Navy Dress Blues

Service Dress Blue: what it is made of, who wears the jumper and who wears the coat, and when it is prescribed.

Reviewed August 2026 against NAVPERS 15665J, Chapter 3 (Uniform Components)
Unofficial reference — verify against the instruction before acting on it.

The short version

Jumper or coat

This is the part that confuses people, and it is the only thing most searchers actually need: dress blues is not one uniform. It changes shape at Chief.

E-6 and belowE-7 and above, and officers
UpperJumper, Blue DressCoat, Service Dress Blue over a white dress shirt
NeckNeckerchiefBlack necktie — four-in-hand for men
CoverHat, WhiteCombination cover, white
LowerBroadfall trousers, or blue jumper slacksBlue dress trousers, or unbelted blue slacks
Rate insigniaRating badge and service stripes, article 4221Rating badge and service stripes, article 4211, for Chief Petty Officers

Everything else — ribbons, shoes, socks, outerwear — is broadly the same idea with different specifics, which is what the full lists below are for. NAVPERS 15665J Ch. 3

Full component list

Pick your category. Every item carries its article number so you can check any of it against the regulation.

Service Dress Blue — Male, E-6 and below

Basic uniform components

ItemArticle
Jumper, Blue Dress3501.32
Trousers, Blue, Broadfall3501.92
Hat, White3501.27
Shoes, Dress, Black3501.54
Socks, Black3501.78
Undershirt, White Crew Neck3501.101
Undershorts3501.102
Neckerchief3501.38
Rating Badge/Service Stripes4221
Ribbons5305/5312

Prescribable items

ItemArticle
All Weather Parka3501.1b
Gloves, Black Leather3501.24
Mockneck3603.7

Optional items

ItemArticle
All-Weather Coat, Double Breasted3501.1a
Black Neck Gaiter (w/authorized outer garment only)3501.5
Cap, Knit, Watch83501.11
Earmuffs (w/outer garment only)3501.22
Gloves, White3501.24
Peacoat3501.41
Scarf (w/outer garment only)3501.43
Umbrella, Black3501.99
Name/Identification Tag25201.4

Superscript numbers in item names refer to Chapter 3 Footnotes.

When it is worn

Service Dress Blue may be prescribed for wear year-round to all official functions when Dinner Dress or Full Dress uniforms are not prescribed and the civilian equivalent dress would be coat and tie. For officers the regulation adds Formal Dress to that list of uniforms that would displace it. NAVPERS 15665J Ch. 3

As always, the prescribing authority at your command sets the uniform of the day, and can be more restrictive than the regulation.

Versus Full Dress and Dinner Dress

Common questions

What are Navy dress blues?
Service Dress Blue, the Navy’s year-round dress uniform. E-6 and below wear the blue jumper with a neckerchief and white hat — the uniform usually called crackerjacks. Chief Petty Officers and officers wear a Service Dress Blue coat with a white shirt, black four-in-hand necktie and combination cover.
Do E-6 and below wear the same dress blues as chiefs?
No. That is the single biggest difference in the uniform. E-6 and below wear the Jumper, Blue Dress with broadfall trousers, a neckerchief and the white hat. On advancement to Chief Petty Officer the uniform changes to the Service Dress Blue coat, dress trousers or slacks, a white dress shirt, black necktie and the combination cover.
When do you wear dress blues?
Service Dress Blue may be prescribed year-round for all official functions where Dinner Dress or Full Dress is not prescribed and the civilian equivalent dress would be coat and tie.
What is the difference between dress blues and Full Dress Blue?
Full Dress Blue is Service Dress Blue worn with large medals instead of ribbons alone. It is prescribed for formal occasions such as change of command ceremonies, official visits with honors and occasions of state.
Can you wear a peacoat with dress blues?
The peacoat is an optional item for E-6 and below with Service Dress Blue. Chief Petty Officers and officers have the Reefer and the Overcoat, Blue instead, with the All-Weather Coat optional across all categories.

Source & how to verify

Navy Eval Writer is not affiliated with the U.S. Navy or the Department of Defense. Where anything here conflicts with the current instruction, the instruction governs. See our disclaimer.

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