>>63998960
>minimal Gucci gear
That's just how Gucci gear looked back then.
>>63998983
>They literally look no different from regular troops from afar.
That's because the materials are similar to regular issue and it was the age before PALS webbing, velco placards/dangler pouches, shock cord and G-hooks.
Gucci gear was often made under contract to specific units by brands like Eagle Industries, Blackhawk, etc. or by grabbing standard issue gear and asking for modifications from people on base who were good at sewing or having a nearby tailor who was already used to sewing tactical gear for the boys.
Then you have shit like the SADF Niemoller rig, which was Gucci for its time but then the South African government went around shopping for manufacturers who could made cheaper versions, the paratroopers made changes to the design to suit their needs, etc which eventually made the Niemoller look pedestrian because regular units started wearing lookalikes.
Pic related, Blackhawk Commando chest rig. It was Gucci in the 90s and 2000s as special units wore them. Now they look like any fucking chest rig you can buy at airsoft/militaria stores because the modern Gucci is inflated. We have hoeflation, physique inflation and Gucci gear inflation. If you don't have Gen 3 WP tubes, kydex inserts and tegris expander wings don't even talk to me, you filthy peasant.