BDU Pants or Trousers were the combat uniform pants for the US Military. All branches of the US Military wore BDUs, or Battle Dress Uniforms, from the early 1980s until the early 2000s. BDUs are cargo pocket pants built with durability and function in mind. Because the military needed to issue uniforms to a large population in all shapes and sizes, BDUs were alpha-sized with side-adjustment tabs at the waist and blousing straps on the leg openings. They have a six-pocket design with field-repairable button closures on the pockets and fly opening. Made with felled inseams and bartacks at all stress points, these pants were designed to hold up to hard work. BDUs were originally issued to soldiers in Nylon/Cotton Summer Ripstop, Nylon/Cotton Winter Weight Twill, or in some cases 100% Cotton Ripstop. Most common camouflage patterns of this BDU era were Woodland, Desert Camouflage 6 Color, or Desert Camouflage 3 Color. BDU Pants are now most commonly seen in the Tactical and Security markets where a cost effective and durable pant are needed in solid colors such as black, dark navy, or khaki.

What are BDUs in the army?

BDUs are the combat coats and trousers issued to soldiers in the US Army during the 1980s – mid 2000s. BDUs were originally issued to soldiers in Nylon/Cotton Summer Ripstop, Nylon/Cotton Winter Weight Twill, or in some cases 100% Cotton Ripstop. Most common camouflage patterns of this BDU era were Woodland, Desert Camouflage 6 Color, or Desert Camouflage 3 Color. They are now limited to civilian use as the US Army has replaced the BDU with the ACU uniform.

What’s the difference between BDUs and ACUs?

The US Army retired the BDU and adopted the ACU in the mid-2000s. There are several significant differences between the two uniforms. The BDU coat was a 4-pocket design with 2 high chest pockets and two low torso pockets. The BDU coat also had a button down design with its 4 buttons covered by a placket. The ACU coat moved the two torso pockets to the shoulders and tilted the high chest pockets inward for more ergonomic access. The pocket closures were changed from button close to hook and loop closure initially. The moving of the pockets to the shoulders provided better usage of the storage, which was hindered on the BDU by a soldier’s outer tactical vest or belt. The ACU coat changed the button down placket to a zipper front. The original ACU also changed its collar to a stand up, mandarin design from the BDU’s original pointed dress style. Later ACU revisions altered this mandarin collar to be able to fold down. BDU Pants and ACU pants are much closer in design. Both feature button flys, bartacks at all stress points, reinforced knees and seats, as well as button closure pocket flaps. The ACU added a calf pocket for additional storage.

BDU Pants

BDU Trouser Button Fly - 100% Cotton Ripstop

$34.99
New

BDU Trouser Button Fly - 60/40 Twill

$34.99
BDU Trouser Button Fly - Battle Rip® 65/35 Ripstop

$19.99
Uniform BDU Trouser

$29.99
BDU Trouser – Zipper Fly

$34.99

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BDU Pants Resources

What are BDU Pants? | All that you need to know

For more than forty years, BDU pants have been a staple in American apparel. Developed by the US Army in the late 1970s, BDUs were intended to replace the uniform pants used in the Vietnam era. Today, agencies and civilians across the world wear BDUs for work and play.

The Ultimate Guide to BDUs

Battle Dress Uniforms (BDUs) are military uniforms that were previously used by the United States Armed Forces. While these uniforms have officially been retired by the military, they are still widely used by law enforcement agencies, rescue teams, outdoor enthusiast, and some militaries around the world.

BDU Pants Reviews

Propper Uniform BDU Trouser

Long time customer

I have used Propper bdu pants for 20+ years. First when I was attending a military academy and for several years training airsoft. The construction is superior to all other brands I have seen friends use. They also have to replace their brands more often. All the pairs I have purchased have been true to size and comfortable. My only disappointment is that they are discontinuing the Aisan tiger pattern. Which works best for me in subtropical terrain.

Verified Buyer

Review submitted 01/16/21 by Neil

Propper® BDU Trouser Button Fly - Battle Rip® 65/35 Ripstop

I wear this type of

I wear this type of BDU pants exclusively, True Mil-Spec design & quality. Great for work & play. Multiple large pockets, draw string leg cuffs, 2& belt loops. These are 65%-35% poly-cotton rip-stop. They are warm in winter & cool in summer. VERY fast drying material as opposed to Twill or 100% Cotton. When you order Propper products you know they will always be Proper products!

Verified Buyer

Review submitted 07/27/22 by Michael K.

Propper® BDU Trouser Button Fly - Battle Rip® 65/35 Ripstop

Awesome Bdu pants!

I have thrown out all my clothes and started over! I have bought several pairs of these in various colors. This is the olive green ones and very true to color! The fabric just rocks! Light durable cool but blocks wind! The biggest seller is the button fly and the waist tabs! They fit and never cared for a zipper! Very rugged and well made! No complaints!

Verified Buyer

Review submitted 02/18/22 by Jerry w.

Propper® BDU Trouser Button Fly - Battle Rip® 65/35 Ripstop

Best casual pants ever!

