Camouflage Uniforms

By Daniel Ondon White

The Red Army was a master of camouflage, with its first home-grown summer pattern appearing as early as 1925, and winter suits having been developed since before the First World War. The Red Army heavily utilised these suits and camouflage patterns, assisting their troops in the art of ‘Maskirovka’, ‘Disguise’.

This article will only feature camouflage suits which entered military service, and not experimental camouflage suit designs or print patterns.

The main point to note with camouflage suits of the RKKA is that each ‘variant’ of camouflage suit or robe (i.e. the Winter, Summer and Grass variants of the Obr.37s) was printed on the same cut, with the only difference being the camouflage print, white colour or grass tufts woven in.

In this article, robes, suits and coveralls will be mentioned. These can be broken down like so:

Robe – A loose-fitting garment, which the wearer puts on like a jacket and closes the front.

Suit – Two-piece set of clothing consisting of the trousers and a pull-over top half

Coveralls – One-piece garment in which the wearer needs to climb into, or put over himself.

Camouflage patterns until 1945

Amoeba and leaf were also printed in different colour variants.  Leaf had a yellower ‘white’ pattern, and amoeba was printed in dark green, light green, autumn, desert and mountain prints. The desert and mountain prints don’t seem to have been fielded during the GPW.

Following photographic evidence and previous research of others, only 4 patterns of camouflage existed before the end of the war.

There are references to other camouflage patterns being fielded during the GPW, such as ‘TTsMKK’, a 3-colour disruptive pattern with a step feature. There is no evidence of this camouflage during this period, so these are inaccurate to wear for GPW reenactment.

Summer suits

1925 Model Summer Robe


General information

‘Amoeba’ as a pattern first made its debut in the 1st May, 1925 parade, with the pattern ‘printed’ (possibly cut out)  onto the 1921 camouflage robe. 

Key design features

The 1925 model robe consisted of a ‘one-piece’ jacket, dropping down to the knees, with a tie closure system for the front. The hood of the robe was pointed, likely to allow wear with budenovki. Early models of this robe are known to have had a belt sewn onto the back, allowing for tying at the waist. This is assumed to have been dropped early on in its production history.

Left: Sometime in the late 30s. Both the 25 and 32 pattern robes can be observed. Right: Winter War.  Finnish soldiers posing in captured 25 pattern robes.

Period of use

After its introduction in 1925, the robes were last seen in use for training in the late 1930s. A photograph of Finnish soldiers posing in captured 25 model robes hints at its latest use with the RKKA during the Winter War.  1925 – 1939/41 assumed

Top: Sometime in the late 30s. Both the 25 and 32 pattern robes can be observed. Bottom: Winter War.  Finnish soldiers posing in captured 25 pattern robes.

Period of use

After its introduction in 1925, the robes were last seen in use for training in the late 1930s. A photograph of Finnish soldiers posing in captured 25 model robes hints at its latest use with the RKKA during the Winter War.  1925 – 1939/41 assumed

1932 Model Summer Coveralls


General information

After extensive testing, it was found that the 25 model robes weren’t adequate for prolonged use. The 32 model was introduced to replace the 25 robes, and this model was produced into the post-war years, albeit with different camouflage prints.

The coveralls are assumed to have been printed in a new pattern of amoeba from 1932, but the earliest photographic evidence of the new pattern of amoeba dates back only to 1937.

Key design features

The coveralls featured an 8-button closure system, with 4 buttons down the body and 4 on the hood.

Left: 152nd Tank Brigade soldiers in 1932 model robes, Leningrad 1943. The cut of the winter and summer robes is identical. Middle: Border guards somewhere on the western border. 20th June, 1941. Right: Original example of a 1932 robe in an amoeba print.

Period of use

Introduced in 1932, the cut saw use into the post-war years. It is assumed that this cut in an amoeba print was last produced in 1945-46. Coveralls in this cut, but with different camouflage patterns, were produced into the late 40s. 1932 – 1945 (and onwards)

Top: 152nd Tank Brigade soldiers in 1932 model robes, Leningrad 1943. The cut of the winter and summer robes is identical. Middle: Border guards somewhere on the western border. 20th June, 1941. Bottom: Original example of a 1932 robe in an amoeba print.

Period of use

Introduced in 1932, the cut saw use into the post-war years. It is assumed that this cut in an amoeba print was last produced in 1945-46. Coveralls in this cut, but with different camouflage patterns, were produced into the late 40s. 1932 – 1945 (and onwards)

1937 Model Summer Suit


General information

The 1937 cut robe was the first two-piece camouflage suit to be produced by the RKKA, and can be observed in use into the 80s, albeit on a smaller scale.

There is also a cut of this suit in amoeba with built-in mittens, which were only intended for the Obr.37 winter suits. This is due to a major manufacturing mistake at artels in 1941.

The 37 model suits were only printed in amoeba.

