WWII US Navy Uniform - When the United States entered World War Two much of the military was unprepared for combat. The unforms and equipment employed was very antiquated, most of it dated back to World War one. WWII witnessed a large introduction of new designs of combat clothing. The navy continued employing a pull-over type uniform with a neck flap. Manufactured of blue wool material. The same basic style of uniform remains in use today but it is manufactured of different material.

The American tunics were outfitted with a variety of patches which normally indicated rank or affiliation to a group. the example featured here has a communications rating patch on one arm. The breast area displays the honorable discharge triangular patch. Which was issued upon successful completion of the tour of duty. Once placed on the uniform it indicated that the sailor was no longer active.

Another item commonly attached to uniforms were metal insignia. The Navy pullover outfits did not use this type of insignia.

The uniform was issued with a matching sailor hat. The name of the ship was sometimes found on the hat or a small patch in the uniform.

The uniform consisted of a pull-over shirt with a neck flap which had white lines around its perimeter. The shirt had one small front top pocket. It was open and did not have any protective cover. The pants had a series of dark blue, plastic buttons that were sewn to form a square shape. This was a very cumbersome design.

As in any other branch, the soldier had the option to have the uniform custom made by a tailor. This is an example of a tailor-made uniform. The pants and shirt have tags which are hand sewn and are non-standard for the navy.