US Navy uniforms in WWII came in several types, including dress blues, white summer uniforms, khaki, dungarees, pea coats and foul-weather gear. Enlisted sailors were identified by rating badges, officers by sleeve stripes and cap devices, and aviators by their flight gear and wings. This guide covers the main types and insignia, and how to check originals.
The main uniform types
- Blues. The dark navy uniform, with a jumper and bell-bottom trousers, was the standard dress and undress uniform.
- Whites. The summer white uniform was worn in warm weather. Enlisted men wore a white cap, which was nicknamed the “Dixie cup.”
- Khaki. Khaki uniforms were worn in summer and for working duty, mainly by officers and some enlisted men.
- Dungarees. The working uniform for enlisted men was made from heavy blue cotton.
- Pea coat. A double-breasted wool coat for cold weather.
- Foul-weather gear. Waterproof outer clothing for deck work.
Rating badges
Enlisted sailors wore a rating badge on the upper arm. It showed an eagle, often called the “crow,” with a specialty mark at the center. Petty officers’ chevrons sat on the same badge, below the eagle, unlike the sleeve chevrons of the US Army. The rating badge is the quickest way to identify an enlisted sailor’s job, so check its design and mark when you look at a uniform.
Officer stripes and staff corps
Officers wore gold sleeve stripes on their dress and undress uniforms. Line officers wore plain stripes. Staff corps officers, such as those in medical, dental or supply roles, wore a distinctive insert between the stripes that showed their corps.
Caps and cap devices
Officers wore peaked caps with a cap device built around an anchor and an eagle. Enlisted men wore the white “Dixie cup” in summer and dark caps at other times. The cap device and its construction are useful clues, so check whether it is embroidered, metal or a reproduction.
Aviation clothing
Naval aviators wore flight clothing and aviator wings. Their gear differed from Army Air Forces kit in places, and some items overlapped. For the main flight gear items, see American WWII pilot uniforms.
Identifying originals
- Rating badges and insignia. Reproductions can look too even in their stitching or too new in their backing. Compare the badge with period photos.
- Mixed-period items. Navy uniforms were often altered or mixed over time. Check that the pieces in a set suit one period.
- Labels. Maker labels inside the jacket or trousers help date and identify a garment.
- Cap devices. Check the construction and attachment against reference books.
For the Marine Corps, which had its own insignia and uniforms, see USMC WWII uniforms and web gear. For the German navy’s dark blue service dress, see Kriegsmarine WWII uniforms.
Caring for Navy uniforms
Store uniforms dry and avoid heavy cleaning. Protect wool items from moths. Avoid washing, which can shrink wool and damage labels and insignia.