Are commercially available substitutes for standard issue uniform items authorized to wear?

PO1 Michael G. — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 13:01:07 -0400

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.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 6:39 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 18:39:16 -0400

In the air force as long as the color matches you can wear it.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2014 6:18 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 06:18:57 -0400

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.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2014 10:51 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 10:51:01 -0400

The uniform regulations give the standards for the uniform components, regarding shade, material, and cut. Those regulations are, to the best of my knowledge, all the Navy has said on the issue.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2014 11:03 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 11:03:43 -0400

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 Private RallyPoint Member 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.........

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2014 1:10 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 13:10:18 -0400

PO1 Michael G. As long as what you are wearing meet the requirements of the Uniform Regulations, you will be fine.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 30 at 2014 7:53 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 19:53:56 -0500

I am not a sailor; I'm a land lover but looking in your Navy's regulations for the wear and appearance for uniforms is a great place to start. Once thing I don't do is wear the issue socks. Those things are terrible.

Response by SGT Kevin McCourt made May 24 at 2015 2:00 PM

SGT Kevin McCourt — Sun, 24 May 2015 14:00:53 -0400

I knew a retired Army COL in my hometown. He served from Korea, into the 80's. He told me, that officers usually had their Dress Green uniforms custom made. He showed me a set, I could swear was made of a very, very lightweight permanent press type of material, that just looked 100% better then anything issued. He told me that officers were highly encouraged to have them custom made, and that issue items were looked down upon in the officer world.

On my own experience. I wore a lot of German made insignia, that just looked different, but was accepted by leaders back then. SP4 rank with just an outline and eagle, instead of the issued pointed dot made by US manufacturers.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jun 1 at 2015 12:46 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 12:46:06 -0400

My guess is that should you find the directives/orders for uniforms, you may run into some vague guidance. For example: "Must be conservative, and compatible with the uniform." There are the things sold and the PX... and then, there's the things that everyone actually buys. At the end of the day, go seek the guidance of you LPO... I'm sure the CMC would be helpful as well.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 1 at 2015 12:46 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 12:46:46 -0400

Technically no, but if you get get away with it, why not?

Response by SSG Sandra Sutherland made May 22 at 2019 1:00 AM

SSG Sandra Sutherland — Wed, 22 May 2019 01:00:11 -0400

As long as the color is correct, the brand is unimportant .

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2021 10:46 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 May 2021 10:46:31 -0400

I had a similar question for the white Army short sleeve ASU shirts. The manufacturer shut down likely due to Covid. My unit is a State unit not under Federal Control. We don't have access to AAFES or the PX. In the Civilian world, in which I have to operate, there is not a single shirt of that style to be had. Anywhere. It has to be the shut down of the manufacturer that's causing it and Commercially available shirts are not exactly the same. I did see somewhere saying it WAS allowed, but I would like to have the actual documentation saying it is permitted.