The United States Navy has six main uniforms that are currently authorized for wear – Service Dress Blues, Service Dress Whites, Service Khakis, Navy Working Uniform, Coveralls, and Flight Suits. Each uniform serves a specific purpose and has strict regulations regarding its proper wear. In this article, we will provide an overview of the six main US Navy uniforms, their history, when they are worn, and their key components. Having knowledge of the different Navy uniforms is important for anyone serving in the Navy so they can dress appropriately for any occasion.
Service Dress Blues
The Service Dress Blue uniform, commonly referred to as “Dress Blues”, is the most formal uniform worn by enlisted sailors in the United States Navy. It is authorized for wear by all sailors (E-1 to E-6). It consists of a black coat and trousers with a white web belt, shirt, and neckerchief.
Some key components of the Service Dress Blues uniform include:
- Black wool coat with rows of gold buttons down the front and gold sleeve cuffs
- Black trousers with belt loops for the white web belt
- White cotton shirt with black necktie
- Black neckerchief worn around the neck under the collar
- Round flat hat with a black brim known as a “Dixie cup”
The Service Dress Blue uniform traces its origins back to the early 19th century when uniform standards were first established. The current design has remained relatively unchanged since the late 19th century. This uniform is worn for formal occasions like change of command and retirement ceremonies, dances and receptions. It is considered a privilege to wear the formal Dress Blues.
Service Dress Whites
Similar to the Dress Blues, the Service Dress White uniform is an official service uniform of the United States Navy. It is an all-white formal uniform authorized for commissioned officers and chief petty officers (E-7 to E-9). The key components include:
- White coat with shoulder boards indicating rank
- White trousers for men, knee-length skirt for women
- White cotton shirt with stand collar
- Black necktie for men, neck tab for women
- White combination cap with black visor
This uniform is worn in summer months or in tropical climates. It is appropriate for formal daytime ceremonies and events like changes of command, retirements, commissioning and decommissioning ceremonies, and white tie social functions. The all-white uniform projects a sharp, formal appearance.
Service Khakis
Service Khakis are the U.S. Navy’s primary working uniform for officers and chief petty officers. It is a year-round service uniform authorized for wear by E-6 and above when Service Dress Blues or Whites are not prescribed. Key components are:
- Khaki short or long-sleeve shirt
- Black necktie for men, black neck tab for women
- Khaki trousers for men, khaki skirt for women
- Combination cover or garrison cap
- Black shoes
Service Khakis provide a neat, professional appearance for office work, watchstanding, liberty, or business ashore. They can be worn during inspections and public appearances. The khaki color is ideal for staining and wear. This versatile uniform bridges the gap between dress and work uniforms.
Navy Working Uniform
The Navy Working Uniform (NWU) is the daily working uniform for all E-1 to O-10 sailors when deployed or working on board a ship. Its key features are:
- 50/50 nylon and cotton twill blend navy blue camouflage utility uniform
- Eight-point utility cover
- Black boots
- Black or navy blue crew-neck t-shirt
There are three types of NWUs, each with a unique camouflage pattern suitable for various environments:
- NWU Type I (predominately blue aquaflage) – standard shipboard and ashore NWU
- NWU Type II (desert camouflage) – used with combat gear in desert environments
- NWU Type III (woodland camouflage) – for expeditionary combat units in jungle conditions
The NWU is designed for rugged daily wear aboard ships, indirty or wet conditions, and during combat operations. It replaced several working uniforms like utilities and coveralls.
Coveralls
Coveralls are navy blue cotton twill uniforms authorized for wear by E-1 to O-10 personnel. Key features include:
- Full zipper front closure
- Two slanted chest pockets with button flaps
- Two front hip pockets
- Navy cotton t-shirt worn underneath
- Black safety boots
Coveralls are the working uniform for dirtier jobs like painting, cleaning, working with machinery, and some flight deck operations. They protect the regular duty uniform from grease, dirt, and grime. Officers and chiefs may prescribe coveralls when work requires greater protection than the NWU.
Flight Suits
Flight suits are functional flying uniforms worn by Naval Aviators, Naval Flight Officers, and certain aircrew members. Key features are:
- Sage green Nomex fire resistant material
- Multiple zippered pockets
- Velcro adjustments at wrists and ankles
- Reinforced knees and elbows
- Nomex gloves
Flight suits are designed for comfort and safety while flying. The fire-resistant material protects aviators from flames, heat, and flash fires. The uniform contains multiple pockets for holding tools and flight items. It also has zippers for ventilation and velcro adjustments for fitting over boots and gloves.
