The Kriegsmarine in brief
The Kriegsmarine was the German navy from 1935, when it replaced the Reichsmarine, until the end of the war in 1945. Its uniforms were dark navy blue, which set them apart from the army’s field gray. Many collectors describe the Kriegsmarine blue as distinct from the blues of other navies, so color is a useful first check. For a comparison with the US Navy’s blues, see US Navy WWII uniforms and insignia.
Naval clothing followed its own patterns for sailors, officers and special duties. Naval and army items should not be assumed to match, even when they look similar at a glance.
Enlisted sailors
Enlisted sailors (Matrosen) wore a navy blue sailor’s blouse with a collar carrying three white stripes, in the traditional naval style. A dark neckerchief (Halstuch) was worn with it. A round sailor’s cap carried a cap tally (Mützenband) with the word “Kriegsmarine,” which is one of the most useful identifying features.
Check cap tallies carefully. Ribbons were made in many variants, and modern reproductions often copy the wording, so look at the weave and the edges as well as the text.
Petty officers and warrant officers
Senior enlisted and warrant ranks wore more tailored wool service jackets, and peaked caps for dress. Rank was shown on the sleeves and shoulders, and the specific marks changed with grade. Compare the grade markings with a reliable rank chart before identifying a specific rank.
Officers and admirals
Officers wore tailored dark blue tunics with brass buttons. Rank showed on shoulder boards (Schulterstücke) and on sleeve braid. Peaked caps carried the eagle and cockade. Admirals’ insignia was more elaborate than that of other officers.
Summer and tropical whites
White tunics and caps were worn in warm conditions and on tropical postings, with the same rank logic as the dark uniform. White items are sometimes mistaken for later or foreign navy whites, so check the cut and insignia rather than color alone.
U-boat crews
Submarine crews needed clothing for cramped, wet and cold conditions. Leather jackets and coats are widely associated with U-boat service, and lighter drill clothing was used in warmer climates. Specifications and issue varied, so be careful with claims about a particular garment’s color or pattern unless a reliable reference supports them.
Naval personnel on land
Not all naval personnel served at sea. Coastal artillery and naval ground units often served on land, and many wore army-style field gray with naval insignia. In the later war, Kriegsmarine personnel also served as ground troops. Their clothing is one of the more confusing areas for collectors, because a naval badge on army-style kit is easy to misread.
Insignia to check
- Cap tally wording, weave and edge finish
- Eagle and cockade on caps and tunics
- Shoulder boards and sleeve braid for officers
- Collar stripes on sailor’s blouses
- Naval markings on land-service kit
Compare each feature with reference images from the same period.
Collector pitfalls
- Mixed naval and army pieces. Naval buttons, tallies or caps are sometimes added to army items, or the reverse.
- Modern reproductions. Printed tallies, machine-made badges and modern dyes are common. Check the stitching and materials.
- Mislabeled listings. Sellers sometimes describe general navy or ship items as Kriegsmarine. Verify the service before accepting a label.
Further reading
A recent illustrated study, The German Navy in World War II by Nigel Thomas, covers Kriegsmarine uniforms and personal equipment from 1935 to 1945, according to its publisher’s description. Read it alongside a reference chart rather than relying on any single source.
For the army side of the comparison, see our WWII German grenadier and NCO uniforms article. The WWII German uniforms and equipment guide gives the wider picture across the armed forces.