Posted on Aug 21, 2014
Are commercially available substitutes for standard issue uniform items authorized to wear?
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I'm asking about thing like undershirts, socks, gloves, ear flaps, and that sort of thing. I heard a chief from another division chewing out a sailor because his blue undershirt for his NWU was not purchased at the uniform shop, but was a Hanes undershirt he bought at the NEX. I wear Jockey undershirts, so I looked up the uniform regulations and it doesn't specify, so my understanding is that any brand of t-shirt (or ear flaps, socks, gloves, etc) are actually authorized. I'm curious if any Sailors have any guidance to offer.
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Uniforms
Uniforms
Edited >1 y ago
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In my experience, it comes down to color tone and fabric. So long as your undershirt is 100% cotton & the hue is similar to your initial issue, you're fine.
I've seen two instances of shipmates setting themselves up for unwanted attention. One bought shirts that were noticeably too bright, while the other accidentally bought shirts that were nearly black. While the former got his from Walmart, the latter was able to return his shirts to the NEX where he bought them. In both cases, these men could have saved themselves a conversation had they taken an extra 15 seconds to look their uniform over in the mirror before going into work.
Be smart and take pride in your appearance. Many men and women have worn that same uniform with distinction and so should you.
I've seen two instances of shipmates setting themselves up for unwanted attention. One bought shirts that were noticeably too bright, while the other accidentally bought shirts that were nearly black. While the former got his from Walmart, the latter was able to return his shirts to the NEX where he bought them. In both cases, these men could have saved themselves a conversation had they taken an extra 15 seconds to look their uniform over in the mirror before going into work.
Be smart and take pride in your appearance. Many men and women have worn that same uniform with distinction and so should you.
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PO1 Michael G.
PO2 (Join to see) Thank you, petty officer. I was pretty sure that's what I understood form the regulation, but I wanted to be clear.
Do you happen to know about other items, like gloves or earflaps? I have a pair of 180s earmuffs that are plain black, they just don't have a band around the front. Are those authorized for wear in the colder months?
Do you happen to know about other items, like gloves or earflaps? I have a pair of 180s earmuffs that are plain black, they just don't have a band around the front. Are those authorized for wear in the colder months?
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PO2 (Join to see)
For light gloves I wear a pair of black deer skin gloves. These you can find at the NEX.
As for your earmuffs, the 180s are very popular and, in my opinion, provide both warmth and a professional appearance. Mind you, Article 3501.22 refers solely to the elastic retainer type earmuffs you were issued in your sea bag. So no, they are not authorized, but they are much more comfortable and warm than the authorized earmuffs. If someone corrects you for wearing the 180s, pay heed and comply.
I don't know if you're already aware of this, but you can review the uniform regulations on NPCs website at http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/uniforms/uniformregulations/chapter3/MaleEnlisted/Pages/default.aspx
As for your earmuffs, the 180s are very popular and, in my opinion, provide both warmth and a professional appearance. Mind you, Article 3501.22 refers solely to the elastic retainer type earmuffs you were issued in your sea bag. So no, they are not authorized, but they are much more comfortable and warm than the authorized earmuffs. If someone corrects you for wearing the 180s, pay heed and comply.
I don't know if you're already aware of this, but you can review the uniform regulations on NPCs website at http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/uniforms/uniformregulations/chapter3/MaleEnlisted/Pages/default.aspx
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Sailors
For centuries sailors have sailed the seven seas. We've had uniforms made in every port we pulled into. The key is maintaining color, tint, shade, material and cut as LCDR (Join to see) mentioned combined with proper form and fit. I had 3 sets of dress blues made in Hong Kong - all with the insert liberty cuffs. I was fine until I decided to roll up those cuffs and show off my dragons, etc. Fortunately, an old salt of a chief happened to catch me before I hit the pier while heading to the liberty boats and reminded me I needed to be in compliance (not his words, but hey there are civilians (read: non-navy types) that read this stuff) and I quickly pulled down the sleeves and buttoned up. I kept those blues even today - can't fit in them anymore, but I still have them. Wore those blues to way too many inspections ... LOL ... only the old Pac Flt sailors recognized them - every time they recognized them there was a smile in their eyes.........
For centuries sailors have sailed the seven seas. We've had uniforms made in every port we pulled into. The key is maintaining color, tint, shade, material and cut as LCDR (Join to see) mentioned combined with proper form and fit. I had 3 sets of dress blues made in Hong Kong - all with the insert liberty cuffs. I was fine until I decided to roll up those cuffs and show off my dragons, etc. Fortunately, an old salt of a chief happened to catch me before I hit the pier while heading to the liberty boats and reminded me I needed to be in compliance (not his words, but hey there are civilians (read: non-navy types) that read this stuff) and I quickly pulled down the sleeves and buttoned up. I kept those blues even today - can't fit in them anymore, but I still have them. Wore those blues to way too many inspections ... LOL ... only the old Pac Flt sailors recognized them - every time they recognized them there was a smile in their eyes.........
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