticeable shift in hue from black to purple tones. The stamp, believed to be from the QM series, is severely faded and difficult to read. Please enjoy this item as a vintage piece, taking into account its age and the nature of the fabric. As this is a used item, returns are not accepted. Thank you for your understanding. Size (measured flat) Shoulder width: 43 cm Chest width: 51 cm Sleeve Length: 60 cm Length: 25 cm