Among the tiger stripe camouflage patterns from the Vietnam War era, this is a “Late War Lightweight” type shirt seen in the later stages of the war.
Tiger Stripe is a camouflage pattern that symbolizes the Vietnam War; it was used by the South Vietnamese Army, as well as special forces and reconnaissance units, and later became popular among U.S. military personnel.Unlike the U.S. military’s issued camouflage, one of the greatest appeals of Tiger Stripe is the wide variety of patterns and sewing specifications that exist due to its local production and procurement. This Tiger Stripe pattern is believed to have been manufactured in South Korea.
This item is a late-model version made from lightweight fabric, with sizes ranging from A to L.
What’s most remarkable is the fading resulting from years of wear, sun exposure, and washing. The darker areas have taken on a soft, purplish hue, the green has lightened, and in some places, a unique, slightly yellowish tone has emerged. This coloration—found only in well-worn Tiger Stripe—is entirely distinct from that of new or deadstock items.
It features a simple shirt style with button-fastened pockets on both chest sides. The overall camouflage pattern has a great vibe, and the fading makes the bold stripes characteristic of the “Tiger Stripe” pattern stand out even more.
A colored patch depicting the South Vietnamese Army (ARVN) Airborne insignia is sewn onto the left chest.The design, combining a parachute and wings, is that of the South Vietnamese Army’s airborne units. While the patch itself is believed to be an authentic period piece, we cannot confirm that it was originally sewn on; therefore, it is reasonable to assume it was attached at a later date. Even taking that into account, the combination of an authentic tiger-stripe shirt and an authentic patch makes for a striking piece.
Condition: USED. The shirt shows significant overall wear, with the fabric exhibiting severe fading and signs of use. However, there are no noticeable large stains or critical tears, and it retains its distinctive character as a shirt despite the extensive fading—a point that adds to its appeal.
Even with the same pattern, tiger stripes take on a completely different character depending on how they’ve faded. A Late War Lightweight like this one—worn until it’s pale and has taken on a slight yellowish tint—is a truly stylish, one-of-a-kind piece that embodies the unique charm of vintage clothing.
It’s a piece that not only makes a great addition to any collection but also exudes an outstanding presence when actually worn. We highly recommend this item to those specifically looking for a “Tiger” that has been worn, washed, and faded—rather than a pristine specimen.
Please note that returns are not accepted for used items.
Size (Flat Measurements)
Shoulder width: 45 cm, Chest
width: 50 cm,
Length: 65 cm,
Sleeve length: 56 cm
