The Baker pant is one of the most enduring pieces of 20th-century military clothing.
Originally designed as a practical solution for soldiers working off the front lines, the silhouette has remained relevant for over 70 years. With the TCB 50’s Baker Pant, the form is reinterpreted with respect for its roots and precision in its construction. The name “Baker Pant” is a civilian term, not an official military designation. It refers to a type of fatigue trouser issued as part of the OG-107 utility uniform, adopted by the U.S. Army in 1952. The name OG-107 refers to the specific Olive Green 107 shade used in both the trousers and matching fatigue shirt.
The OG-107 uniform was part of a post-WWII shift in U.S. military dress. It replaced the earlier herringbone twill (HBT) sets used in World War II and Korea, introducing a new 8.5oz cotton sateen fabric that was lighter, more durable, and easier to mass-produce. This was a uniform designed for long-term use, from basic training to field operations, and its clean, minimal construction was part of its strength.
The trousers were simple:
- A flat front with no pleats
- Two large patch pockets on the front
- Two rear patch pockets, often with flap closures
- A high rise and straight leg
- Button fly and waist adjustment tabs on early models
Despite being officially called “utility trousers,” soldiers referred to them as fatigues, and that name stuck. These trousers became standard issue for nearly three decades, worn throughout the Cold War and Vietnam eras, until being replaced by poly-cotton versions like the OG-507 in the late 1970s. By then, tens of millions of OG-107s had been produced, ensuring a steady surplus supply and helping the pants transition into civilian life.
Surplus, Subcultures, and Style
Once OG-107 trousers reached the surplus market, they were quickly adopted by a wide range of wearers:
- Vietnam veterans, who continued wearing them as a symbol of protest and identity
- Blue-collar workers, who valued their durability and affordability
- Hikers and climbers, especially in the 1970s, who appreciated their comfort and freedom of movement
- Artists and musicians, drawn to their anti-establishment association
- Fashion stylists and designers, who found inspiration in their minimal, utilitarian design
By the mid-2010s, Baker pants had become a recurring piece in heritage-leaning menswear, often paired with denim jackets, loopwheel tees, and work shirts. Their practicality, modest silhouette, and low profile meant they could sit comfortably between streetwear, military vintage, and workwear alike.
TCB’s Interpretation
TCB’s 50s Baker Pant is a faithful reproduction of mid-century U.S. military fatigues. Based on the standard-issue trousers introduced in the early 1950s, this version merges vintage utility with TCB’s precise, detail-focused approach to garment construction.
Cut from 10oz Japanese back satin, a military-grade cotton fabric known for its durability and soft texture, these trousers offer the right balance between structure and ease. The fabric is once-washed, so no shrinkage is expected, and it will soften further with wear.
The design remains true to the original:
- Mid-rise, with a full thigh and a gently tapered leg
- Two large front patch pockets, plus two rear flap pockets with button closures
- Button fly with period-correct urea buttons
- Double-needle stitching throughout for added durability
- Wrap-seam construction at the seat, inseam, and side seams
- Made in Japan with TCB’s usual attention to reproduction accuracy
While many brands tweak or update the Baker silhouette, TCB keeps the shape grounded in the original spec. The fit is relaxed but not oversized, sitting comfortably at the waist and working well across a wide range of body types and styling approaches.
Wearing Baker Pants
The appeal of the Baker Pant lies in its versatility. It’s a practical alternative to denim—just as sturdy, but with a different texture and visual tone. The olive back satin fabric pairs easily with chore jackets, loopwheel knits, or washed chambray shirts.
Some reliable combinations include:
- A Godspeed Daimaru tee or plain white undershirt for everyday wear
- A Type I or Type II denim jacket or vintage-inspired work coat
- Layered with a hoodie, thermal, or sweatshirt in cooler months
- Footwear ranging from rugged boots to canvas sneakers
The mid-weight fabric and classic cut make these trousers wearable across seasons. Whether you keep them crisp or wear them in hard, they hold their shape and develop character over time.
