During World War II, the uniforms of the U.S. Navy were practical and functional, designed for the demanding conditions of naval service. These uniforms, while maintaining a sense of tradition, were adapted to meet the needs of sailors serving in diverse climates and roles. A key feature of the enlisted sailor’s uniform was the distinctive collar, often referred to as a tar flap. This square collar was a historical element, originating from a time when sailors wore long hair that was often tarred or greased. The collar served to protect the uniform from getting soiled by the hair.
Another notable part of the uniform was the neckerchief, typically made of silk. This versatile piece of cloth could be used as a head covering in hot environments or as a way to protect the ears from the loud noise of naval guns. Functionality was further emphasized by the rope lanyard, worn around the neck or waist. This lanyard was used to secure essential tools like a boatswain’s whistle, used for signaling and commands, or a jackknife, a practical folding knife. The lanyard prevented these items from being lost, especially when sailors were working in high areas of the ship.
For general dress, the standard uniform included a short jacket made of wool. This jacket was fastened with small, gold-colored buttons. Regulations from 1841 allowed veteran petty officers to wear buttons adorned with Navy insignia, a detail that echoed uniform styles from the War of 1812 era. Underneath the jacket, sailors wore a blue wool pullover shirt, known as a jumper. This jumper was tucked into the trousers, also made of blue wool. The trousers were designed with wide legs, often described as bell-bottomed. This wide cut was not just a style choice; it allowed sailors to easily roll up the trouser legs when cleaning decks or performing other tasks that might get the uniform wet or dirty.
When sailors were assigned to landing parties, their dress was adapted for combat situations. While similar to the general dress, landing party dress included essential equipment for armed engagements. Men were equipped with a belt to carry weapons and gear, a cutlass for close-quarters fighting, a pistol for personal defense, and a cartridge box to hold ammunition. Depending on the weather conditions and the intensity of the labor, sailors in landing parties could remove their jackets and operate in just their jumpers.
For service in warmer climates or during the summer months, a specialized summer dress uniform was utilized. This variation replaced the heavy wool jumper with a white jumper made from a lighter canvas or linen material, providing better ventilation and comfort in the heat. Often, the sleeves and collar of the white jumper were made of denim in various shades of blue, offering some contrast and durability. Additionally, the standard blue cap of the general dress uniform could be adapted for summer wear by adding a white cover over the blue top, reflecting sunlight and helping to keep sailors cooler.
