What is the History of the USMC Uniform?

There are rare uniforms that have as rich a history as the United States Marine Corps. These uniforms have had transformations that came almost from war to war. From leathernecks to the blood stripe almost every part of the USMC uniform has some type of important part in the Marines' history.

The very first Marine Corps uniforms were green. It is said the reason for the color was an abundance of green dye or because a certain club wore green. Leatherneck uniforms came about when the Marine Corps was Colonial. These uniforms have a tough, leather collar that protected the soldier’s neck from a sword strike. The beginning of the dress blues seen today came in the late 18th century. President Jackson did try to change the uniform back to green with white edging and gray pants, but this was not popular and the blue with red edging reigned supreme.

In the mid to late 19th century the dress uniform for the Marine Corps has several unpopular changes. Once, there was a pom-pom adorned shako added to the uniform. This hat was unanimously voted out the door. Service uniforms for the marines have, for the most part, stayed varying shades of green. From olive shirt with khaki trouser to camouflage the service or field uniform has lasted through the centuries and has had minor changes. The all white dress uniform was retired in the 1980s. The white trousers were kept for specific formal events or functions.

The Marine Corps dress uniform of today is pictured as a dark, blue jacket with red edging and a white canvas belt worn at the waist. The trousers are of a lighter blue with a red stripe or blood stripe down the sides. This blood stripe is worn proudly by all Marines denoting and paying homage to the fallen soldiers. Adornments and decorations are subject to the soldier and the service record of that soldier.