Functionality and durability are essential when choosing your long-term survival apparel. Any camouflage coloring will stick out like a sore thumb in an urban area. Cacki or olive is the best color. You can turn it into camouflage with some dirt. Black is only good at night. There is no black in nature. Greys are also suitable for urban survival.

The preferred fabrics are poly-blends, leather, and natural fibers. Carhart makes some very durable clothing. However, it can get heavy when saturated with water. In the end, it is all about durability.

When it comes to fasteners, buttons are preferred over zippers. Buttons can be repaired, but zippers are hard to fix. If you are going to have zippers, metal is always preferred over plastic. Save all your old buttons on worn-out clothes. They can be put to use again.

For your head, make sure you have a hat to block the sun. You can use a ball cap or a bucket Boonie hat. Some Boonie hats double as water collection tools as well. Make sure you have a knitted beanie for warmth. A helmet is a very viable option. Why not protect your head? If you are in a self-defense situation, every bit of protection helps. If you can afford a Kevlar helmet, get one. It will help protect you from bullets, but even a plastic helmet can be a big help if you fall or are in a fight. It is also essential to have one, two, three, or four bandanas. They are beneficial in multiple ways.

For your face, have a pair of goggles. Even swim goggles will work in a pinch. You will need to protect your eyes from dirt or chemical sprays. If you wear prescription glasses, always save your old pairs. You never know when they will come in handy. Have a lanyard to prevent your glasses from flying off at the wrong time. If you don’t wear prescription glasses, you should have a pair of sunglasses or tinted shooting glasses.

It would be best if you had masks for your face. You can use your bandana, but an N95 mask is preferred. A gas mask is also recommended for any chemical contamination you may be exposed to. Have earplugs as well. Guns are loud, and if you need to shoot one, you will be thankful for the ear protection. Ensure each family member has earplugs and knows how to apply them properly. Electronic hearing protection is fantastic, but how will you charge them? Do it but always have a fallback if you can make it happen.

You can have a scarf for your neck, but the bandana will work just as well. It can keep you warm in the cold and can be moistened and wrapped around your neck to keep you cool in the heat.

For your torso, make sure you layer your clothing. Layering allows you to regulate your body temperature quickly. Women, make sure you have extra bras that are both comfortable and athletic for ease of movement. Rash guards make great undershirts. They keep you cool in the heat and warm in the cold. They also prevent nipple chaffing from continuous movement. Have extra t-shirts. Hoodies are suitable to help keep the sun off your head or stay warm in the cold. However, they restrict peripheral vision and can be used against you in a self-defense scenario.

Body armor is a torso accessory that is highly recommended. There are lots of affordable options so you can protect yourself and your family. Start somewhere. Something is better than nothing, and you can upgrade it later. A weapon sling and bandolier are also recommended. These allow you to carry weapons and have ammo available when needed quickly. Leather wrist wraps or gauntlets cover vital areas during knife fights and prevent you from getting bitten during a zombie apocalypse.

Mittens are essential for your hands in the cold. Buy a pair that have the option of folding back so you can use your fingers. Shooting gloves are a must. Guns get hot and have sharp edges. You should also have a pair or two of durable utility gloves. Make sure you can still fire your weapon when wearing them. They also make gloves that protect your hands from heat while working with your grill. These are a great addition because you may be dealing with many bonfires. You don’t want burns, and the gloves also allow you to minimize the tools you will need to carry.

For pants, remember the recommended colors. Blue jeans are okay in an urban setting to blend in as well. Pants with reinforced knees will ensure they last longer. Durability is king! 

Make sure they have lots of pockets so when you are day trekking, you can carry essentials easily. I like the pants that tie on the bottom. This minimizes stickers that want to stick to my shoelaces and bugs that want to climb up my legs. They also make sleeves, similar to leg warmers, that bridge the gap between your boots and pants.

Accessories for your lower half include a nylon duty belt or climbing belt, tactical holsters, drop leg magazine pouches, pistol magazine pouches, a medical pouch, and a pair of pocket binoculars.

For your feet, have a pair of tight synthetic stocks. Pantyhose are also a consideration, even for guys. They can prevent chaffing when you have to walk long distances. Have thicker, natural fiber socks for warmth. You should have two pairs of broken-in boots. Also, consider having flip-flops. They are very lightweight and will keep the soles of your feet protected when you want to air your feet out.

Kids will need lots of clothes and boots as they grow. If you have multiple children, start saving the older children’s clothes now. Alternatively, you can go to goodwill and start purchasing emergency clothing in bigger sizes.

Always save your old clothing. They can be repurposed into new clothing, used as patches, used to make rugs or quilts, the options are limitless, and fabric may be hard to come by. Save all the valuable things off old bags and pouches. They can also be repurposed.

Learn to sew and mend now! Practice and have supplies on hand. For more significant projects, like leather and canvas, you will need to learn to use an awl and a larger needle.