Navy Unveils New Dress Overblouse for Female Sailors

In a move aimed at improving comfort and functionality in military dress wear, the U.S. Navy has announced the availability of a new uniform option for female sailors. According to the article titled “Female sailors can now purchase new dress overblouse, Navy announces,” published by Military Times, enlisted female sailors can now purchase a formal overblouse to wear with their Service Dress Blue (SDB) uniform.

Previously, women in the Navy were required to wear the same dress blouse and jumper combination as their male counterparts when donning the SDB uniform. While this uniform maintains a traditional aesthetic, many female sailors have reported that the fit was often uncomfortable and lacked consideration for women’s differing body shapes. The new overblouse option is a tailored shirt that can be worn untucked, promising to deliver a more flattering and practical fit for servicewomen.

Approved late last year, the overblouse was developed in response to ongoing feedback from female sailors and is part of a broader initiative within the Navy to modernize and adapt uniforms to the diverse needs of its personnel. The navy blue overblouse is designed to be worn with the current black necktab and dress slacks or skirt, allowing for a more polished appearance while eliminating some of the previous issues with tightness or uneven fabric bunching that accompanied the traditional design.

Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Rick Cheeseman conveyed in a statement that the Navy remains committed to making uniform improvements that reflect the needs and experiences of a force that has grown increasingly diverse. “We are continuously evaluating our uniform policies to ensure they support the readiness, performance, and comfort of all sailors,” he said.

The overblouse is expected to become available at Navy Exchange uniform centers by fall 2024. Additionally, it will not become a mandatory uniform component, giving enlisted female sailors the discretion to choose between the traditional jumper and the newly introduced overblouse.

This development is part of the Navy’s broader Uniform Matters Program, which has overseen a range of updates in recent years including more inclusive grooming standards and improved maternity uniform options.

As the Navy continues to address barriers to inclusiveness and operational effectiveness, the introduction of the overblouse underscores the service’s recognition that even seemingly minor adjustments can have a meaningful impact on daily life and morale for its members. By actively listening and responding to servicewomen’s feedback, the Navy is acknowledging that commitment to readiness must go hand in hand with commitment to the people who wear the uniform.