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OtherUS Navy evaluates future uniform prototypes with 80 female sailors
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The U.S. Navy collaborated with 80 female service members from August 17 to August 21, 2026, at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story and NEX Norfolk, Virginia, to collect feedback on prototype uniforms as part of its Size Modernization Program. Textile experts and scientists from the Navy Exchange Service Command's Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility led the fit evaluations, where sailors tried on prototype slacks, shirts, and jumper tops. The experts took measurements and assessed how the new designs work with a newer numeric sizing system. The feedback will inform future sizing recommendations. This effort is part of a broader initiative to modernize female uniforms, following recent rollouts of service khaki slacks with back pockets and new dress overblouses. The Size Modernization Program, first announced in September 2024, aims to address past issues with fit and comfort for female sailors.
Source report
The U.S. Navy has partnered with 80 female service members to gather feedback as it develops future uniforms designed to better fit the modern sailor.
From August 17 to August 21, textile experts and scientists from the Navy Exchange Service Command conducted fit evaluations aboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story and at NEX Norfolk, Virginia, according to a Thursday release.
“We are committed to providing certified, high-quality Navy uniforms so that sailors are comfortable and professional looking so that they can focus on their mission,” said Brianna Plummer, Group Leader of Design & Testing Laboratories at the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility.
During the sessions, service members tried on prototype slacks, shirts, and jumper tops to determine which sizes worked best for them. Meanwhile, experts from the fit clinic took measurements and assessed how the new uniforms function alongside a newer numeric sizing system.
The Navy stated that experts will now use the collected data to inform future sizing recommendations.
The service has prioritized modernizing its female uniforms, having already introduced new service khaki slacks with back pockets, as well as summer and dress female white overblouses over the past year.
The Navy Exchange Service Command’s Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility has led these efforts, announcing its first uniform updates in September 2024 as part of the Size Modernization Program. The program was designed to address past issues female sailors have experienced with fit and comfort.
About the Author
Riley Ceder is a Navy reporter at Military Times, covering issues that directly affect service members and their families, as well as breaking news.
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Military TimesWestern