I have worn nothing but Prooper BDU pants and shorts for decades. Rugged, comfortable, long-lasting! I have pants that I still wear after 8 years. Other clothing brands seem to disintegrate on me.

Verified Buyer

Review submitted 11/18/21 by Michael L.

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BDU Pants FAQs

What materials are Propper BDU pants made from?

Propper BDU pants are made using several proven military-grade fabrics, with each product designed for specific performance needs. The BDU 2.0 Ripstop Cargo Pant uses a 57% nylon / 43% cotton ripstop (NYCO) blend that offers lightweight durability, enhanced breathability, and quick-dry performance. The BDU Trouser Button Fly is constructed from 100% cotton ripstop and sewn to military specification MIL-T-44047E for traditional durability and field reliability.

Additional options include the BDU Uniform Pant – Ripstop, made from a 60% cotton / 40% polyester ripstop blend for tear resistance and long-term wear, and the BDU Uniform Pant – Twill, which uses a 65% polyester / 35% cotton twill fabric for a smoother feel and professional appearance. These fabric options allow users to select BDU pants that best match their climate, duty requirements, and comfort preferences.

How are ripstop and twill BDU pants different?

Ripstop BDU pants use a reinforced grid weave that prevents tears from spreading, making them ideal for rugged environments and repeated movement. Twill BDU pants feature a tight diagonal weave that offers a smoother feel and strong construction, often preferred for extended wear and professional appearance in duty or training settings.

Are Propper BDU pants suitable for duty, training, and outdoor use?

Yes, Propper BDU pants are designed to handle a variety of demanding environments. With durable fabrics, reinforced stitching, and functional features like cargo pockets and drawstring leg closures, these pants are well-suited for military training, duty patrol, field use, and outdoor activities.

How do I choose the right size for Propper BDU pants?

To find the best fit, compare your waist and inseam measurements with the Propper size chart. BDU pants should fit comfortably around the waist without restricting movement and allow easy mobility through the hips and thighs, especially when worn with duty belts or while bending and crouching.

Can I wear BDU pants outside of military use?

Absolutely, many civilians choose BDU pants for security roles, outdoor work, hiking, and recreational activities. Their rugged construction, functional pocket layout, and versatile style make them useful beyond military applications.

Where can I buy black BDU pants?

Black BDU pants can be purchased directly from authorized uniform suppliers like Propper. Buying from a trusted brand ensures the pants meet military level construction standards and offer the durability, fit, and functionality expected for duty or tactical use.

How should BDU pants fit?

BDU pants should fit comfortably at the waist and hips without restricting movement. The legs are designed with a relaxed cut to allow mobility, kneeling, and crouching, while adjustable waist tabs and drawstring leg closures help fine-tune the fit for a secure, uniform-ready appearance.

How do you tuck BDU pants into boots?

BDU pants are designed with drawstring leg closures to make blousing easy. To tuck them into boots, tighten the drawstrings or use blousing bands above the boot, then fold the excess fabric neatly to create a clean, secure look that stays in place during movement.

How should I care for and maintain my BDU pants?

BDU pants are made for regular wear and can be machine washed according to the care label instructions. To preserve fabric strength and color, wash in cold water with similar tones and avoid high-heat drying when possible.

What functional features do Propper BDU pants offer?

Propper BDU pants are built with mission-ready features that vary by product, giving users clear options based on durability, storage, and comfort needs. The BDU Trouser Button Fly – 100% Cotton Ripstop and BDU Trouser Button Fly – 60/40 Twill are sewn to military specification MIL-T-44047E and focus on traditional durability, featuring felled seams, reinforced seats and knees, adjustable waist tabs, durable drawstring leg closures, and a six-pocket layout with button-flap closures, fused pocket flaps, and drain holes in bellowed pockets for field practicality.

Modernized options like the BDU 2.0 Ripstop Cargo Pant and BDU 2.0 Cargo Shorts add enhanced comfort and utility, including zipper fly closures with French fly reinforcement, microfiber-lined waistbands, adjustable waist tabs, and belt loops that support gear belts up to 2 inches wide. These styles also include L-shaped hand pockets with knife reinforcement, cargo pockets with integrated drop-in cell phone storage, fused pocket flaps with quiet button closures, and double-layered reinforced knees and seats for extended wear. Additional styles such as the BDU Trouser – Zipper Fly, BDU Uniform Pant – Twill, and BDU Uniform Pant – Ripstop continue the focus on durability and organization with reinforced stress points, fade- and wrinkle-resistant fabrics, secure six-pocket designs, adjustable waist tabs, and drawstring leg closures—ensuring reliable performance across training, duty, and field environments.

Are there camouflage patterns available for BDU pants?

Yes, Propper BDU pants are available in a range of classic military camouflage patterns, including 3-Color Desert, Asian Tiger Stripe, Woodland, and Woodland Digital. These camo options, along with solid duty colors, allow users to meet uniform requirements or select a style suited for tactical operations, field training, or outdoor environments.