Uniform Accessories
Headgear, boots, belts, gloves, coats, scarves, and other uniform accessories.
66 guides in this topic
AR 670-1: 20-1. General
Chapter 20 covers all uniform accessories in alphabetical order, including belts, boots, buttons, caps, coats, gloves, headgear, scarves, shirts, and other items. See DA Pam 670-1 for detailed composition and wear guidance for each accessory.
AR 670-1: 20-10. Cover, cap, rain
The rain cap cover is an optional purchase item made of transparent plastic with a visor protector and elastic webbing. Soldiers may wear it with the heritage green or Army blue service caps, and it must completely cover the crown and visor.
AR 670-1: 20-11. Cuff links and studs
Cuff links and studs are optional purchase items. Plain white studs (such as mother-of-pearl) are worn with evening mess uniforms. Gold or gold-colored metal studs and cuff links are worn with blue and white mess uniforms and the ASU dress variation. Cuff links may be post or link type, 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter.
AR 670-1: 20-12. Cummerbunds (male and female)
Cummerbunds are optional purchase items in black silk or satin with four or five pleats, worn pleats facing down. Female Soldiers wear the black cummerbund with blue and white mess/evening mess uniforms. Male Soldiers wear it with white and blue mess uniforms. A white version is available for the female all-white mess uniform.
AR 670-1: 20-13. Fleece cap
The fleece cap comes in black (clothing bag issue) and coyote brown (optional purchase). It is a single-ply, bell-shaped, pull-on style cap. Wear it pulled down snugly on the head with the bottom edge covering the ears but not the eyebrows. The bottom edge may be folded but not rolled.
AR 670-1: 20-14. Garrison cap
The garrison cap is a clothing bag issue item worn with the Class A or B AGSU. It is worn with the front vertical crease centered on the forehead in line with the nose, approximately 1 inch above the eyebrows. The cap ridge must be parallel to the ground while standing at attention.
AR 670-1: 20-15. Gloves
Utility gloves are clothing bag issue items in a four-finger-and-thumb slip-on design, wearable alone or with inserts. Black leather shell gloves with inserts and green wool inserts are also authorized. Optional dress gloves in white or black leather are available for wear with service, dress, and mess uniforms.
AR 670-1: 20-16. Hat, drill sergeant
The drill sergeant hat is an organizational issue item worn with utility and service uniforms by drill sergeants assigned to valid drill sergeant positions. NCO faculty at drill sergeant schools who graduated from the school also wear it while actively instructing. Upon release from assignment, NCOs are no longer authorized to wear it.
AR 670-1: 20-17. Jackets and windbreakers
The Eisenhower (Ike) jacket is an optional purchase item in heritage green 564, worn with the Class B AGSU. It is not worn in formations unless authorized by the commander. Personnel wear it fastened to at least the second button down from the top.
AR 670-1: 20-18. Judge's apparel
Judicial robes are organizational issue items of the type customarily worn in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. They are worn by officers designated as military judges and appellate military judges during courts-martial, hearings, and other judicial proceedings. A service uniform is worn underneath the robe.
AR 670-1: 20-19. Military police accessories
MP accessories are organizational issue items including the MP badge, collapsible baton, black load-bearing belt (2-3 inches wide), MP or CID brassard, ammunition magazine case, handcuff case, flashlight ring carrier, first aid case, oleoresin capsicum case, and other duty equipment.
AR 670-1: 20-2. Bags, handbags, purses, and backpacks
Soldiers may carry authorized bags by hand, on one shoulder, or over both shoulders, but not diagonally across the body. Bags must be black or match authorized camouflage patterns with ACU and Class B uniforms. Clutch-type handbags in black leather, polyurethane, or vinyl are optional purchase items for service and dress uniforms.
AR 670-1: 20-20. Neckgaiter
The neck gaiter is an optional purchase item made of dark brown knitted polypropylene/Lycra, approximately 10 by 15 inches, one size fits all. It is authorized with combat uniforms, maternity work uniforms, and cold weather uniforms. It may be worn as a neck warmer, hood, balaclava, ear band, or hat in cold, windy, or dusty environments.
