1972 Contract Desert Camo Swim Trunks – Pre-Chip Prototype Edition

Before it was “chocolate chip,” it was mint chip.

What most people recognize as the iconic six-color “chocolate chip” desert camo of Desert Storm fame actually started its weird little life back in the 1960s, when the U.S. military began experimenting with camouflage suitable for arid environments—thanks in large part to rising tensions in the Middle East. By 1972, the Natick Labs had developed a version of the desert camouflage that looked quite different from the Gulf War classic. Instead of the warm beige and brown palette we now associate with desert camo, this early contract featured muted green tones mixed with khaki and sand—like it couldn’t quite decide if it was headed to war or a safari.

This rare pattern never saw large-scale deployment. It was shelved for years—mothballed until the late 1970s and eventually resurrected (with edits) for testing in desert environments. It wasn’t until the 1980s that it evolved into the six-color desert camouflage used in the Gulf War. But this 1972 version? It’s where it all started.

Dan recreated this rare camo from scratch, reverse-engineered from a vintage USAF flight jacket. No scans. No shortcuts. Just a labor of love, a heat gun, and a lot of staring at faded nylon under a magnifying lamp.

These swim trunks are built for desert heat and political meltdowns alike.

• 91% recycled polyester, 9% spandex – because tyranny isn’t the only thing getting stretched

• Four-way stretch, water-repellent microfiber fabric

• Silky anti-chafe mesh liner—because liberty shouldn’t itch

• Elastic waistband with drawcord

• Mesh pockets + a secret interior pocket (for IDs, bribes, or jellybeans)

• UPF 50+ protection from sun and satellite surveillance

• Handmade for swimming, grilling, or reenacting Cold War PSYOPs

Note: This is not a licensed reproduction. It’s a historically informed tribute to a weird, wonderful camo moment in U.S. military history.

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