Genuine or Repro?

Commercial "army style" kit isn't a scam, and it's often very good. But if you're paying for genuine issue, the label should prove it. Here's what to look for.

1SMOCK, COMBAT, WINDPROOF, MTP

2SIZE 180/104

3NSN 8415-99-XXX-XXXX

4CONTRACT No. XXXX/XXXX

5MANUFACTURER NAME · 2014

WASH 40° · DO NOT BLEACH · DO NOT TUMBLE DRY

Illustrative example

Nomenclature, noun first. MoD item names put the noun first, followed by describing words.
NATO size. Height/chest for tops, leg/waist/seat for trousers. Decode it.
NATO Stock Number. 13 digits. 99 in the middle means UK-catalogued. Look it up.
Contract number. Issue kit is made under contract, and the number is printed on the label.
Maker and year. Useful for dating kit and matching it to the right pattern era.

D.3 — Glossary

Surplus terms, decoded

What sellers mean when they use these words.

Genuine issue: Made under MoD contract and issued, or held for issue, to the armed forces.
Unissued / NOS: "New old stock": genuine, made under contract, but never used.
Grade 1 / Grade 2: Shop grading for used kit, roughly "light wear" and "visible wear or repairs". Not standardised, so check each stockist's definition.
Pattern / commercial: Made by a commercial brand to match or improve on issue kit. Never issued, and often excellent.
"Army style": Looks military, but has no connection to an issue specification.
Reproduction: A copy of a historic item, usually made for re-enactors and collectors.
Broad arrow: The "crow's foot" government property mark found on older British kit.
PCS: Personal Clothing System, the British Army's current MTP clothing range.

Buy from people who know

Our kit guides list researched UK stockists, including dealers who deal directly in MoD disposals.