Digital camouflage, as the name suggests, is a form of camouflage featuring a combination of macro and micro patterns, giving a pixelated look. While most people know what camouflage print is or how a camouflage fabric looks, many are unaware of digital camouflage fabric.
However, the use of this form of camouflage fabric is becoming widespread, and it may be helpful to learn what digital camo fabric is. Read this post to learn about digital camouflage fabric, its applications, and how it differs from regular camouflage fabric.
What is digital camo fabric?
The patterns on digital camo fabric are usually formed through pixelated designs mimicking the outlook of computer-generated graphics. However, all patterns under this premise are not pixelated or feature a combination of macro and micro patterns. The term is used to refer to contemporary camouflage patterns that are created through the computer, and some of these do not even conform to the conventional pixelated designs.
In any case, the main function is to provide camouflage over a range of distances effectively in various situations like urban settings, the desert, forests, or woodland. The use of digital camo fabric hence reduces the need to acquire multiple sets of attire for different situations.
History of Digital Camouflage Fabric
The use of conventional camouflage fabric has been common since the nineteenth century. In the early part of the 21st century, the Canadian Armed Forces introduced a new type of camouflage, which would later have a wide impact on how military outfits were made. The design, referred to as CADPAT or Canadian Disruptive Patterns, was quite unlike the earlier used organic camouflage patterns.
The design did not only feature broad brush strokes, a signature of conventional camouflage pattern; it also featured a pixelated matrix besides color blobs. The pixelated matrix on this fabric was similar to what we see on a computer screen when we zoom in on the image. Soon, the use of digital camo fabric extended to the United States under the premise of the Army’s Universal Combat Pattern and the Marine’s MARPAT pattern.
Uses of Digital Camouflage Fabric
Since camouflage fabric has evolved and become quite popular and is regarded to be a highly adaptable print, it is not surprising to see the use of camouflage fabric changing significantly over the years. Digital camouflage fabric is also no exception to this.
Digital camouflage fabric is widely used for making military uniforms or outdoor apparel as it provides camouflage in different environments. It comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, hence its versatility and adaptability for different settings.
The digital camo fabric is composed of woven polyester with a blend of cotton. Besides clothing, it can be used for many purposes, like making headgear or helmet covers, army backpacks, shelter covers, etc. The fabric is durable and resistant to rips or abrasions, which makes it ideal for military apparel and other uses.
The pixelation in the digital camo fabric does not, in fact, contribute to giving a camouflage effect. However, it simplifies the design process and makes printing easier compared to conventional camouflage patterns. The design technique for digital camo fabric hence serves to add spatial frequency for effective concealment at a close range. It also modifies the visual processing of the pattern edges and produces intermediate hues via a wavering impact.
In recent years, the use of digitized camouflage fabric has increased to seek effective blending in different surroundings. This has further been stimulated by the improvement in textile grade as most contemporary camouflage fabric features enhanced durability and offers better weather resistance in addition to providing effective concealment.