AR 670-1: 20-21. Neck tabs, female
Neck tabs come in black dress (quarter-moon shape, worn with white formal blouse and mess/evening mess uniforms), black service (inverted V-shape, wraps around the neck under the collar with the ASU), and heritage green service (inverted V-shape, worn with the AGSU). All are optional purchase items.
AR 670-1: 20-22. Neckties
Authorized neckties include the black bow tie (silk or satin, square ends up to 2.5 inches wide, worn with ASU dress variation and mess uniform after retreat), white bow tie (worn with evening mess uniform), black four-in-hand necktie (worn with ASU and AGSU), and heritage green four-in-hand necktie (worn with AGSU). All are optional purchase items.
AR 670-1: 20-23. Overcoat, ceremonial, blue
The ceremonial blue overcoat (CBO) is an optional purchase item authorized for general officers, their aides-de-camp, CSM, and enlisted aides. A white scarf is also authorized. Upon reassignment, the general officer and CSM retain the overcoat; aides must turn it in. The CBO is worn with the ASU dress variation and mess uniforms.
AR 670-1: 20-24. Overshoes, black
Black overshoes are optional purchase items made of rubber or synthetic commercial design. They are authorized for wear by male personnel over oxford shoes during inclement weather when not in formation, with service, dress, and mess uniforms.
AR 670-1: 20-25. Scarves
Scarves are optional purchase items in wool, silk, or rayon, approximately 12 by 52 inches. The black scarf is worn with cold weather utility coats, the black all-weather coat, and ECWCS. The white scarf is worn with the ceremonial blue overcoat. A heritage green scarf is authorized with the AGSU all-weather coat.
AR 670-1: 20-26. Shirts, white
White shirts are optional purchase items worn with mess and evening mess uniforms. The female formal mess shirt comes in tuck-in style with pearl-like buttons and ruffles or a semiformal wing-collar design. The male formal shirt is a wing-collar design with a front bib. See paragraphs 11-9 and 12-10 for white shirts worn with the ASU.
AR 670-1: 20-27. Shoes
Authorized shoes include walnut brown 567 oxford shoes (clothing bag issue for AGSU), black oxford shoes (optional, dress tie-oxford with at least three eyelets, closed toe and heel, heel no higher than 2 inches), and pumps in black or brown for female personnel. Shoes must be plain with no design in the material.
AR 670-1: 20-28. Socks
Cushion sole socks in tan, green, or black are worn with combat or organizational boots and may be used in a two-sock system with liner socks. Black dress socks (also used as boot liners) are calf-length and worn with service, dress, and mess uniforms. White socks are not authorized with any uniform except for the Army Physical Fitness Uniform.
AR 670-1: 20-29. Suspenders
Suspenders are optional purchase items of commercial design. Male Soldiers may wear them with dress, mess, and evening mess uniforms, provided the suspenders are not visible when worn.
AR 670-1: 20-3. Belts and buckles
The rigger belt in tan 499 (2 inches wide, cotton web or woven elastic) with black open-face buckle is a clothing bag issue item worn with all utility uniforms that have belt loops. A heritage walnut 567 web waist belt with gold or brass buckle is authorized with the AGSU. The black web waist belt with brass buckle is worn with the ASU.
AR 670-1: 20-30. Sweaters
The black cardigan (50% acrylic, 50% wool, five-button coat style) is an optional purchase item worn with the Class B uniform indoors or outdoors. When outdoors, all five buttons must be fastened except for pregnant Soldiers. The black pullover sweater is also authorized for Class B wear. A heritage green cardigan is available for the AGSU.
AR 670-1: 20-31. Umbrella
The umbrella is an optional purchase item that must be black, plain, with no logos or designs. Soldiers may carry and use it only during inclement weather with service (Class A and B), dress, and mess uniforms. Umbrellas are not authorized in formations or when wearing field or utility uniforms.
