AILEEN’S UNIFORM ATLAS
The Pulse is pleased to present Aileen’s Uniform Atlas, a recurring feature written by Aileen Out.
Out is the owner of Prettybusiness, a news blog in the Netherlands that focuses exclusively on work clothing.
For those who have a Christmas tree at home, most people find it important to hang beautiful and meaningful ornaments and decorations. This was precisely why Joann Galla decided a few years ago to create a Christmas ornament from her daughter’s old military uniforms. What started as a small-scale hobby has since grown into a national project—and it might just serve as great inspiration for workwear manufacturers with sustainable ambitions.
Maintaining a Connection Through an Ornament
Galla’s hobby began in 2010 when her daughter Stacy was deployed to Afghanistan for her work. Due to Stacy’s position, she couldn’t share with her mother where exactly she was stationed or what she was doing. This was very difficult for the 65-year-old mother from Oregon, so she decided to create a Christmas ornament from one of her daughter’s old military uniforms. It was her way of keeping Stacy close, even from afar.
Today, Galla makes these ornaments for other families with loved ones in the military. She uses one or sometimes multiple uniforms from those who have served to craft the ornaments. In some cases, the ornaments are made to honor someone who has passed away, serving as a meaningful tribute for their family.
Recycling Military Uniforms
This initiative provides a new life for uniforms, which isn’t always straightforward with military attire. When a uniform becomes worn out or is replaced by a new version, the old one cannot simply be discarded. Like police uniforms, these garments could fall into the wrong hands and be used for crimes such as robberies or other illegal activities. In some countries, even wearing clothing with a camouflage print is prohibited. In Jamaica, South Africa, and the Philippines, for example, anyone caught wearing camouflage may face fines or even imprisonment.
Because of these risks, governments often face challenges in disposing of old uniforms. In the Netherlands, for instance, local workshops that support people with barriers to employment often collaborate with the government. These workshops receive workwear, such as military uniforms, and repurpose them into items like bags, oven mitts, or pencil cases. Some even offer services where you can have something made from your personal uniform. This practice isn’t limited to military attire but extends to other professions, such as firefighter gear.
Challenges and Misuse
Despite these efforts, the system isn’t foolproof. At the end of 2023, it was revealed that the new military uniforms—some of which hadn’t even been distributed to all soldiers—were being sold online. While such actions carry penalties, collectors often take the risk.
Those responsible for recycling military uniforms face a complex task. Alongside close coordination with the government, it is crucial that partnering organizations take the security of the uniforms seriously. When properly managed, however, initiatives like this can lead to remarkable results. After all, who wouldn’t want a Christmas ornament, bag, or other accessory crafted from a unique uniform?
