Exploring the visual design of military camouflage patterns and developing Sri Lankan military's unique camouflage style
Authors:   Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Samarasinghe W.R.C.I. , Liyanage P.S. , Wijerathne D.S. ,   Department of Textile and Clothing Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Open University of Sri Lanka.
Published: February 2025

This research investigates the role and effectiveness of camouflage patterns in military uniforms designed specifically for the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, addressing the challenges posed by Sri Lanka’s unique and varied terrain. The project’s objective was to evaluate the limitations of existing camouflage designs, which often rely on imported patterns ill-suited to the country’s distinctive geography, and to create a novel design tailored for environments such as marshes, woods, and open spaces. Camouflage, a crucial tactical element of military gear, enables soldiers to blend into their surroundings, reducing visibility and enhancing operational efficiency. However, Sri Lanka’s military has historically relied on foreign techniques, which may not adequately address local conditions. This research sought to fill this gap by developing patterns that align with the country’s environmental and operational needs. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study began with a comprehensive literature review that explored the principles of visual psychology, historical applications of camouflage, and current design trends in military uniforms. To gain practical insights, interviews were conducted with Sri Lankan military personnel to understand the specific operational challenges they face in blending with their surroundings. These findings informed the creation of new camouflage designs, which were subjected to experimental testing in diverse terrains. The experimental process involved identifying key terrains, as shown in Figure 1, and systematically assessing the effectiveness of both existing and newly developed patterns. The research revealed significant limitations in the existing pixelated camouflage designs currently employed by the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. While these designs performed adequately in open spaces, they demonstrated poor effectiveness in densely forested or muddy areas due to their uniform patterns and lack of adaptability. To address this, new designs were created using digital tools, incorporating elements such as disrupted shapes and adaptive color gradients that more closely mimic the natural textures and hues of Sri Lanka’s landscapes. The creation process is outlined in Figure 2, which depicts the digital methods employed to craft these innovative patterns using software like Adobe Illustrator. The experimental phase compared the effectiveness of the new patterns against the existing designs in terms of their ability to blend into natural environments and reduce visibility. As shown in Figure 3, the newly developed camouflage significantly outperformed the current designs, particularly in environments with dense foliage or muddy conditions. The new patterns’ use of irregular shapes and adaptable color transitions enabled them to better integrate with the surrounding terrain, enhancing concealment and reducing the likelihood of detection. These findings underscore the importance of designing camouflage that responds to the specific environmental conditions in which it will be deployed. This research not only provides practical solutions for the Sri Lankan Armed Forces but also contributes to the broader discourse on military uniform design. By focusing on the unique geographic and aesthetic characteristics of Sri Lanka, the study highlights the potential of localized design approaches in enhancing tactical capabilities. Furthermore, the methodology used in this research—combining theoretical analysis with practical experimentation—demonstrates a replicable framework for developing customized camouflage patterns in other geographic contexts. The findings of this study underscore the need for ongoing research and development in the field of military camouflage design. While the new patterns developed in this project mark a significant improvement, future research could explore the use of advanced digital technologies, such as machine learning algorithms, to further optimize camouflage designs for specific environments. Additionally, testing the durability and performance of these patterns under varying weather conditions and during extended field operations would provide valuable insights for their refinement and practical application. In conclusion, this research demonstrates the importance of designing terrain-specific camouflage patterns to enhance the operational efficacy of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. By aligning patterns with the ambient conditions of Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes, the study provides a critical foundation for improving military apparel and advancing the broader field of military design. The results have the potential to influence both policy and practice, encouraging a shift toward localized and environmentally responsive approaches to military uniform development.