AR 670-1: 20-32. Undergarments
Female Soldiers will wear brassieres (including sports bras) and underpants with all uniforms, in white, black, or neutral colors not readily visible under the uniform. A camisole is an optional purchase item. Male Soldiers wear undershirts (brown 499 with utility uniforms, white with service/dress) and underpants of commercial design in white, brown, or neutral colors.
AR 670-1: 20-33. Vest, male
The white vest is an optional purchase item, single-breasted with a rolling collar and pointed bottom, fastened with three detachable small white buttons. Materials include white cotton twill or polyester/wool blends. Male personnel wear it with the Army white or blue evening mess uniforms.
AR 670-1: 20-4. Beret
The black beret is a clothing bag issue item for all Soldiers. Organizational berets include the Ranger tan beret (75th Ranger Regiment and Ranger Training Brigade), green beret (Special Forces), maroon beret (Airborne units), and brown beret (Security Force Assistance Brigade). Each beret is worn with the approved flash of the assigned unit.
AR 670-1: 20-5. Boots
Army combat boots in coyote leather are clothing bag issue items. Soldiers must possess two pairs. Boots are laced diagonally with laces matching the boot color. Metal or plastic cleats, side tabs, and sewn-in or laced-in zipper inserts are not authorized. Rubber or polyurethane outsoles are required for durability and traction.
AR 670-1: 20-6. Buttons
AGSU buttons are clothing bag issue items in antique finish with the U.S. coat of arms, available in 20-, 25-, 30-, and 36-ligne sizes (40 lignes per inch). Regular Army ASU buttons are yellow-gold plated. Staff specialist and National Guard buttons feature their respective distinctive designs. All button types are standardized by specification.
AR 670-1: 20-7. Capes (officers only)
Capes are optional purchase items for officers only. The female blue cape is Army blue 450 wool gabardine, fully lined with white rayon satin, approximately knee-length. The male blue cape is Army blue 450 with a black satin lining. Capes may be worn with the ASU dress variation and mess/evening mess uniforms.
AR 670-1: 20-8. Chaplain's apparel
Chaplain's scarves are organizational issue items based on faith: Christian (black, 9 feet long, with gold U.S. coat of arms and chaplain's insignia), Jewish (white or black, 9 feet long, with gold chaplain's insignia), and Muslim (black, 9 feet long, with gold crescent insignia). Chaplains wear scarves during religious services and ceremonies.
AR 670-1: 20-9. Coat, all-weather (male and female)
The heritage green all-weather coat is a clothing bag issue item made of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. It is a six-button, double-breasted model with belt, convertible collar, gun flap, shoulder loops, adjustable sleeve straps, welt pockets, and a zip-out liner. A black version is also authorized for wear with the ASU.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-1. General
Chapter 20 of DA Pam 670-1 provides detailed descriptions and wear guidance for all uniform accessories in alphabetical order, including bags, belts, berets, boots, buttons, capes, coats, cummerbunds, gloves, hats, jackets, neckties, scarves, shirts, shoes, socks, sweaters, undergarments, and more.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-10. Cover, cap, rain
The rain cap cover is an optional purchase item made of transparent plastic with a visor protector and elastic webbing around the opening. Soldiers may wear it on the heritage green or Army blue service caps. The cover must completely cover the crown and visor.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-11. Cufflinks and studs
Cufflinks and studs are optional purchase items for male Soldiers. Evening mess uniforms use plain white studs (e.g., mother-of-pearl) with platinum or white gold rims. Blue and white mess uniforms use gold or gold-colored metal studs (1/4 to 3/8 inch) and cufflinks (1/2 to 3/4 inch). The ASU dress variation allows plain gold cufflinks.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-12. Cummerbunds
The cummerbund is black, made of a commercial design, in silk or satin material with four or five pleats running the entire length of the cummerbund.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-13. Fleece cap
The fleece cap comes in black (clothing bag issue) and coyote brown (optional purchase). Both are single-ply, bell-shaped, pull-on style caps of plain fleece or microfiber. Worn pulled snugly with the bottom edge covering the ears but not the eyebrows. The bottom edge may be folded but not rolled. Authorized with APFU or combat uniform.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-14. Garrison cap, Army green
