Can You Wear Sunglasses in Army Uniform? AR 670-1 Rules

Q: Can You Wear Sunglasses in Army Uniform? AR 670-1 Rules

Yes. Conservative prescription and nonprescription sunglasses are authorized when in a garrison environment, except when in formation and while indoors. Authorized lens colors are gray, brown, and dark green. Prohibited colors include red, yellow, blue, purple, bright green, and orange.

The Short Answer

Yes, sunglasses are authorized for wear with Army uniforms in garrison environments. But there are specific rules about lens colors, frame styles, and when you can't wear them.

AR 670-1 Sunglasses Regulation (Para 3-2)

AR 670-1 states that conservative prescription and nonprescription sunglasses are authorized for wear when in a garrison environment. However, there are important exceptions:

Not authorized in formation unless prescribed by a medical provider
Not authorized indoors
Not authorized in the field except when required for medical reasons

Authorized Lens Colors

AR 670-1 permits only three lens colors:

Gray (most common)
Brown
Dark green

Prohibited Lens Colors

The following colors are explicitly prohibited:

Red
Yellow
Blue
Purple
Bright green
Orange

Frame Requirements

Frames must be conservative. Specifically:

No trendy or faddish frames
No frames with conspicuous initials, designs, or adornments
No chains, bands, or ribbons attached to eyeglasses
Eyeglass restraints (bands) are only authorized for safety purposes
Do not hang eyeglasses or cases on the uniform

Common Questions

Can I wear Oakleys in uniform?

Yes, if they meet the requirements: conservative frame, authorized lens color (gray, brown, or dark green), and no conspicuous branding. Many Oakley Standard Issue (SI) models are specifically designed for military compliance.

Can I wear transition lenses?

Transition (photochromic) lenses are authorized as long as the darkened tint falls within the approved color range (gray, brown, or dark green).

Can I wear sunglasses during PT?

The regulation addresses sunglasses with the duty uniform, not specifically during PT. Follow your unit's PT uniform SOP, which may have additional restrictions.

What about ballistic eyewear?

Ballistic eyewear issued or approved by the Army (APEL-listed) is authorized when prescribed for the duty. Many ballistic eyewear options come with gray or smoke lenses that meet AR 670-1 requirements.