“Born in the bush. Built for the brave.”
Brushstroke Camouflage
Brushstroke camouflage, also known as Rhodesian Brushstroke, is one of the most iconic and effective camouflage patterns ever developed. Originating in the 1960s and 1970s for use by Rhodesian security forces, its unique hand-painted appearance was designed to break up the human silhouette in the African bushveld — particularly in savanna and semi-arid environments.Unlike factory-stamped patterns, Brushstroke was purpose-built for guerrilla warfare, used by soldiers, scouts, and special forces units who relied on stealth, speed, and superior terrain knowledge. The organic, painterly streaks in olive green, deep brown, and tan mimic light filtering through dry brush and tall grasses.Though Rhodesia no longer exists, the legend of the camo lives on — adopted by collectors, tactical gear enthusiasts, and those who respect the history of asymmetrical warfare. Today, Brushstroke camouflage is more than a design — it's a symbol of unconventional grit.
“It wasn’t just a uniform. It was a mindset.” — Former Selous Scout
History of Brushstroke Camouflage
Developed by the Rhodesian military during the 1960s, Brushstroke camouflage was created for one specific mission — to survive and dominate in the African bush. Tailored to the terrain of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), this pattern used organic strokes in green and brown over a tan base, imitating the motion and texture of dry vegetation. Unlike mass-produced patterns, Brushstroke was screen-printed in small batches, giving it a distinct, almost handmade look.It became the signature uniform of elite units like the Selous Scouts, RLI (Rhodesian Light Infantry), and Grey's Scouts, and was feared as much as it was respected. Its reputation was built in the shadows of counterinsurgency, bushcraft, and survival — and it left a lasting impression on camouflage design worldwide.Today, Brushstroke has become a cult classic — reissued, reimagined, and revered.
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