Key design features

The top piece has a 4-button closure on the hood. The trousers are much baggier than their later counterparts.

Left: Obr.37 winter cut suit, as evidenced by the mittens present. Such suits in amoeba were only made from 1941 to 1943. Middle: Original example of a 1937 top half. Right: Female POW, with 3 visible buttons and the 4th one hidden under the fold.

Period of use

These suits were in use from their introduction in 1937 until the end of the war, with production ceasing in 1943. 1937 – 1945 (and onwards)

Top: Obr.37 winter cut suit, as evidenced by the mittens present. Such suits in amoeba were only made from 1941 to 1943. Middle: Original example of a 1937 top half. Bottom: Female POW, with 3 visible buttons and the 4th one hidden under the fold.

Period of use

These suits were in use from their introduction in 1937 until the end of the war, with production ceasing in 1943. 1937 – 1945 (and onwards)

 1943 Model Summer Suit


General information

The 1943 cut summer suit was designed to be less expensive to manufacture and easier to wear. These suits, unlike the 1937 suit, were printed in a wide variety of camouflage prints. These suits were produced into the post-war period, and still saw major use in the Soviet army into the 50s and 60s.

Key design features

Closed plank with a button at the top of the collar. The top half is slightly shorter in length than the 37 suit. Possible variant with a 3-button closure(?)

Left: Original ‘Birch branch’ print top half Obr.43 model summer suit. Right: Guards Sergeant P. A. Daderkin on the 8th June 1944 with a ‘Birch Branch’ print Obr.43 suit.

Period of use

The Obr.43 summer suit was likely introduced in the early months of 1943, and saw continued use until after the war. 1943 – 1945 (and onwards)

Top: Original ‘Birch branch’ print top half Obr.43 model summer suit. Bottom: Guards Sergeant P. A. Daderkin on the 8th June 1944 with a ‘Birch Branch’ print Obr.43 suit.

Period of use

The Obr.43 summer suit was likely introduced in the early months of 1943, and saw continued use until after the war. 1943 – 1945 (and onwards)

'Grass' suits

1932 Model Grass Robe


General information

The 1925 grass robe used the same cut of the 1925 camouflage robe, but instead of a camouflage print, faux grass tufts were woven into the robe to give it a ‘natural’ appearance. Grass suits existed earlier than 1932, but the cut used is still unclear.

Key design features

The robe featured an 8-button closure system, with 4 buttons down the body, and 4 on the hood. The suit was of a dark olive green colour, with grass-like tufts woven into the suit.

Left: Obr.32 grass robe in a period picture. Likely late 30s. Right: Original Obr.32 grass robe suit, featuring the 8 button closure.

Period of use

Period photos of this cut of grass robe are rare to come across. It’s assumed that they were used until the end of the war. 1932 – 1945 (presumed)

Top: Obr.32 grass robe in a period picture. Likely late 30s. Bottom: Original Obr.32 grass robe suit, featuring the 8 button closure.

Period of use

Period photos of this cut of grass robe are rare to come across. It’s assumed that they were used until the end of the war. 1932 – 1945 (presumed)

1937 Model Grass Suit


General information

The Obr.37 grass suit, much like the winter and summer suits, is a blank Obr.37 camouflage top and bottom half with faux grass tufts woven into the fabric.

Key design features

Two-piece, 4 button hood closure.

Left: Original Obr.37 grass suit top half. Middle: Captured Soviet soldier in an Obr.37 grass suit. Right: Top half of an Obr.37 grass suit.

Period of use

The Obr.37 grass suit appears to have been the most widely used during the GPW. 1937 – 1945 (and onwards)

Top: Original Obr.37 grass suit top half. Middle: Captured Soviet soldier in an Obr.37 grass suit. Bottom: Top half of an Obr.37 grass suit.

Period of use

The Obr.37 grass suit appears to have been the most widely used during the GPW. 1937 – 1945 (and onwards)

Winter Suits

1921  Model Winter Robe


General information

The 1921 model was the first camouflage robe of the RKKA, and was utilized extensively by troops fighting in the Winter War and the first year of Barbarossa.

Key design features

The 1921 model robe consisted of a ‘one-piece’ jacket, dropping down to the knees, with a tie closure system for the front. The hood of the robe is pointed, likely to allow for wear with budenovki. Early models of this winter robe also featured a white fabric belt, sewn on the back of the suit to allow for tightening. This feature was later removed as it was deemed to break the silhouette of the wearer.

Left: Battle of Moscow, 1941. Right: D.D. Lelyushenko (in camouflage) greets the soldiers who distinguished themselves in the defense of Moscow.

Period of use

The suit was likely used since its introduction in 1921. The Obr.21 can also be observed in the Winter War and in the Defense of Moscow. 1921 – 1941

Top: Battle of Moscow, 1941. Bottom: D.D. Lelyushenko (in camouflage) greets the soldiers who distinguished themselves in the defense of Moscow.

