The PT Belt Is Now a Fashion Item: You're Welcome, America

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Troops everywhere know PT belts are the height of military fashion. At one point, they were second only to the BCG. But then the military did away with those and knocked everyone's favorite reflective plastic belt to the top of the list of uniform items that are both beautiful and utilitarian.

It's hard to be this cool both inside and outside a gym, but somehow military members worldwide do it every day.
 

Soldiers from the 17th Field Artillery Brigade, use rower machines for a low impact cardio workout, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Feb. 22, 2017.  (U.S. Army/Pete Mrvos)
Soldiers from the 17th Field Artillery Brigade, use rower machines for a low impact cardio workout, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Feb. 22, 2017. (U.S. Army/Pete Mrvos)

Which is why troops and their supporters appreciate the important fashion industry nod given recently by Urban Outfitters. Now, you don't need access to the exchange's Clothing and Sales shop or the PX to participate in this important military fashion movement.

Instead, you can just hit up their site and shell out $30 plus shipping.

Forget defending freedom. America should be thanking the troops for THIS.

"Reflective training belt from Rothco perfect for night-time visibility," the site says of the accessory. "Complete with slide adjustment buckle + side release buckle closure."

Honestly, though, Urban Outfitters isn't doing this item the justice it deserves. They only show it being used as a belt for pants. But what of its place on a ruck?

U.S. Soldiers adjust a rucksack during the Third Annual Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Paul Airey Memorial Ruck/March/Run, on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 1, 2018.  (U.S. Air Force/Elizabeth Baker)
U.S. Soldiers adjust a rucksack during the Third Annual Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Paul Airey Memorial Ruck/March/Run, on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 1, 2018. (U.S. Air Force/Elizabeth Baker)

What of its use as a cross-body reflective sash?

Sgt. Jason Guge of Billings, Mont., a Black Hawk helicopter mechanic, wears several physical training belts in a hanger at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq in 2009. (U.S. Army)
Sgt. Jason Guge of Billings, Mont., a Black Hawk helicopter mechanic, wears several physical training belts in a hanger at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq in 2009. (U.S. Army)

Or for your dog? Or for your kid?

You're welcome, America. 

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