U.S. Vietnam War Tropical Combat Trousers

Accurate Pattern Identification Guide (1st–6th Pattern)

The Tropical Combat Trousers were designed specifically for jungle warfare in Vietnam. They were lightweight, fast-drying, and built for mobility — not heavy reinforcement.

All patterns share a relatively lightweight construction throughout.

Identification is based on:

• Fabric (poplin vs ripstop)

• Fly type (button vs zipper)

• Cargo pocket construction

• Drain holes

• Internal pocket tie tapes

• Waist adjustment tabs

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1st Pattern (1963–1964)

Earliest jungle trouser issued.

Construction Features:

• 5.5 oz wind-resistant cotton poplin (smooth weave)

• Button fly

• Large bellows cargo pockets

• Internal tie tapes inside cargo pockets

• Early production often without drain holes

• Side waist adjustment tabs

• Slanted front pockets

• Rear flap pockets

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2nd Pattern (1965)

Refinement of the original design.

Construction Features:

• Cotton poplin

• Button fly

• Cargo pocket drain holes added

• Internal tie tapes retained

• Waist adjustment tabs retained

• Same overall pocket configuration

The addition of drain holes is the primary visual update.

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3rd Pattern (1966–1967)

Minor construction refinements.

Construction Features:

• Cotton poplin

• Button fly

• Cargo pocket drain holes present

• Internal tie tapes retained

• Waist adjustment tabs retained

• Slight pocket proportion adjustments

Still lightweight poplin construction.

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4th Pattern (1967–1968)

Transitional poplin production before ripstop becomes standard.

Construction Features:

• Cotton poplin

• Button fly

• Cargo pocket drain holes

• Waist adjustment tabs retained

• Internal tie tapes removed

Very similar to 3rd pattern — differences are subtle and often require close inspection.

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5th Pattern (1968–Early 1970s)

Introduction of ripstop fabric.

Construction Features:

• Ripstop cotton (visible grid weave)

• Button fly

• Cargo pocket drain holes present

• Waist adjustment tabs retained

• Internal tie tapes largely discontinued

Ripstop + button fly = 5th pattern

This is the most commonly encountered Vietnam-era jungle trouser.

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6th Pattern (Late Vietnam / Early 1970s)

Final wartime evolution.

Construction Features:

• Ripstop fabric

• Zipper fly (replaces button fly)

• Cargo pocket drain holes present

• Waist adjustment tabs retained

• Simplified internal finishing

The zipper fly is the defining structural change.

Ripstop + zipper fly = 6th pattern.

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Fabric Summary

Poplin (1st–4th Patterns)

• Smooth weave

• No grid reinforcement

Ripstop (5th–6th Patterns)

• Visible cross-hatch reinforcement grid

• Tear-resistant weave

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Camouflage Variants

OG-107 (Olive Green)

Standard solid olive drab used throughout the war.

ERDL Camouflage

Four-color leaf pattern:

• Early green-dominant

• Later brown-dominant

Ripstop ERDL examples (5th–6th pattern) are particularly desirable among collectors.

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Corrected Quick ID Table