British DPM Camouflage: A Legacy of Disruptive Precision
From Falklands to Fashion—The Timeless Appeal of Britain’s Iconic Camo
Introduction
Disruptive Pattern Material—DPM—is one of the most enduring camouflage patterns ever issued. From the dense jungles of Borneo to the urban back alleys of Belfast, British DPM has seen combat on nearly every continent and continues to influence camouflage design worldwide. At CAMOHQ.com, we celebrate this legacy by offering gear that pays tribute to its form and function.
The Birth of DPM
DPM was introduced in the early 1960s by the British Army, replacing older monochromatic battledress with something far more effective in modern combat conditions. Its design incorporated a series of irregular, overlapping green, brown, and black swatches over a light or dark khaki base. The pattern was intended to disrupt the human outline, particularly in temperate woodland and mixed terrain.
Limited initially to elite units like the Parachute Regiment and Royal Marines, DPM quickly proved so effective that it became a standard issue across all British Armed Forces branches.
Key Variants of DPM
Over time, multiple versions of DPM were created to serve specific environments and operational needs:
- Woodland DPM – The original and most common version. Ideal for temperate forests and mixed terrain.
- Desert DPM – A two-tone version with sand and light brown tones, introduced during the Gulf War for use in arid regions.
- Tropical DPM – Lighter material and color variation for jungle operations, widely used in the Falklands and Borneo.
- Urban DPM – Experimental and rare, this variant included greys and muted tones for urban warfare environments.
Military Use and Legacy
DPM was worn by the British Armed Forces for over four decades. It became a battlefield signature in:
- The Troubles in Northern Ireland
- The Falklands War
- Gulf War I & II
- Balkans peacekeeping missions
- Operations in Afghanistan and Iraq (early years)
Many NATO and Commonwealth forces—including New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Oman—also adopted or adapted DPM for their uniforms.
Transition to MTP
By the late 2000s, advances in digital camouflage and multi-environment patterns led to the replacement of DPM with the British Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP), a Crye Precision derivative designed to work in desert and woodland settings. MTP became the standard from 2010 onward, phasing out traditional DPM from frontline service.
DPM in Civilian Life
Even after it retires from British service, DPM remains incredibly popular:
- Outdoor enthusiasts love it for hiking, hunting, and bushcraft due to its effectiveness and durability.
- Collectors seek original DPM surplus pieces as both historical and functional gear.
- Streetwear and fashion brands have embraced DPM’s bold, asymmetric look for jackets, bags, and accessories.
- Airsoft and Paintball players still use DPM for its superior blending ability and affordability.
Shop DPM-Inspired Gear at CAMOHQ
At CAMOHQ.com, we’re proud to offer apparel and gear inspired by the British DPM legacy:
- Woodland DPM hoodies and shirts
- Performance sun protection in classic camo
- Utility pouches and bags in DPM-inspired prints
Whether in the field, the forest, or just expressing your style, British DPM stands the test of time, both functionally and aesthetically.
Final Thoughts
British DPM Camouflage isn’t just a pattern—it’s a piece of military history, battlefield evolution, and subcultural style. With over 40 years of active service and countless civilian reinterpretations, it remains one of the world's most recognizable and respected camouflage patterns.
Gear up in a legend. Wear the DPM.