The 6-COLOR DESERT CAMOUFLAGE—commonly known as “CHOCOLATE CHIP CAMO”—is considered the origin of U.S. military desert camouflage. MILITARIA 1911 has just begun carrying this item, which epitomizes the era from the 1980s through the Gulf War.
The item we’ve just received is from the 1983 contract. It’s one of the relatively early examples of the 6-Color Desert Camouflage and comes in the highly sought-after LARGE-REGULAR size.
Chocolate Chip Camo is an authentic desert camouflage pattern adopted by the U.S. military for operations in desert regions. Generally used from around 1981 through the early 1990s, it is a camouflage pattern that, alongside the Woodland BDU introduced during the same period, left a strong impression of the U.S. military in the 1980s.
Its most distinctive feature is the small, rock-like black and white patterns scattered throughout the desert color palette, which ranges from beige to tan to brown. Because these fine black-brown patterns resemble chocolate chips, the nickname “Chocolate Chip” has become firmly established among collectors.
This unique six-color pattern was developed with desert environments—rich in gravel and rocks—in mind. Although the U.S. military later transitioned to the simpler three-color Desert camouflage, the complex and bold graphics specific to the six-color pattern remain truly one-of-a-kind. Beyond its military heritage, it is a highly refined camouflage pattern even when viewed purely as fashion.
Many of the details are shared with the Woodland BDU, featuring prominent cargo pockets on both thighs, slash pockets on the front, and flap pockets on the hips. With adjusters on both sides of the waist and a drawcord at the hem, the design is thoroughly practical—a hallmark of the U.S. military.
The inner tag reads “TROUSERS, DESERT CAMOUFLAGE PATTERN; COMBAT.”The contract number is DLA100-83-C-0692, and the manufacturer is WINFIELD MFG. CO., INC. The fabric is 50% cotton and 50% nylon.
And something vintage enthusiasts won’t want to miss is the beige paper tag. Its look differs from that of later versions, offering a detail that evokes the early 1980s. The key point here is that this isn’t just any “chocolate chip” BDU—it’s a piece that lets you appreciate a relatively early contract from 1983.
The size is LARGE-REGULAR. According to the tag, the waist measures 35–39 inches, and the inseam is 29 1/2–32 1/2 inches. This is an excellent size that lets you enjoy the bold, “chocolate chip”-style camouflage pattern in a substantial, BDU-style silhouette.
While it has a presence completely different from denim or solid-color military pants, its primarily beige and brown color scheme actually makes it very easy to coordinate. It pairs perfectly not only with white T-shirts, sweatshirts, and black tops, but also with vintage flight jackets.
Chocolate Chip symbolizes the era when the U.S. military began full-scale deployment of desert camouflage. Furthermore, this is an early piece from the 1983 contract, in a LARGE-REGULAR size.Combining
historical significance, the inherent coolness of the camouflage pattern, and versatility in modern styling, this is a Desert BDU that we highly recommend as a MILITARIA 1911 item.
Condition: Used. Shows signs of wear and tear due to age and use.
Please note that returns are not accepted for used items.
Size (measured flat):
Waist: 48 cm
Hips: 61 cm
Rise: 32
cm
Inseam: 80 cm Thigh Width: 35 cm
Hem Width: 21 cm
