Tropical & Elastique Fabric Differences

Fabric Details:

Tropical Uniform:

Made of 55/45 polyester/wool tropical material, the same material as the former "Dress Blue" uniforms you may have had before the ASU release. This uniform is a good option for temperate or moderate climates.

Elastique Uniform:

Made of 55/45 polyester/wool Elastique fabric that is the highest quality uniform available. Durable and wrinkle resistant, this uniform will maintain a great military appearance through frequent wear.

A Closer Look at Our Elastique Fabric:

Fabric Weight:

Why is Our Elastique Cloth Better?

1) More Durable Weave and More Historical - Our Elastique cloth is a "double" weave. One can determine a Elastique fabric by the diagonal line within the weave pattern versus the plain pattern of the Tropical weave. The double layers of the Elastique cloth traces its history back to the Indian War period of our Nation, when Cavalry Soldiers needed a more durable cloth to counter the saddle wear. For Soldiers today, the Elastique provides a more durable cloth if the uniform is worn more than a few times each year. Click the images above for a higher-resolution image.

2) Better Look and Less Wrinkling - The Elastique cloth is a "heavier" cloth with about twice the yarn than the Tropical. The Elastique hangs better on the Soldier's body, keeps the creases longer, and is not prone to wrinkling. While one might think a "heavier" cloth equates to a "hotter" cloth, the Elastique cloth will still be comfortable for wear for most occasions, except perhaps outdoor events during the summer (when nothing is comfortable). The Tropical weave, by contrast, will be somewhat cooler during the outdoor summer events; however, the Tropical cloth will not be as warm during the cool fall, winter, and spring seasons. The images above show the creases of the trousers to give you a sense of the "body" differences between the two cloths. Click the images above for a higher-resolution image.