Acid·tarn from the German acid "acid" and tarnen “camouflage.”
We discovered Acidtarn by accident while conducting dye tests in 2017/2018. During these tests, two identical Flecktarn parkas were sent through the standard Versengtarn dye process to confirm our dye ratios, additives, and wash procedure. When we had finished processing the parkas, one came out the black Versengtarn pattern we expected, and the other came out a deep iridescent green.
The difference came down to the ratio of cotton and synthetic yarn. Prior to 2005, all Flecktarn uniforms were manufactured with a relatively large percentage of cotton. After 2005 this was changed, increasing the proportion of synthetic material in all German uniforms. Because our dye selectively binds to cotton, the undyed synthetic fibers created a dramatically different garment.
In person Acidtarn appears similar to an olive drab, with an iridescent "oil slick" green from the synthetic content. In fact we considered naming it Ölpesttarn "oil spill pattern" for exactly that reason. In the end our informal nickname "Acidtarn" stuck, proving to be just as acceptable in German as it was in English.
Manufacturing Process
- Each field shirt is professionally dyed in Minnesota
- Our experienced dye house has handled all Versengtarn and Wellenbrecher items to date, with a high degree of consistency and professionalism.
Original Flecktarn Specs
- Tough poly/cotton water-resistant fabric
- High waist zipper closure with snap-secured storm flap enabling the wearer to bend and crouch without restriction
- Two snap-secured front breast pockets
- Velcro® wrist fasteners
- Straps for shoulder marks, rank tabs, etc.
- Ventilated armpits
- Shoulder pocket on left arm
Normal Variation
- Some field shirts include inside pocket
- Some field shirts include a Velcro® fastener on the right arm
- Some field shirts include a Velcro® fastener above the left front pocket for name tape
- Some field shirts have had the German flags removed from the shoulders
Versengtarn Modifications
- Reactive dye permanently darkens the Flecktarn pattern to an oil slick green while retaining a faint trace of the original pattern
- Each dyed field shirt is unique, with subtle differences in pattern, hue, and saturation
- Dye treatment is permanent, non-toxic, and non-leaching
- Jackets arrive washed and ready to wear with no residual dye
