If you’re a female sailor, you’re issued US Navy uniforms that were designed four decades ago.
But that’s changing, because Navy Exchange Service Command compared the fit of today’s uniform issue to the actual shapes of female sailors’ bodies, measuring roughly 1,000 women over the past three years to contour the next generation of sea service apparel.
A hundred sailors showed up between Halloween and Nov. 4 for NEXCOM’s latest and last Female Size Standardization evaluation at California’s Naval Air Station North Island. Researchers collected measurements to assess the fit, comfort, and consistency of sizes for the women’s Service Dress White shirts, Summer Whites, and Khakis.
“It is well known that a professional appearance impacts one’s confidence in the workplace and helps to establish a positive impression among coworkers,” said NEXCOM spokesperson Courtney Williams. “A professional appearance includes the proper and functional fit of workplace attire.”
