The British DPM first came into being as the 66 Pattern DP (Disruptive Pattern), this was accepted as mainstream issue. In 1968 the 68 pattern DPM  (Disruptive Pattern Military) was trialed and was accepted, being issued from 1972 onwards and was based on the 60 Pattern  Combats (Olive) cut. This was a leap for the British army which had upto then only issued DPM Smocks Dennison to the Parachute Regiment and other specialized units although some regulars sought the smock via private means.

The 68 Pattern DPM consisted of a 4 colour pattern with the Green having a slightly darker green outline/border. Later, the colours were slightly changed keeping the same pattern but the darker green outline/border was dropped, this resulted in a 1975 pattern material issued from the mid 1970's, but retaining the 68 pattern style.

The 68 Pattern was a heavy uniform being twin lined and when wet tend to take forever to dry out. The following types were developed - Temperate, Artic and Tropical. By the mid eighties it was decided to develop  a new uniform which would be more soldier friendly with larger pockets, faster drying materials and lighter which became the 84 or 85 pattern issued from1986 onwards. But some habits died hard and some still preferred the 68 pattern  because of its durability. It was common to see 68 and 85 pattern being worn together in a mix and match way until the introduction of the 90 pattern which introduced a popular system.

One good thing about the 85 pattern was that it did away with the "Hairy Mairy" Woolen shirt with the introduction of a new 85 pattern olive shirt which was very comfortable to wear.

1960 Pattern - Olive

Combat, Smock ,60 Pattern (Olive):

Pic by: Jon Clark
(Temporary Picture)

Trousers, Combat, 60 Pattern (Olive):

   
Twin lined, Shell dressing pocket on right hip, Left leg Map pocket.

1966 Pattern DP

Smock Combat (1960 Pattern):

   
Twined lined with a mix of material, Stitched collar and elbow patches, buttoned cuffs and flat pockets.

Trousers, Combat (1960 Pattern):

Twin lined, left leg (Map) Pocket  and no shell dressing pocket.

1968 Pattern

Smock, Combat (68 Pattern):

   
 Twin lined, left brest inside pocket, Buttoned cuffs, 4 large flush pockets and small pocket on left upper arm.

Smock, Combat (68 Pattern):

  
Twin Lined, Left Leg (Map) Pocket, Right Cheek Pocket and Shell Dressing on Right Hip.

Hood, Cold Weather:

   
Twin lined which buttoned onto the collar and epaulets.

DPM Cap (aka Crow Cap):

 Twin lined with small ear flaps. Early caps had khaki brown material on the inside of the flaps. 

Cold Weather Cap:

1984/85 Pattern

Smock, Combat DPM:

 DPM lining around shoulder area with Velcro cuffs and 4 large billowing pockets with 2 smaller pockets on the arms.

   
Twin lined to knee level with 2 billowing leg pockets  and 2 flush pockets on cheeks.

Waterproofs

Smock Waterproof PVC:

Trousers Waterproof PVC:

Trousers Waterproof POL Resistant Polychloroprene   DP:

These are the same in external appearance as the DPM PVC waterproofs but are a later issue, the difference being that they are rubber lined.

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