How do you feel about the ACUs fitted for females?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 11:55:24 -0500

Personally I think they look horrible if you do not get the right size. I still prefer to wear the standard issue ACU. I don't think this is a fashion show and we are Soldiers, we need to look professional.

Response by SFC James Baber made Feb 9 at 2014 1:46 PM

SFC James Baber — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 13:46:09 -0500

My 1st question is why to begin with, aren't we all supposed to be Soldiers not gender separated or specific, equal across the board, why would we need fitted duty uniforms for one gender or the other, doesn't that take away from we are constantly having drilled into us about treating everyone the same and equal.

DOD is complaining about budget and money constraints, yet we are going to have two separate uniforms, spending more unnecessary funds when one uniform across the board for everyone has worked for generations of Soldiers male and female. Somebody made some money or points for after their military career on this one.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2014 2:05 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 14:05:36 -0500

SGT M,

I used to have my uniforms custom tailored. Cheap in Vietnam. Only way to get a good fit.

Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Feb 9 at 2014 3:13 PM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 15:13:31 -0500

SGT McLamb

I don't think we look professional whatsoever in the current ACU uniforms. We look sloppy and bulky. The uniform is either too big or too small for most women. It has nothing to do with fashion. ACUs are hideous regardless if they fit properly or not.

SFC Baber

I thought the idea was ridiculous at first too. But I am tired of wearing a uniform that is enormous on me and the size smaller shows off my curves entirely too much.

We get our ASUs fitted properly don't we? Why? Because we're suppose to look professional.

Besides, what does it matter which uniform we buy with our yearly stipend? Then again, the clothing and sales store is always out of smaller sizes anyway. DLA can't get their contracts figured out and it's ridiculous.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Feb 9 at 2014 3:22 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 15:22:01 -0500

The Air Force has developed additional sizing of the ABU for women, attempting to cover a wider range of body types and sizes. I have been told that it helps....but let's face it, very few people really ever look GOOD wearing these things!! That is why there are civies for after duty hours!! ;-)

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2014 4:03 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 16:03:24 -0500

I thought the SMA stated there will be a gender specific uniform out this year?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2014 4:42 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 16:42:35 -0500

Now that we are returning to our Garrison status I think that we need to help out our high speed Soldiers that have known nothing but war or conflict. In the 80's and 90's (Yes I am an old Phart) we had Garrison Uniforms and field uniforms. Some of us even took our BDU's to a tailor and had our uniforms Fitted so that they look professional much like our civilian couterparts. This included our covers and boots. Then he had our field uniforms that we wore in the field. Fitted uniforms may help a little but ultimately we all have to put our big boy pants on and look in the mirror to see what image we are projecting to others. If we need to fix something lets fix it so we look professional.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2014 9:49 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 21:49:41 -0500

"Looking good" should be reserved for your ASUs. ACUs are a working uniform and as such are functional rather than fashionable. So.....no to the fitted idea.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2014 10:51 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 22:51:48 -0500

the military is in the middle of a SHARP explosion and all some people want to worry about is how friggin good looking or cute they are in a uniform? smh sigh,,, some people....

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Feb 9 at 2014 11:07 PM

CH (CPT) Heather Davis — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 23:07:07 -0500

SGT McLamb: I would say we all should look professional regardless of gender. I have to agree with SFC Baber on not being gender specific. I am old school and I would prefer if we went back to shining boots and BDU's starched.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2014 11:07 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 11:07:44 -0500

I have absolutely no problem with this. If you look professional, you feel professional and then you start to act professional. If you look like a soup sandwich, well, you aren't going to feel like a professional and people will assume you are just a hot mess. Before a Soldier even opens their mouth,you have already made assumptions about them based off of appearance. Male and female bodies are different and we used to tailor our uniforms to look better anyway. As long as the uniforms are functional, they should also look professional. My humble opinion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2014 11:54 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 11:54:20 -0500

Let me rephrase your question. How do I feel about a double standard? I'm against it. Soldiers aren't separated by gender. Everyone is a soldier first, period. Now we have uniforms segregated as well as pt tests, and these are the people that want to get into combat roles? NOGO

Response by CSM Chris McKeown made Feb 10 at 2014 12:19 PM

CSM Chris McKeown — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 12:19:34 -0500

I think there is a need for females to be able to get uniforms that fit, not for the looks though. I'll use my wife as a example, she has a hard time with the standard ACU uniform, she has a small waist and wide hips and the ACU's pull down to her hips when she has to perform physical work and it drives her nuts. But in my opinion the ACU Digital Uniform looks like a sack that doesn't camouflage anything, in fact it makes you stand out like a sore thumb. I miss the old BDU's, hell I would even take the old OD Green Utility Uniform over the digital sacks. The uniform I miss most of all is the old army khaki uniform that was worn  in garrison. It was sharp looking and practical.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2014 1:51 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 13:51:18 -0500

