The Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) employed an array of variations in clothing issued to the men and women in its armed forces. At the birth of the republic, military clothing was nearly identical to that of the former State of Vietnam or "Bao Dai Republic", consisting largely of French manufactured/inspired pieces with a percentage of WW2 surplus uniforms from the United States and to a lesser extent Great Britain. By the end of the Diem period, the uniforms of the republic's armed forces had developed their own unique aesthetic. Contrary to popular misconception, the vast majority of South Vietnamese military clothing was manufactured in Vietnam, and is greatly distinguishable from US items. The history of the Republic of Vietnam's military uniforms includes the establishment of new and one of a kind patterns, which are the basis for the attire used by militaries around the World today.

   Locating original examples of South Vietnamese uniforms today is not an easy task. Numerous "fakes" abound in collecting markets, many coming from the tailor mills of present day Vietnam. Most South Vietnamese military personnel who managed to evacuate in 1975 either did carry or were relieved of their uniform upon entering refugee camps. As the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was established in South Vietnam any trappings of the "old" republic were banned. Not only uniforms, but also personal documents and photographs were destroyed either institutionally by the new authorities or by individuals or their families themselves trying to avoid detection and retribution. Yet, examples can be found. Some US servicemen (particularly advisors) brought home such items, and not all items were destroyed. However, it still remains original South Vietnamese military clothing exists in little numbers today, and finding any uniform not totally devoid of insignia is rare.