U.S. military uniforms have several different required elements. The standard combat uniform includes the recognizable camouflage pattern and has a long pants and a long-sleeved outer shirt. But are undershirts a standard part of the uniform as well?
Full U.S. military combat uniforms are always worn with an undershirt. The undershirts are usually short-sleeved and are tan, grey, or green in color. These shirts are often unisex and come in a variety of sizes. They are designed for comfort and are made of cotton and/or polyester.
Undershirts are an important part of the standard combat uniform and they are popular even outside of the military! Due to their comfortable materials and design, these shirts have become available in many military surplus stores and online shops. For more information about military uniform elements, highly reviewed undershirts, and rules for soldiers and civilians, read below.
Uniform Elements And Their Variations
Undershirt: An undershirt is a standard part of the military combat uniform. They help remove excess moisture and prevent chafing from the rougher material of the jacket. These are usually not visible when the jacket is closed, but they are always worn as part of the full uniform.
Jacket: An outer, long-sleeved jacket is another important piece of the outfit. This piece of clothing is patterned with a grey, green, brown, and tan camouflage pattern. Depending on where the soldier is serving, the color scheme may vary a bit to better suit the surroundings.
Pants: Full-length pants are also a standard piece of a combat uniform. Like the jacket, these pants are decorated with a camouflage design. Generally the jacket and pants are made out of the same type of fabric. These pants are designed to be a bit baggy and tuck into the top of the boots.
Boots: Long, brown leather boots are the required footwear of the military uniform. The leather usually has a soft, unpolished texture, similar to suede. These boots have a thick tread along the bottom, which give them a good grip on rough terrain. Military boots are almost always lace-up and will rise to about mid-calf.
Accessories: A variety of accessories and other miscellaneous equipment comes with a standard combat uniform as well. This includes things such as socks, gloves, belts, helmets, etc. The specifications and requirements for these items vary a bit from place to place, and there is some specialized equipment that some soldiers need and others don’t.
Best Uniform Undershirts
When it comes to undershirts, there are a lot of options available. There are some general guidelines that soldiers need to follow, but everyone should also select an undershirt that will be the best fit for them. Below are some recommended military undershirts, as well as links to buy them or find more information.
GI Sand Moisture Management Irregular T-Shirt
This undershirt is available through a military surplus chain. These weren’t approved for official use in the military due to a slight irregularity, but they are still high-quality and would be great for civilian use.
These shirts are a light sandy tan color and have a short-sleeve cut. They are made from 100% polyester and have moisture-wicking abilities that can come in handy. These are highly affordable options and they come in size medium and large.
For more information on this shirt, including availability, size variations, prices, and delivery options, visit this link.
Duke Athletic USMC Tee 3 pk.
If you’re looking for a great pack of military undershirts, look no further than this Duke Athletic combo. These have a 50-50 combination of cotton and polyester, which makes them comfortable for a variety of activities and temperatures.
These are manufactured in the USA and have a crew neck cut. They have been highly reviewed by those who have purchased them, and the dark green hue makes them pair well with a variety of outfits and colors. They’re also quite affordable and come with 3 pairs in a set, meaning you’ll be well supplied for whatever the future brings!
For more information on this shirt, including availability, size variations, prices, and delivery options, visit this link.
U.S. Military Surplus Lightweight Crew Neck Undershirt
This undershirt is fantastic for colder weather. It has a long-sleeved design and a 100% polyester blend that keeps it from getting too stuffy. They’re moisture-wicking and totally safe for washing machines and dryers. It also has a crew neck cut and a stitched roll around the collar and wrists.
This undershirt also comes in a pack of two, so it’s a great choice if you think you’ll be wearing it frequently. These shirts have been approved by the U.S. military and are available for a reasonable price.
For more information on this shirt, including availability, size variations, prices, and delivery options, visit this link.
Undershirt Without Full Uniform
Undershirts should always be worn when a soldier is in their full combat uniform, but what are the rules for clothing when they’re off-duty?
Soldiers need to be somewhat careful when they want to wear elements of their combat gear when they’re off-duty and out of uniform. It’s acceptable for them to wear the undershirt, socks, boots, belt, gloves, and other pieces of clothing that wouldn’t be immediately recognizable as a U.S. military uniform.
However, the distinctive pieces of a uniform, such as the camouflage-patterned jacket, pants, and cap should not be worn when a soldier is off-duty. They also should not be mixed with civilian clothing.
Along the same lines, civilians can wear the less recognizable pieces of a combat uniform without repercussions, but donning the official camouflage pieces of a uniform isn’t acceptable under any circumstances (except for theatrical productions depicting soldiers).
This rule exists to help people distinguish between genuine soldiers and civilians. It also helps to maintain a certain level of respect for the uniform and what it represents.
When it comes to undershirts though, that’s always a safe choice to wear. The undershirts are fairly common in their coloration and design, so they won’t stand out one way or the other.
Both soldiers and civilians can wear military undershirts without worry. However, it’s probably a good idea for soldiers to keep multiple undershirts on hand so they don’t use up their limited stock when they’re off-duty!