The Military Supply Chain is currently Over-burdened with too many types of duty or field uniforms. DOD needs to create &/or establish ONE uniform for ALL branches, including the field gear as well. Espri-de-Corps can be maintained with dress uniforms.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2014 2:15 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 14:15:01 -0500

Maybe I am off, but I have no issues with the new ACU-As. My wife wears extra small extra short and those are still very bulky. She has a pair of the new cut ACU and it looks much better. She isn't swimming in excess fabric.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2014 3:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 15:18:53 -0500

I don't see the issue with it, but the army should not issue fitted uniforms. The Army should continue issue regular uniforms, but allow both male and female soldiers to take them and tailor them at their own expense. But the Army would have to create a guideline on what is acceptable and what is not to enable the leadership to enforce a standard. This would allow for the personal comfort of the soldier and keep the force looking professional. It would also keep the Army from spending unneeded funds on additional uniforms.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2014 3:39 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 15:39:03 -0500

Personally, this should have nothing to do with politics, fashion statements or budget issues. Point is, as females, we have different body types and trying to fit in a standard uniform can often be uncomfortable and restraining. As a petite female at 4'10, fitting into a standard uniform was challenging, particularly when wearing regular pants. Finding a uniform that was petite enough for me was quite challenging. Whether or not ACUs are fitted for females, the important thing is to have them fitted comfortably for you while you stay within regs.  

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2014 5:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 17:09:02 -0500

The French have tailored/fitted combat uniforms. Discussion complete.

Response by SSG Christopher Peckham made Feb 10 at 2014 6:40 PM

SSG Christopher Peckham — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 18:40:11 -0500

I believe that the sizing needs to be tweaked for all, Personally i have a long torso but shorter arms and after a few washes my acu top shrinks like all hell, but if i get a long the sleeves are way too long. There has to be a better way for the sizes.

Response by SPC Davie Harvey made Feb 10 at 2014 8:29 PM

SPC Davie Harvey — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 20:29:58 -0500

When I first joined... I was under the impression that we could get our uniforms tailored like my father and mother got their BDU's tailored. Not too tight or loose, but perfect to their bodies. When I did that to my ACU's I was ripped a new one by me CoC. I feel that if we are going to have "fitted uniforms" for the sake of professional appearance, we all should be able to get them. Not just females.

Response by 1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2014 8:42 PM

1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 20:42:27 -0500

To the men:

If the Army were a mostly female force, would you be saying the same thing about your female shaped uniform? Food for thought.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2014 8:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 20:42:49 -0500

Since the wars are ending, I think we should go back to BDU's, that way we leaders can instill pride and more discipline into today's modern day Soldier AKA, millennial. That uniform was more multi functional, fit both male and female, and a tool to teach pride, discipline, and team building. Plus if you looked better than your PSG or SQDLDR, day off. Our black boot, same thing.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Feb 10 at 2014 11:17 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 23:17:28 -0500

They make my butt look big. Not a fan. Going back to the regular ones.

Response by SFC James Mathias made Feb 11 at 2014 10:51 AM

SFC James Mathias — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 10:51:42 -0500

I wore what I was given. You did the best you could to make it look good. Double Standards one more time.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 9:44 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 21:44:37 -0500

I agree. The females that treat the uniform as a fashion show have got it all wrong. 670-1 states how the uniform is to be worn and what is to be covered. Its called a uniform for a reason. Everyone is supposed to wear it the same and the only differences should are the natural differences in our physique. I'm constantly telling female soldiers that their pants are too tight and their tops are too short. We don't need to be showing booty while in uniform.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 10:34 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 22:34:10 -0500

Leave it at one uniform. But make some changes and do away with the rank being on the sternum area. Put the rank back on are collars.

Response by SFC James Baber made Feb 12 at 2014 10:06 AM

SFC James Baber — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 10:06:42 -0500

To all the ones claiming that it can't be done without messing up the uniforms, it doesn't matter if you are in the office, motor pool, or some type of training there are ways to do it right, especially if we go back to BDUs for all services as it once was, except for the Marines of course, they have always pretty much had their own uniforms.

That is where coveralls come into play, my BDUs were so sharp for Monday morning formations you could cut yourself on them, I kept a pair of coveralls and a change boots in my trunk that I took to formation with me, either left them in my jeep or HUMMV before formation then put them on right after breaking for work. It is all about priorities and pride in the uniform and your quality of work, I took my BDU top off, switched out boots and did my morning maintenance from PVT E2 thru SGT E5 this is how my Monday maintenance days went, once I made E6 it was more supervisory, but I still pitched in when needed.

