Has anyone had any issues with the new scorpion pattern uniform?

2016-03-20T20:00:18-04:00

It seems that this uniform likes to fade and discolor only after a few washes. The boots have seem to faded away from their original color as well. I take good care and wash the uniform and keep the boots clean. The new uniform just doesn't seem to withstand as much wear and tear as others. Has anyone else had any issues? Or has any tricks to combat them?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2016 8:02 PM

2016-03-20T20:02:13-04:00

Turn them inside out to wash, and use a dye free soap.

Response by SFC Benjamin Harrison made Mar 20 at 2016 8:29 PM

2016-03-20T20:29:41-04:00

In comparison to the OCP, the scorpion has gone about 4 months with very little fading. The OCP faded after the first wash. Perhaps it's the detergent your using or you're using a dryer rather than hang drying them.

Response by SPC Alexander Brandt made Mar 21 at 2016 2:46 AM

2016-03-21T02:46:37-04:00

I've no issues with the uniforms fading. Granted they've lost the luster and seem a little less full of color, but they don't fade anywhere near the level of the old Mutlicams. The boots on the other hand have faded a great deal. I barely notice the difference between the new boots and the old.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2016 6:45 AM

2016-03-21T06:45:16-04:00

The uniform does fade fairly quickly. However, I'm maintenance and get covered in grease daily. Needless to say, my uniforms don't last long. When they get destroyed we turn them in for a one for one swap.

I have heard most people will turn them inside out and use a mild detergent. I use the strongest stuff I can find and then throw in a can of coke.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Mar 21 at 2016 9:56 AM

2016-03-21T09:56:21-04:00

I does fade some, about on par with the old BDUs. The uniform is darker than the ACU so it is more noticeable. But remember, the wear life of the uniform is 6 months, so don't expect it to look like new for long. I think once you get the full clothing bag amount (4 sets), you 'll be able to rotate them more frequently and slow down the wear process.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 21 at 2016 10:44 AM

2016-03-21T10:44:40-04:00

Seems less of a problem than our blue cammo that salt water would turn the lighter parts orange. Never looked good.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2016 2:52 PM

2016-03-21T14:52:12-04:00

One of my guys says the velcro is crap. His name tapes and rank are about ready to fall off. Granted this can be fixed by either sewing on name tapes or replacing the velcro, but still bad that the velcro falls apart easily.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2016 9:38 PM

2016-03-21T21:38:22-04:00

Yep. Agreed. Same here. Fade a lot faster than our last uniforms. They make these things called color saver sheets you put into the washing machine (not the dryer) and it maintains the color a lot longer. Hope this helps.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2016 10:37 PM

2016-03-21T22:37:33-04:00

Yeah if you read the tag it is is only "good" up to 25 washings, then it is supposed to be replaced.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2016 11:39 PM

2016-03-21T23:39:23-04:00

Still to new waiting on my order from supply

Response by SGT Shawn Schweinberg made Mar 22 at 2016 2:27 PM

2016-03-22T14:27:17-04:00

It's because the uniforms are new. The same thing happened to the ACU's when they were new. As time progresses the uniforms get better in quality. My new ACU uniforms turned green after washing them the first few times back in the day.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 22 at 2016 9:46 PM

2016-03-22T21:46:56-04:00

Oh my, don't you all think it's time for a uniform change? It's been way too long since we've seen one!! Let's go!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2016 9:48 PM

2016-03-22T21:48:05-04:00

I am with Maj Guy, Turn them inside out and wash them. I also leave my patches on So my oatches stay looking good and clean.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2016 12:08 AM

2016-03-23T00:08:18-04:00

Gotta agree, after a few washes it does fade out and it doesn't seem to matter what color protectent you use.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2016 2:43 AM

2016-03-23T02:43:07-04:00

My "new Scorpion pattern" do you actually mean the ACU-OCP pattern? Or do you mean the OEF pattern?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2016 9:19 AM

2016-03-23T09:19:40-04:00

Haven't noticed much fade with the new uniforms. Washed mine several times and they are now 3 months old. The deployment ones were horrible.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2016 11:46 AM

2016-03-24T11:46:39-04:00

Turn inside out, wash in lukewarm water or preferably cold water and dry in low heat. I've had mine for 7 months and wash them sometimes twice a week and the still look brand new. Hope this helps you out.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2018 8:44 AM

2018-05-03T08:44:37-04:00

I wash mines inside out in cold water, hang dry, no dye soup and still fading.