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History of Royal Navy uniform
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Post war changes to uniform
Post War changes to uniform
After World War Two the Admiralty got rid of some of the officers’ ceremonial uniform, including coats, sword belts and white gloves because these pieces of clothing were too expensive to buy. In 1959, however, the Navy did re-introduce a ceremonial coat for Captains, Commodores and Admirals. In 1974 the Navy produced dark blue, 'woolly pullies' and windproof jackets for officers and senior sailors and dark blue berets for junior sailors. These were much more comfortable to wear when working on the ship.
Officer's beret c.1990 (RNM)
During the Falklands War the Royal Navy fought in uniforms made from man-made materials like Nylon. These types of fabrics were not very good in extreme heat and melted onto sailors' skin. At the end of the 20th century, therefore, people in the Navy began wearing clothes made from natural materials like cotton and wool. These were coated in special chemicals which protected sailors when faced with extreme situations such as fire, dangerous gases and radiation.
Fearnought suit. An overall made from white flame retardant woolen cloth and used by Royal Navy personnel for fire fighting on board ships (RNM)