The following table summarizes the 6 main US Navy uniforms:
| Uniform | Authorized Personnel | Key Components | Prescribed Wear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Dress Blues | E-1 to E-6 | Black coat, white shirt, black necktie | Ceremonial occasions |
| Service Dress Whites | E-7 to O-10 | White coat, white shirt, black necktie | Ceremonial warm weather |
| Service Khakis | E-6 and above | Khaki shirt and trousers, tie/tab | Office/liberty/business |
| Navy Working Uniform | E-1 to O-10 | Blue camouflage utility, black boots | Shipboard/deployed daily wear |
| Coveralls | E-1 to O-10 | Navy blue cotton, black boots | Dirty/physical work |
| Flight Suits | Aviators/aircrew | Green Nomex, fire resistant | Flying operations |
History of US Navy Uniforms
The history of uniforms in the United States Navy spans over two centuries. Here are some key highlights:
- 1797 – First naval uniform regulations established basic blue and white uniform options.
- 1812 – Distinctive mark of rank badges on uniforms implemented.
- 1817 – Tar flap sailor hats adopted as early form of Dixie cup hat.
- 1852 – Navy adopts sleeve stripes to denote rank/rate.
- 1866 – Regulations standardize the uniform with spearpoint flaps and modern jumper top.
- 1875 – Sailors replace white canvas leggings with blue wool trousers.
- 1913 – Current service dress blue uniform coat adopted.
- 1940s – Large scale use of specialized working uniforms like dungarees and aviation greens.
- 1970s – Traditional “Crackerjacks” replaced with wash-and-wear uniforms.
- 1980s – Women integrated into the fleet adopt skirts and slacks.
- 2000s – Navy Working Uniform Type I first fielded to replace dungarees.
The evolution of Navy uniforms reflects changing technologies, missions, and social standards over 200+ years. Yet core elements like blue and white colors, brass buttons, and bell bottom trousers maintain traditions.
Regulations for Wearing Navy Uniforms
The U.S. Navy has extensive regulations that govern the proper wear of each uniform. Key guidelines include:
- Uniforms will be kept clean, neat, and in serviceable condition.
- Specific guidelines exist for placement of ribbons, badges, insignia, and other accessories.
- Civilian clothes and accessories will not be mixed with any uniform.
- Jewelry, eyewear, bags, and other items are limited.
- Uniforms will be worn properly zipped, buttoned, and belted.
- Headgear will be worn squarely on the head and removed indoors.
- Specific hair, grooming, and personal appearance standards apply.
- Only authorized awards, devices, and patches may be worn.
- Uniforms with defects are not permitted; sailors can request replacement uniforms.
All Navy personnel are responsible for presenting a neat, clean appearance that projects pride and professionalism at all times when in uniform. The regulations ensure consistency across the force.
Obtaining U.S. Navy Uniforms
Active duty sailors in the U.S. Navy are issued initial uniform allotments upon recruitment. Enlisted receive an upfront clothing allowance to obtain required uniforms and accessories like neckties, belts, and shoes. Some key facts about Navy uniform issue and replacement:
- Officer candidate students receive initial uniforms and a stipend for additional items.
- Enlisted sailors get an annual clothing maintenance allowance for replacement items.
- Specialty items like flight suits, jackets, and combat gear are unit-issued as required.
- Navy exchanges stock complete uniform assortments for purchase.
- Working uniforms are replaced on an as-needed basis when worn or damaged.
- The Navy will replace or repair uniforms worn out through normal wear and tear.
The Navy provides sufficient uniforms for all enlisted sailors and officers to properly outfit themselves for any assignment. By taking care of uniforms and not abusing clothing allowances, personnel can meet uniform regulations.
Conclusion
U.S. Navy uniforms have evolved considerably over the past 200+ years, yet traditions and high standards remain strong. The Navy currently has six primary uniforms – Service Dress Blues and Whites, Service Khakis, Navy Working Uniforms, Coveralls, and Flight Suits. Each serves a distinct function ranging from office work to dirty jobs to flying. Strict regulations govern the proper wear of uniforms to project a consistent, professional appearance. It is a privilege for sailors to wear the uniform and represent the United States. Understanding the uniforms is essential knowledge for any sailor reporting for service in the Navy.