Response by 1SG Johnny Carter made Feb 12 at 2014 6:28 PM

1SG Johnny Carter — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 18:28:54 -0500

I believe the Army should come up with a better fitting uniform for everyone. The one size fits all really doesn't apply. Now I'm not saying form fitted by no means because that will bring one a whole realm of issues the Army doesn't need. But you have some Solders who need special uniforms. I wear a M/S top and M/S bottom. Makes me look like I won the Biggest Loser contest but a S/R top and S/R bottom makes me look like I just came back from deployment roided up! I haven't seen or heard of these form fitted uniforms for females yet and if they have them as long as it's professional then now worries but again that's when leaders step in and make those On The Spot corrections and fix it. We NCO's have powers that are incredible when used! I SAY HOOOAH!

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Feb 12 at 2014 7:14 PM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 19:14:42 -0500

Oh my goodness y'all listen please!

The photo to the left is an example of FORM FITTING uniforms.

The photo on the right is NOT FORM FITTING.

DOES EVERYONE SEE THE DIFFERENCE?

I assure you US Army females are in NO DANGER of looking anything like the females in the left!

GEEZ!!!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2014 12:30 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 00:30:01 -0500

SGT Amber M.

Some servicewomen make even the current ACUs look great !!!

Apart from their headgear, these women look uparmored !!! :)

Some already earned a Silver Star. Some look like marines !!!

Even our leadership is looking pretty snappy in their Class As!!!

Warmest Regards, Sandy

Leigh Ann Hester: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He2a39DLF_I

Monica Brown: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J54KZkI-QFg

Response by SGT Aja Johnson made Feb 15 at 2014 7:52 AM

SGT Aja Johnson — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 07:52:29 -0500

I don't agree with the female fitted uniforms, it's a waste of money and time. Work on a PATTERN that works and keep it instead of how it fits. I have never had complaints about the uniform I currently wear. Same thing can go for the way the ASU's are made for women, they're a bit funky. Yes, let's put the DS badge AAAAALL the way down here...it's weird and akward. Same with the service cap for females. The Army wants uniformity but constantly separating genders. This ACU deal is just another thing females are gonna get bashed on.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2014 8:09 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 08:09:19 -0500

I feel the same way about ACUs fitted for males. Do they fit properly? If yes, then Im all for it. Now if you are speaking tailored to shape, then there is a thin line presented between professional and indecent appearance!

Response by SFC Michael W. made Jul 5 at 2014 12:05 AM

SFC Michael W. — Sat, 05 Jul 2014 00:05:48 -0400

I should remain the same with one basic ACU, not one for male and one for females. That just causes a lot of undue headaches...

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2014 9:18 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Jul 2014 21:18:59 -0400

I'm more for allowing people to tailor their working uniforms slightly. So many times I have seen NWU's that don't fit the sailor properly. If one could tailor it (within reason) then there wouldn't be a need for the Navy (or other branches) to purchase so many variations in sizes.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2014 2:22 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 02:22:20 -0400

The uniform looks good regardless if you wear the right size and you are not fat.
When I was at LDAC, I wrote down my size "Small/short" for the 5 sets of acus they were going to give me. They handed me Medium longs, designed for tall men. Anyways. I asked for a smaller size and they told me that same line " This isn't a fashion show." For 2 weeks I walked around like a circus clown. When I bloused the pants they still covered most of my boots. I had to keep retightening my belt because it would slip off my hips. lol

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 8:34 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 08:34:56 -0400

I've never tried one on...I do remember at the WAC HQ in the 70s, the amazing number of sizes women had to have, many more than men required.

Response by PO1 Shahida Marmol made Jul 19 at 2015 10:46 PM

PO1 Shahida Marmol — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 22:46:11 -0400

I don't wear ACUs but I do wear NWUs and I can not fit the smaller size and the next available size makes me look like a giant blueberry. But like you said it isn't a fashion show. I sure do love my NSUs though. They're tapered so you can look feminine and professional.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Jun 20 at 2016 3:54 PM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 15:54:42 -0400

I'm just sick of how many people have confronted me for wearing a 'tailored' top due to their ignorance that the ACU-A's even exist. Sorry for wearing something that fits (*sarcasm).

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jun 20 at 2016 10:20 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 22:20:57 -0400

The question now is who is responsible for the change, because that is where the problem started.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2020 7:01 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 19:01:04 -0500

Fitted is contradictory of the intent of the ACU as a loose fitting utility uniform.
The loose fit allows for greater flexibility, more freedom of movement, increased air circulation and layering ability as needed/required depending on climate