East German Camo T-Shirt

Strichtarn Raindrop Tee

This Mil-Tec short-sleeve T-shirt is printed in Strichtarn, the East German raindrop camouflage made of short vertical strokes that break up the outline of the wearer. It is a modern reproduction, not original-issue surplus, so you can wear the pattern every day without putting wear on a collectible piece. It suits Cold War collectors, reenactors who want a base layer, and anyone who likes an unusual camo pattern that few people recognize.

Features

• Strichtarn Raindrop Pattern — Dense rows of thin dark brown vertical strokes over a tan-brown ground reproduce the look of the East German rain camouflage.
• 100% Cotton — The all-cotton fabric is soft against the skin and breathes well in warm weather.
• 145 g/m² Fabric Weight — At 145 grams per square meter, the shirt is lightweight enough for summer and layers easily under a field shirt or jacket.
• Loose Cut — A relaxed fit through the body and sleeves leaves room to move without the shirt pulling across the shoulders.
• Ribbed Crew Neck — A ribbed collar in matching fabric holds its shape around the neckline.
• Short Sleeves With Stitched Hems — Sleeves and bottom hem are finished with neat stitching for a clean edge.
• All-Over Print — The pattern covers the front, back and sleeves, so the shirt reads as camo from every angle.
• Mil-Tec Of Germany — Made by Mil-Tec, a German maker of military-style clothing and field gear, with its label sewn inside the collar.

Pattern Background

Strichtarn was the camouflage of the NVA (Nationale Volksarmee), the East German army, and the pattern was issued from 1968 until 1990, including as a summer shirt. Mil-Tec's version keeps the short vertical rain strokes that define the original and puts them on a simple cotton crew-neck tee. The finished garment weighs about 170 g, light enough to pack or wear on hot days.