Uniform Requirements
The availability of quality WWII US Navy reproduction uniform items has reached the point where there is no need to accept things like the 1960s-70s Seafarer dungarees and shirts or current issues blues as a substitute for WWII items. Finding original WWII Navy uniforms in current day human sizes can be difficult, but still possible. It is therefore recommended that reproductions be used. The following identifies the uniforms needed to participate in the Living History Program.
Minimum Uniform for Participation
Dungaree Work Uniform
1 - Shirt, 100% cotton blue chambray, long sleeve
1 Undershirt, white (WWII Navy pattern)
1pr. Trousers, dungaree (WWII Pattern)
1 Belt, web, black with brass buckle
1 Hat, sailor, white (Dixie cup)
1pr Socks, black
1pr. Shoes, black, leather, low quarter
The working or dungaree uniform is the minimum uniform required to participate in the Living History Crew activities. We wear this uniform 90% of the time. The blue and white uniforms are for ceremonies and other special occasions.
Other Uniforms to Acquire
White, Undress
1 Jumper, white (WWII-style)
1pr. Trousers, white
1 Belt, web, white with brass buckle
1pr. Socks, white
1pr. Shoes, black, leather, low quarter
1 Neckerchief
1 Hat, sailor, white (Dixie cup)
1 Undershirt, cotton, white
Other Uniforms to Acquire
Blue, Undress
1pr. Trousers, blue
1 Jumper, blue, undress
1 Neckerchief
1 Undershirt, cotton, white
1 Cap, Blue, with “U.S. Navy” ribbon
1 Hat, sailor, white (Dixie cup)
1 pr Socks, black
1pr. Shoes, black, low
Other Uniforms to Acquire
Blue, Dress
1pr. Trousers, blue
1 Jumper, blue, dress
1 Neckerchief
1 Undershirt, cotton, white
1 Cap, Blue, with “U.S. Navy” ribbon
1 Hat, sailor, white (Dixie cup)
1 pr Socks, black
1pr. Shoes, black, low
1943 Full Seabag Issue
QTY ITEM QTY ITEM
1 Belt, Web, Black 1pr Leggings
1 Belt, Web, White 1 Mattress
2 Blankets 2 Mattress covers
1 Broom, whisk 1 Neckerchief
1 Brush, Shoe 1 Overcoat (Peacoat)
1 Brush, scrubbing 1pr Overshoes
1 Cap, Blue, with ribbon 1 Pillow
1 Cap, watch 2 Pillow covers
3Pkg Clothes Stops 1 Raincoat
1 Comb 2 Shirts, chambray
2pr. Drawers, Heavy 1pr. Shoes, black, high
4pr Drawers, nainsook 1pr. Shoes, black, low
1 Jumpers, dungaree 4pr. Socks, cotton
2pr. Trousers, dungaree 2pr Socks, woolen
2pr. Gloves, woolen 1 Toilet Kit
12 Handkerchiefs 1 Towel, large
3 Hats, white 1 Towel, small
1 Jacknife 2pr. Trousers, blue
1 Jumper, dress blue 4pr. Trousers, white
2 Jumpers, undress blue 1pr. Trunks, bathing
3 Jumpers, undress white 2 Undershirts, heavy
1 Jersey 4 Undershirts, cotton
Some other items to consider buying
Peacoat
The WWII Peacoat had 10 buttons and was designed to be worn buttoned up to the collar. The open collar design was implemented after WWII so is not acceptable for this impression.
Winter Jacket with zipper
This winter jacket was introduced in 1939 as part of the Special Winter Clothing outfit, which included bib trousers, helmet, facemask, and rubber gloves. This was used throughout the war. Made of Jungle cloth and a wool liner with a zipper front. This suit is part of the ship/command inventory and was issued out to those that needed it such as above deck/outside watch standers.
Winter Jacket with clips
This is the updated and improved winter jacket. The change was a flap over the the front opening closed by hooks instead of a zipper. This provided more waterproofing than a zipper. This was introduced late 1942- early 1943.
Winter Jacket, N-1
This jacket was introduced in 1943 along with new sets of jackets, parkas, rain gear and other items to meet the various weather conditions around the world that the Navy was now operating in. Most of it was all in olive drab with the new nomenclature, N-1(N = Navy number = the version of the item). Same kind of jungle cloth on the outside with Alpaca fur on the inside. With a zipper closure and a flap cover secured with buttons.
Other items to get
1 Manual, Bluejacket’s, 1940, 1943 or
1944 editions
1set ID tags, (WWII USN issue)
1 Seabag, white
1 Blanket, plain white wool (no markings)
1 Pillow with white cover
1 Cover, mattress (or white sheets)
1 Mattress
1 Towel, whites
1 Lock (for locker)
Reproduction Vendors
There are are several vendors making WWII US Navy uniforms, although they don't always have them in stock.
At The Front for dungarees, and jackets.
What Price Glory for whites and blues.
(http://www.whatpriceglory.com/products/c104-enlisted-uniforms/)
SM Wholesale for dungarees.
(SM Wholesale USA — SM Wholesale USA U.S. Uniforms & Gear)
WWII Impressions for dungarees, whites and blues.
US Navy – WWII Impressions, Inc.
The LHC has some loaner uniforms, (mostly dungarees) for first time members. Please inquire about those for your first event if needed. There are a lot of nuances to learn about the WWII uniforms, so please ask before you go out and start buying things. We would hate to have you buy something that you cannot use for this impression.