How to Size a Marine Uniform Belt

Military uniforms are strictly regulated and cared for.

The uniforms of Marines must be worn and cared for carefully to portray the "justifiable pride, which distinguishes Marines in uniform," according to the Marine Corps board's regulations regarding uniforms. The Marines wear special belts when they perform service as honor guards and security forces. These belts are made of webbing that, by nature, shrinks when it is laundered, and if not carefully fitted and cared for, the belts can ruin the look of a Marine uniform.

Things You'll Need

• Marine belt
• Washing machine

Instructions

1. Launder the webbing belt in a laundry machine in warm water on a regular washing cycle. Launder the belt alone so that no colors from other garments can run onto the belt. Do not dry the belt.

2. Pull the wet belt from the machine and stretch it out by hand to its fullest extent. Work the belt out to its fullest extent four to five times for best results.

3. Repeat the washing and stretching process at least three times, to compensate for the shrinking that will occur when the belt is washed.

4. Dry the belt in a machine or by air. Wrap the belt around your waist and secure it so that you have a snug, but not tight fit. Note the length of belt needed for a snug fit.

5. Remove the belt and add an extra 2 to 4 inches to accommodate your uniform clothing. For example, if you measure a 36-inch waist, the belt should be cut between 38 and 40 inches. Cut away any excess belt material.

Tips & Warnings

• Marine webbing belts are produced in two sizes: 45 inches and 50 inches. This will be the length of the belt before laundering and cutting.

• The extra inches you should include when cutting the belt will vary from soldier to soldier. For instance, if you wear only a light shirt when sizing the belt, you will need to leave room for the uniform clothing; if you wear the uniform to size the belt, you will not need to add as much excess, because you have already accommodated the uniform.

• When sizing the belt, remember that winter uniforms are sometimes bulkier than summer uniforms to keep you warmer; if this belt is to be used for a winter uniform, you may want to add an extra inch or two beyond the summer uniform's size.

• Do not use bleach when laundering the webbing belts, as the material can be damaged by the chemicals in the bleach.

References

• USMC.mil: Marine Corps Uniform Regulations
• MC.mil: Regulations Chapter 7
• BrooksidePress.org: Utility Uniform and Equipment