Navy Uniform Information

Just one example of a Navy uniform.

The U. S. Navy uniform has changed frequently over the years and has been adapted based on functional needs and popular style. Navy uniforms differ according to rank, gender and purpose. There are specific regulations about how the Navy uniform is worn and maintained and what kind of accessories can be worn with it.

History

Stripes and stars did not appear on Navy uniforms until 1876. The idea came from Rear Admiral Stephen B. Luce. Bell bottoms were introduced in the early 1800s, and it is thought they came into existence due to the functional use of rolling them up, making it safer and more comfortable when washing the deck or abandoning the ship. According to the U.S. Navy website, khaki pants were introduced in India in 1845 when the British soldiers soaked mud, coffee and curry powder onto their uniforms, so they could blend into the environment.

Standard Regulations for All Uniforms

Fabric for all uniforms must be approved by the chief of the naval operations. All uniforms must be well maintained and clean. All uniforms are subject to frequent inspections.

Types

According to usnavy.com, the type of Navy uniform differs according to rank, job assignment, gender, weather conditions and other conditions. These types include the service dress, working khaki and dinner dress. The service dress appearance varies upon the weather. In cold weather, blue fabric is used, and in warm weather, white fabric is used. The fabric is either wool or polyester. The working khaki uniform is quite simple and includes khaki pants, a short-sleeve shirt, a belt and black shoes. According to mapsoftheworld.com, the dinner dress is popular. As the name implies, the dinner dress is worn on formal occasions and includes a mess jacket or black tail coat, white collar shirt, white vest and white bow.

Regulations for Accessories

Women are permitted to wear a single 4 to 6 millimeter gold-ball-studded earring in each ear, with the exception of the dinner dress when women are allowed to wear pearl earrings. According to the Navy Department Library, "fingernails will not extend past finger-tips for men and one-quarter inch past for women. They should be kept clean. Only one ring per hand is authorized while in uniform, excluding a wedding ring." Men are not permitted to wear earrings, and no other body piercings are allowed. Mutilation of the body such as forked tongues, stretched holes in the ears, foreign objects under the skin, intentional scarring, burning or dental ornamentation are not permitted. Tattoos are allowed as long as they are not discriminatory, obscene or sexual in nature. According to the Navy Department Library, it is recommended that all faces are kept clean-shaven; however, beards and mustaches are permitted as long as they are kept short, neatly trimmed, and are without eccentricities such as handlebar mustaches or goatees

Misconceptions

According to the U.S. Navy web site, "A well-known Navy myth is that a sailor whose ship sinks can wear a gold earring in uniform." This myth has never been confirmed, but according to the U.S. Navy web site, the myth is an "interesting bit of scuttlebutt."

References

• U.S. Navy: Navy Uniform Standards
• U.S. Navy: Navy Uniforms
• Maps of the World: U.S. Navy Uniform