Strange threadfellows: How the U.S. military shaped what we all wear

In this episode of Planet Money, Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi interviews Avery Trufelman, host of Articles of Interest, about the surprising influence of the U.S. military on fashion and the outdoor gear industry. They discuss how World War II led to the development of innovative clothing technologies like layering systems, and how the subsequent surplus of military gear after the war shaped consumer culture and the outdoor retail market. The conversation explores the evolution of military-inspired fashion, from army surplus stores to high-end brands like Banana Republic, and examines the modern-day relationships between outdoor companies and military contractors, highlighting the economic and innovative benefits of these partnerships, as well as the ethical considerations.