Navy Uniform Rules

Navy uniform rules vary by occasion. The different types of navy uniforms that officers and sailors wear depend upon the occasion and their rank.  Navy uniforms include the blue service dress, full dress, white or navy service uniforms, and working uniforms. 

Service Blue Dress

Service blue dress for men includes a white shirt and four-in-hand necktie with a navy blue coat, trousers and a jacket with six gold buttons that is only supposed to be worn on official business days. Women wear a white neck tab and a navy blue skirt or pants. This type of uniform is specifically worn by recruited officials for the purpose of displaying rank.

Formal Uniform

The Full dress is not different from the service dress only that the ribbons used are changed to medals worn on the pocket line. Officers wear the full dress on special occasions such as funerals, Navy commencements operations, retirements and during command. The full dress is worn according to the rank of the officer. This is a full white uniform with white hat and shoes.

Service Uniforms

Service uniforms are worn on working days. All officers are supposed to wear khaki or white short sleeved shirts, trousers and a hat, matched with black shoes. Officers, who have been awarded, place their ribbons and badges just beside the left shoulder near the pocket.

Officers wearing the navy uniform are expected to reflect high personal etiquette. Particular attention is paid not only to the correct US Navy uniform wear but also to the individual’s personal and physical appearance and hygiene. Officers exercising the privilege of wearing a Navy uniform are supposed to comply fully with Navy etiquette.