The garrison cap is a clothing bag issue item worn with Class A or B AGSU. It is centered on the forehead with the front approximately 1 inch above the eyebrows. The front and rear vertical creases and top edge form unbroken lines in silhouette, with the ridge parallel to the ground. Personnel will not crush or shape the cap to form peaks.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-15. Gloves
Soldiers are authorized to wear flame-resistant gloves issued by the Army, including colors or logos that do not comply with paragraph 20–15a(2) or 20–15a(4), in garrison or field environments unless otherwise directed by their chain of command.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-16. Hat, drill sergeant
The drill sergeant hat is an organizational issue item worn by drill sergeants assigned to valid drill sergeant positions and NCO faculty at drill sergeant schools. The female hat is worn with the left brim snapped; the male hat uses a black leather strap with buckle centered at the back. Upon release from assignment, wear is no longer authorized.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-17. Jackets and windbreakers
Four jackets are authorized: the Eisenhower (Ike) jacket in heritage green 564 (Class B AGSU), the goatskin leather bomber jacket (Class B AGSU), the black windbreaker in shade 458 (Class B ASU), and the heritage green windbreaker in shade 564 (Class B AGSU). All are optional purchase items and not worn in formations unless commander-authorized.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-18. Judge's apparel
Judicial robes are organizational issue items worn by military judges during courts-martial and other judicial proceedings. A service uniform is worn underneath the robe.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-19. Military police accessories
MP accessories are organizational issue items including MP badge, collapsible baton, black load-bearing belt, MP/CID brassard, handcuffs, holsters, pepper spray case, flashlight, white cotton gloves, and whistle. These are authorized but not mandated with Class A, Class B, and utility uniforms while performing MP law enforcement or corrections duties.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-2. Bags, backpacks, handbags, and purses
Soldiers may carry authorized bags by hand or on shoulders (no diagonal cross-body carry). Female Soldiers are authorized clutch-type, dress fabric/leather, and shoulder handbags with specific rules varying by uniform type and duty hours.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-20. Neck gaiter
The neck gaiter is a dark brown knitted cylindrical tube of 90-percent polypropylene and 10-percent Lycra. It is an optional purchase item authorized for wear with combat and cold weather uniforms as a neck warmer, hood, balaclava, ear band, or hat.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-21. Neck tabs
Two neck tabs are authorized: the black dress neck tab (quarter-moon shape, worn with mess uniforms) and the black service neck tab (inverted V-shape, wraps around neck, worn with the female ASU service shirts).
DA PAM 670-1: 20-22. Neckties
Four neckties are authorized: black bow tie (ASU dress/mess after retreat), white bow tie (evening mess), heritage green four-in-hand (AGSU), and black four-in-hand (ASU). Ties may be knotted Windsor, half-Windsor, or four-in-hand.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-23. Overcoat, ceremonial, blue
The ceremonial blue overcoat (CBO) is an optional purchase item authorized for general officers, their aides-de-camp, CSMs, and enlisted aides. Worn with a white scarf on formal ceremonial occasions in cold weather. The ASU coat is not worn under the CBO. Shoulder straps with rank are required. Aides must turn in the CBO upon reassignment.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-24. Overshoes, black
Black overshoes are optional purchase items made of rubber or synthetic material in a commercial design. They are worn over oxford shoes by male personnel during inclement weather when not in formation. Authorized with service, dress, and mess uniforms.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-25. Scarves
Four scarves are authorized: black dress (wool/silk/rayon, ~12x52 inches, worn with cold weather coats and black all-weather coat), white dress (worn with the ceremonial blue overcoat), heritage green dress (worn with heritage green all-weather coat and ECWCS), and olive green 208 (tubular knit, organizational issue, worn with ECWCS cold weather coats).
