Feldmuster

Feldmuster is a German term that translates literally as field pattern. In textile and related industries, it refers to a pattern or design intended for use in outdoor or field conditions. The term is used in catalogs and historical documents to distinguish patterns intended for practical wear or equipment from those designed for indoor or decorative use. Feldmuster can describe repeating motifs, textures, or colorways applied to fabrics used in workwear, military field uniforms, tents, and field equipment, where durability and legibility are important.

Etymology adds clarity: Feld means field, and Muster means pattern, sample, or prototype. The combination signals a functional category in production planning and product labeling. Historically, German-speaking manufacturers maintained separate design series for different environments, including Feldmuster for field use and Wohnmuster for home textiles.

In practice, Feldmuster appears in archival catalogs, museum collections, and old trade literature. Today the term is most often encountered in historical contexts or when studying textile production, military supply chains, or museum artifacts. It is distinct from camouflage-specific terms such as Tarnmuster, though camouflage patterns may also be described as Feldmuster when used in field gear.

See also: Muster, Tarnmuster, Uniform, Textiles.