This process continued during WW2 with some significant changes being made to the jumper and trousers at the end of 1943. The dress blue uniform underwent continuous refinement over the decades of its use as was typically the case with uniforms that existed for any length of time. In northern training stations it was issued at induction and in warmer areas not until graduation was complete and final assignment received. The Dress Blue Uniform was included as part of the enlisted man's initial clothing gratuity. These included an overcoat made of matching heavy-weight Melton, blue wool knit gloves, and a blue wool muffler. There were appropriate accessories to keep sailors warm on colder days. It was constructed of high quality 16-ounce Melton wool that had a fine nap and was relatively soft to the touch. The WW2 dress blue jumper and trouser combination was considered a winter uniform to be worn in cool temperatures. Commissioned Officers, Warrant Officers, and Chief Petty Officers had their own wardrobe of dress and working uniforms specific to each of them. Men of all ranks in the Navy wore a version of the dress blue uniform, but it should be pointed out that the type of uniform shown here was only worn by enlisted men below the rank of Chief Petty Officer. And, certainly, by the end of WW2 the age multi-use uniforms had passed. The shift from a practical working uniform to one used for dress occasions was inevitable as military doctrine was evolving during the 1930s and 40s by setting specific roles for uniforms and establishing clear distinctions between work, garrison, and combat attire. In fact, during WW2 it is most often seen being worn in northern shore and training stations by new inductees. It was also worn on shore leave in appropriate climates. Through much of its early years the uniform was worn at sea, but by WW2 it had become mainly a dress uniform used for more formal occasions, such as in formation, ceremonial activities, or for special guard duty. Photos dating back to at least the early 1860s show US sailors wearing a blue wool uniform not too different from the WW2 design. Although its design features evolved from needs that had long since passed into history and were archaic even by WW2 standards, the uniform provided the sailor with an instantly recognizable uniform that boosted morale, evoked esprit de corps, and honored the Navy's proud history. Iconic in appearance, the primary WW2 dress blue outfit consisted of a beret style cap with a ribbon and bow around the band a "V" neck jumper with a square sailor's collar a silk neckerchief and bellbottom trousers with a 13-button broadfall front. The uniform's main qualities of comfort, practicality, and a distinctive design have endeared it to the sailor. Then, between 19 the uniform was, in fact, briefly replaced with a more contemporary suit and visor cap design only to return to the tried-and-true dress blues.
#Dress blues trial#
First, in the mid-40s, an "Ike" style uniform featuring a short jacket was tried out and was soundly rejected after its trial period. On a couple of occasions the Navy tried to replace the uniform. The venerable dress blues have been in service for over one hundred-fifty years and are still worn today. US Navy Enlisted Men's Blue Dress A & B Uniform Introduction
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