DA PAM 670-1: 20-26. Shirts, white
Covers white shirts for mess uniforms: the female formal mess shirt (tuck-in with pearl-like buttons, ruffled or pleated front), the male semiformal dress mess shirt (turndown collar, French cuffs), and the male formal evening mess shirt (wing collar, stiff bosom).
DA PAM 670-1: 20-27. Shoes
Covers all authorized shoes: walnut brown 567 and black oxfords for male and female Soldiers, optional ankle boots and inclement weather footwear, and pumps (walnut brown, black, and white) for female Soldiers.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-28. Socks
Authorized socks include tan, green, or black cushion sole socks (worn with boots), black dress socks (worn with black oxfords), heritage green dress socks (worn with brown oxfords), and sheer stockings in skin-complementary tones (worn with service, dress, and mess uniforms).
DA PAM 670-1: 20-29. Suspenders
Suspenders are optional purchase items of commercial design. Male Soldiers may wear them with dress, mess, and evening mess uniforms, provided they are not visible when worn.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-3. Belts and buckles
Covers the rigger belt (tan 499) for utility uniforms, the heritage walnut 567 belt with open face buckle for the AGSU, and the black web belt with brass buckle for the ASU. Belt direction differs for male and female Soldiers.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-30. Sweaters
Three sweaters are authorized: black cardigan (5-button coat style), black pullover (V-neck), and heritage green pullover (V-neck for AGSU). Worn with Class B uniforms. Shoulder marks required for CPL and above. Sleeves may be cuffed but not rolled.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-31. Umbrella
The umbrella is a black, plain, optional purchase item with no logos or designs. Soldiers may carry and use it only during inclement weather with service (Class A and B), dress, and mess uniforms. Umbrellas are not authorized in formations or with field or utility uniforms. Commanders may further restrict use.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-32. Undergarments
Covers all undergarments: brassieres and underpants (female, required), drawers (male, required), camisole (female, optional), slips (female, with skirts), tan 499 undershirt (utility uniforms), white crew/V-neck undershirt (service/dress/mess), and breastfeeding undershirt.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-33. Vest
The white vest is an optional purchase item, single-breasted, cut low with a rolling collar and pointed bottom, fastened with three detachable white buttons. Worn by male personnel with the Army white or blue evening mess uniforms.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-4. Berets
Berets are worn with flash centered over left eye. Colors: black (general), maroon (Airborne), tan (Rangers), green (Special Forces). The beret is shaped to drape over the right ear.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-5. Boots
Combat boots in coyote (OCP) or black (ASU) are standard issue. Boots must be clean, serviceable, and properly laced. Commercial boots are authorized if they meet specifications.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-6. Buttons
Army buttons feature the U.S. coat of arms in antique finish (AGSU) or yellow-gold plated (ASU, dress, mess). Available in 20, 25, 30, and 36-ligne sizes (40 lignes = 1 inch). Corps of Engineers personnel with an engineer MOS wear Essayons buttons featuring an eagle, scroll, bastion, and rising sun. White-gold anodized aluminum buttons are not authorized.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-7. Capes
Capes are optional purchase items for officers only. The female blue cape is wool gabardine in Army blue 450, fully lined in white rayon satin, approximately knee-length. The male blue cape is dark blue shade 150, reaching at least mid-knee, lined in the first-named color of the officer's branch (dark blue for general officers). Enlisted personnel are not authorized to wear capes.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-8. Chaplain's apparel
Chaplain's scarves are organizational issue items, 9 feet long, with gold-embroidered U.S. coat of arms and faith-specific insignia. Christian faith uses black material; Jewish and Muslim faiths use white or black. Chaplains may wear the scarf or stole with uniform or vestments when conducting religious services. Chaplain candidates wear separate branch insignia.
DA PAM 670-1: 20-9. Coat, all-weather
The heritage green all-weather coat is a clothing bag issue item, double-breasted with six buttons, belt, convertible collar, gun flap, shoulder loops, and zip-out liner. The black version is an optional purchase for ASU and mess uniforms. Worn buttoned (neck open or closed) with AGSU, ASU, dress, mess, and culinary uniforms. Grade insignia goes on shoulder loops.