What Is Naval Academy Dress Uniform? Style Guide

The United States Naval Academy dress uniform is a formal attire worn by midshipmen on special occasions, such as parades, ceremonies, and formal events. The uniform is designed to reflect the Academy’s rich history and tradition, while also showcasing the midshipmen’s professionalism and pride. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of the Naval Academy dress uniform, exploring its various components, styles, and guidelines for wear.

Components of the Dress Uniform

The Naval Academy dress uniform consists of several components, each with its own unique characteristics and significance. These components include:

• Coat: The coat is the most distinctive part of the dress uniform, made from a dark blue wool fabric with a fitted waist and gold buttons featuring the Academy’s crest. The coat has a subtle sheen to it, giving it a sense of elegance and sophistication.
• Trousers: The trousers are made from the same dark blue wool fabric as the coat and have a strip of gold braid down the outside of each leg. The trousers are designed to be worn with a high waistline, creating a sense of dignity and poise.
• Shirt: The shirt is a white, starched dress shirt with a wing-tip collar and French cuffs. The shirt is designed to be worn with a formal bow tie, adding a touch of elegance to the overall uniform.
• Bow Tie: The bow tie is a black, silk bow tie with a subtle sheen to it. The bow tie is designed to be worn with the shirt, creating a sense of harmony and balance.
• Belt: The belt is a black, leather belt with a gold buckle featuring the Academy’s crest. The belt is designed to be worn with the trousers, creating a sense of unity and cohesion.
• Shoes: The shoes are black, polished dress shoes with a low heel and a sleek design. The shoes are designed to be worn with the uniform, creating a sense of professionalism and pride.
• Hat: The hat is a black, visored cap with a gold band featuring the Academy’s crest. The hat is designed to be worn with the uniform, creating a sense of tradition and heritage.
• Gloves: The gloves are white, cotton gloves with a formal design. The gloves are designed to be worn with the uniform, creating a sense of elegance and sophistication.

Style Guide

The Naval Academy dress uniform is worn with precision and attention to detail. Here are some guidelines to ensure that the uniform is worn correctly:

• Coat: The coat should be worn with the buttons fastened, and the sleeves should be long enough to cover the shirt cuffs. The coat should be worn with a sense of pride and dignity, reflecting the Academy’s rich history and tradition.
• Trousers: The trousers should be worn with the belt fastened, and the strip of gold braid should be visible on the outside of each leg. The trousers should be worn with a sense of professionalism and poise, creating a sense of unity and cohesion.
• Shirt: The shirt should be worn with the collar fastened, and the French cuffs should be visible. The shirt should be worn with a sense of elegance and sophistication, creating a sense of harmony and balance.
• Bow Tie: The bow tie should be worn with the ends hanging evenly, and the bow should be centered. The bow tie should be worn with a sense of pride and tradition, reflecting the Academy’s rich history and heritage.
• Belt: The belt should be worn with the buckle centered, and the belt should be adjusted to fit snugly around the waist. The belt should be worn with a sense of unity and cohesion, creating a sense of professionalism and pride.
• Shoes: The shoes should be polished to a high shine, and the laces should be tied securely. The shoes should be worn with a sense of professionalism and pride, reflecting the Academy’s rich tradition and heritage.
• Hat: The hat should be worn with the visor facing forward, and the gold band should be visible. The hat should be worn with a sense of tradition and heritage, reflecting the Academy’s rich history and pride.

Occasions for Wear

The Naval Academy dress uniform is worn on special occasions, such as:

• Parades: The dress uniform is worn during parades, such as the annual Naval Academy parade. The uniform is designed to reflect the Academy’s rich tradition and heritage, creating a sense of pride and dignity.
• Ceremonies: The dress uniform is worn during ceremonies, such as the graduation ceremony. The uniform is designed to reflect the Academy’s sense of tradition and heritage, creating a sense of elegance and sophistication.
• Formal Events: The dress uniform is worn during formal events, such as the annual Naval Academy ball. The uniform is designed to reflect the Academy’s sense of professionalism and pride, creating a sense of harmony and balance.
• Inspections: The dress uniform is worn during inspections, such as the annual inspection by the Superintendent. The uniform is designed to reflect the Academy’s sense of tradition and heritage, creating a sense of unity and cohesion.

Inspection and Maintenance

The Naval Academy dress uniform requires regular inspection and maintenance to ensure that it remains in good condition. Here are some tips:

• Cleaning: The uniform should be dry cleaned regularly to remove dirt and stains. The uniform should be cleaned with a sense of care and attention, reflecting the Academy’s rich tradition and heritage.
• Pressing: The uniform should be pressed regularly to remove wrinkles and creases. The uniform should be pressed with a sense of precision and attention, creating a sense of elegance and sophistication.
• Polishing: The shoes should be polished regularly to maintain a high shine. The shoes should be polished with a sense of professionalism and pride, reflecting the Academy’s rich tradition and heritage.
• Storage: The uniform should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent damage. The uniform should be stored with a sense of care and attention, reflecting the Academy’s sense of tradition and heritage.

In conclusion, the Naval Academy dress uniform is a symbol of pride and tradition, reflecting the Academy’s rich history and heritage. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, midshipmen can ensure that they wear the uniform with precision and attention to detail, upholding the Academy’s high standards of professionalism and pride.