Military surplus stores are popular in the United States as a source of military clothing, as well as basic equipment that is inexpensive and highly durable. Depending on the type of store, military surplus stores may sell military clothing only, or military clothing plus patches, bags, knives, and outdoor gear such as tents and canteens.

Military surplus can come from retailers or from direct government auctions. You can get hard-to-find military items such as vintage clothing, certain guns and ammunition, heavier weaponry and military vehicles online from military surplus warehouses or from government surplus auction sites.

When shopping for military surplus, do all of the following:

1. Check generic and specialty retailers for military clothing;

2. Look for military surplus from specific branches;

3. Find heavy equipment with auctions and outfitters.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get specialty clothing from military surplus stores

Military surplus clothing can be fashionable or just practical for outdoor wear; you can find military clothing in all sizes at military surplus stores. A good retailer of military surplus equipment will offer a range of basic supplies and clothing, while a specialty retailer can help you get vintage or hard to find items.

I recommend: Ted's Military Surplus online store offers a good, general selection of military surplus, including kids' clothing and casual military-style clothes, law enforcement and EMT uniforms, outdoor wear and camping or hunting equipment. If you want vintage uniforms or basic vintage gear such as bags or outerwear, Vintage Trends offers a military surplus selection for men and women.

Get Army and Air Force surplus direct from specific branches

If you're looking specifically for Air Force surplus rather than generic military surplus gear, find an online store that specializes in that branch. You can also get genuine military goods from other branches by contacting the government Defense Reutilization and Marketing Services directly.

I recommend: 1st Army Supply is one of many military surplus stores specializing in Army equipment, and DRMS allows customers to shop for Air Force surplus and other surplus equipment directly from the specific branch. DRMS also offers wholesale military surplus for business that want to sell military surplus equipment.

Get large military surplus equipment from government auctions

Heavy duty military surplus gear can be obtained directly from government auctions selling genuine surplus clothing and equipment from the armed forces. Because these materials come directly from the government, auctions vary and may not always have the equipment that you need.

I recommend: Government Surplus Auction is the place to go for any heavy machinery, military surplus firearms or military surplus vehicles. Many outfitters, such as Appalachian Military Surplus, sell military gear in addition to other outdoor gear and offer a better selection of equipment than many military surplus stores.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Military surplus gear can be useful for your business even if you're not trying to open your own surplus store. Military equipment comes in handy for summer camps, gyms and sports teams, and international travel.