The use of protective coloring by mankind began quite recently. At first, masking colors were used only for military purposes. How many lives were saved by changing the color of the soldier's uniform to the khaki color known today. Now khaki fabric has become part of everyday life, and is considered the most practical material.
What is a protective color
This is the general name for flowers that merge with the landscape, nature, surrounding objects. Protective-colored objects go unnoticed in certain environments.
In some cases, the protective color refers to the bright color of the entire object or its individual parts, which carries certain information to the security observer.
Types of protective fabrics
Today, there are many varieties of masking fabric. The main differences between them are the background of the protective color and the type of pattern. So, the masking fabric can be plain or painted in several colors. In the first case, the color is called "khaki". It may be differentshades: from "dirty" yellow to gray-green. If the fabric has a specific pattern of swamp flowers, this protective fabric is called camouflage.
Khaki
The protective color is often called another well-known word - khaki. This name is translated from Hindi as "dusty". Khaki denotes dusty earthy colors ranging from muddy yellow to greenish brown.
Camo color
Camouflage is a multi-colored small or large-spotted coloring used to protect the military, their equipment and weapons from visual recognition by the enemy. As a rule, camouflage has only 2-4 colors. Such multicoloring significantly distorts the contours of the object, since the color and shape of the picture merges with the surrounding background.
Camouflage pattern is a pattern of spots and stripes of different shapes, applied in a certain order. At the same time, khaki military clothing is sewn in such a way that the transition of the pattern from one surface to another is preserved.
It should be noted that each army has its own type of camouflage. Thus, by the shape and color of the picture, you can determine where the soldier is serving.
How did the protective color of the fabric come about
The Indian tailor Khaki is considered the creator of marsh-colored clothes, after whom the masking colors were named. He was the first to sew uniforms for English soldiers from marsh-colored material.
According to historicalAccording to documents, the uniform of the khaki was sewn to order by the English major Hudson, who was fond of drawing before the army. In 1848 he commanded a battalion of scouts in India. At that time, soldiers wore red uniforms. Naturally, uniforms of this color were an excellent target for bandits and enemies. Even at a great distance, it was easy to see soldiers in red uniforms.
The creative major solved this problem with a non-standard solution - he dressed the soldiers in nondescript costumes, completely invisible against the backdrop of nature. Since the tailor who made this uniform was named Khaki, the unusual color was named after him.
Such changes in the battalion benefited Major Hudson, in a short time he rose to the rank of general.
But, unfortunately, the authorities did not support the idea of dressing up the army, and dismissed Hudson for violating tradition.
Global distribution of khaki
After Hudson's resignation, the military forgot about the camouflage color for a while. And only half a century later, the British again decided to sew a khaki uniform, when the Anglo-Boer War began. The command of the British army took such a step after the huge losses of soldiers from sniper fire of enemy shooters.
Then the Russian army began to use the protective color. After analyzing the results of the Russo-Japanese War, the Russian command was forced to change the uniform of soldiers from white to marsh.
During the First World War, khaki material was used by the armies of almost all countries of the world. Only the French refused to equip soldiers in khaki uniforms, as a result of which they suffered heavy losses. In 1918, the French military leaders, after much deliberation, nevertheless decided to change the light blue uniforms and multi-colored hats to the swamp-colored field uniform.
From now on, khaki was associated only with the army.
Using masking colors
Khaki in different shades is widely used in the military. So, it is customary to paint all military equipment and equipment with a protective color. Also, tents, backpacks, and various cloth household items used by soldiers in the field are sewn from marsh-colored material.
In fact, khaki color is used to color all objects and items that are used by the military. This coloring allows the soldiers to quietly place themselves in different territories and easily move in the right directions. The background of the protective color almost merges with nature. And in such conditions, it is very difficult even for a professional to recognize a military man.
According to studies conducted in many countries of the world before the Second World War, the protective "dirty" color makes it very difficult to visually distinguish an object on almost any terrain. Only on untouched snow cover are soldiers more visible. In this case, additional disguise and a change of clothes to lighter colors are required.
In the modern world, protective paints are used not only in the military industry. Khaki color has found its place in manyareas where masking from the human and animal eyes is needed. So, marsh-colored clothes are very popular among researchers, archaeologists and tourists. Such a nondescript attire does not attract too much attention from others and makes it easy to hide to watch nature.
Fashion for protective coloration
For half a century, khaki suits were worn exclusively by the military. And only in the early 60s, the artist Andrew Warhol put on clothes of a "dirty" color for an official reception, which shocked the public. After that, khaki suits began to gain massive popularity among ordinary citizens.
Modelers and designers have even created a style of "dirty" colors and loose fit, known to fashionistas as "safari". He earned great popularity not only among men. Recently, more and more women are wearing military-style clothes.
The most interesting thing is that this style has remained relevant for many years. Even this year, famous designers have developed entire collections of khaki outfits.
In order to keep up with fashion, men and women buy trousers and shirts in khaki colors, sew to order exclusive camouflage clothes.
In the fashion industry, khaki is mainly used for suits, trousers and jackets. Very often, camouflage material is used to create outdoor equipment.
Khaki is the color of the 21st century
In fact, since the 90s of the last century, khaki fabric has been used by all worldclothing manufacturers. Since then, camouflage coloring began to be positioned as the color of freedom and strength. Many countries have begun to create new khaki fabrics, which are highly durable and practical.
Today almost everything is painted khaki: bags, wallets, shoes and even mobile phones. Thus, camouflage colors gradually moved from the military to civilian life. According to stylists, the protective color is considered the most popular among men and women.