Period of use

The suit was likely used since its introduction in 1921. The Obr.21 can also be observed in the Winter War and in the Defense of Moscow. 1921 – 1941

1926 Model Winter Coveralls


General information

Not much is known about the Obr.26 winter coveralls, the scale of its issuance and overall design. It appears to be an updated version of the 1925 summer robe, with added ties and buttons on the back of the hood.

Key design features

4 buttons on the rear of the hood. 4 ties on the front of the hood, two per side, to secure the hood to the head of a wearer. White mesh on the face hole, which can be folded up.

Left: Rear view of reenactor Oleg Tulnov in Obr.26 winter coveralls. Middle: Snippet from presumably a military camouflage book showing the Obr.26 winter coveralls. Right: Soldiers wearing Obr.26 winter coveralls. Possibly 1941 or 1942, going off the PPSh.

Period of use

Not much is known about the period of use of the 1926 model winter coveralls. 1926 – 1942 (possibly further, last confirmed date of wear is 1941)

Top: Rear view of reenactor Oleg Tulnov in Obr.26 winter coveralls. Middle: Snippet from presumably a military camouflage book showing the Obr.26 winter coveralls. Bottom: Soldiers wearing Obr.26 winter coveralls. Possibly 1941 or 1942, going off the PPSh.

Period of use

Not much is known about the period of use of the 1926 model winter coveralls. 1926 – 1942 (possibly further, last confirmed date of wear is 1941)

1937 Model Winter Suit


General information

The Obr.37 winter Suit follows the 1937 camouflage suit cut, and both winter & summer variants can be seen up until the fall of the USSR. This model of winter suit is the most commonly used during the GPW, and can be seen on a large scale in the Winter War.

Key design features

The top piece has a 4-button closure on the hood. Sewn-in gloves, commonly removed in the field. Ties around the wrists to tighten loose fabric.

Left: Redarmyman in an Obr.37 winter suit. Neck hole visible, showing how the top of the suit was tightened. Right: Officer wearing the Obr.37 winter suit. Post-43.

Period of use

The Obr.37 winter suit saw limited use into the post-war years, being mostly replaced by the Obr.41 winter suit. 1937 – 1945 (and further)

Top: Redarmyman in an Obr.37 winter suit. Neck hole visible, showing how the top of the suit was tightened. Bottom: Officer wearing the Obr.37 winter suit. Post-43.

Period of use

The Obr.37 winter suit saw limited use into the post-war years, being mostly replaced by the Obr.41 winter suit. 1937 – 1945 (and further)

1941 Model Winter Suit


General information

The Obr.41 winter suit was a completely new design compared to the Obr.37, with the complete removal of front buttons and the addition of flaps onto the pockets. Due to a mistake at sewing artels at the beginning of the GPW, some of these winter suit cuts had amoeba printed onto them.

Key design features

Two ties on the head, one being for the neck, and one to secure the top of the hood. Internal waist strap. No front opening.

Left: ‘Accidental’ Obr.41 winter cut suit printed in amoeba. Middle: Sniper Roza Shanina in an Obr.41 winter suit. Sometime post-41. Right: Sniper Timofey Konovalov. April 1st, 1942.

Period of use

Heavily used during the GPW due to its cost-effectiveness, it can be argued that this suit is the most common winter camouflage used by the RKKA in the GPW. 1941 – 1945 (furthest date 1953)

Top: ‘Accidental’ Obr.41 winter cut suit printed in amoeba. Middle: Sniper Roza Shanina in an Obr.41 winter suit. Sometime post-41. Bottom: Sniper Timofey Konovalov. April 1st, 1942.

Period of use

Heavily used during the GPW due to its cost-effectiveness, it can be argued that this suit is the most common winter camouflage used by the RKKA in the GPW. 1941 – 1945 (furthest date 1953)

1941 Model Winter Coveralls


General information

Not as heavily utilized as the Obr.41 winter suit, these coveralls were also released in 1941, likely in the early months of 1941.  Production likely stopped around 1942 or 1943, as the robe limited mobility in field conditions.

Key design features

‘Pull-over’ design, with a tie tightening the neck. Round hood, unlike the Obr.21 winter robe.

Left: Obr.41 winter coveralls, no closure can be seen on the front. Middle: I.M. Svirin guarding a BA-10 on the Southern Front. January 1943. Right: Anti-Aircraft troops of the 1st Guards Tank Brigade. January 1942.

Period of use

Although not very well liked at the front, these coveralls saw heavier use with rear-line infantry. 1941-1943 (until 1945 likely)

Top: Obr.41 winter coveralls, no closure can be seen on the front. Middle: I.M. Svirin guarding a BA-10 on the Southern Front. January 1943. Bottom: Anti-Aircraft troops of the 1st Guards Tank Brigade. January 1942.

Period of use

Although not very well liked at the front, these coveralls saw heavier use with rear-line infantry. 1941-1943 (until 1945 likely)

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