The military uniform of the Russian navy has a rather long and rich history. For many decades, changes and additions were made to it, the color, style and fabric of which everyday and dressy patterns were sewn changed. Today we are more accustomed to seeing two dominant colors in the form of sailors - white and black. It is hard to believe, but the first marine uniform was dark green in color, as was the case with ordinary military personnel. So, first things first.
Navy: form from the day of creation
The navy in Russia appeared under Peter I, that is, in the 17th century. It was then that the first military uniform for sailors was approved. An example was taken from the uniforms of the Dutch Navy. It was a gray or green coat of coarse wool, green trousers just below the knee and stockings. Sailors wore hats with wide brim over their heads. From shoes, sailors were allowed to wear leather shoes. The work suit, which was worn daily, consisted of a spacious canvas shirt not adjacent to the body, spacious canvas pants, a cocked hat, and also a camisole. Rob was gray, and a snow-white shirt with an azure collar was put on top of her. During work, the upper form was removed, the rest of the time the white shirt was worn constantly from above. But today in the Navy the uniform looks completely different.
What was the first shape sewed from?
For sailors of the Navy, the uniform was made of lightweight canvas. This fabric was recognized as the most practical - it was easily cleaned from the most difficult contaminants, practically did not crumple, it passed air well. It was comfortable at any time of the year. The Black Sea Fleet was highlighted in white with its everyday form; the rest most often preferred sky-blue hues. Sailing was used in sewing almost until the 80s.
A little later, the canvas fabric began to be replaced with cotton. The color of the form also changed - it turned blue. If we compare the sewing of that time with the modern one, we can confidently say: today the form of the Russian Navy is inferior in quality, since it is sewn from a wide variety of materials not always of good origin.
The color scheme has also changed - a range of tones from blue to black is proposed.
Casual sailor uniform
The everyday form of the Navy consists of the following elements: shirts, trousers, sailor collar, shoes and, of course, a headdress. Consider each of the items separately.
Today, the shirt follows the pattern of the old model and is worn with a special collar. There are no seams on either the front or the back. There is a pocket on the front (exactly the same inside). The sleeves of the shirt are long, straight. Mandatory is the tag on which indelible combat number is placed. On shoulders - shoulder straps in accordance with the rank. The shirt is worn out of habit, refueled only when serving on a watch.
Pants also preserved the style of the seventeenth century - dark blue, with side pockets, a codpiece, a belt with special loops. Now the badge depicts the emblem of the Navy, formerly a star. A blue cotton collar with three white strips embroidered - symbols of victories in the Chesme, Gangut and Sinop battles.
Shoes and a hat
The Russian Navy uniform includes several hats. It can be a capless cap with ribbons on which the name of the ship is indicated, or a simple inscription: “Navy”. A cockade in the form of a golden anchor is placed on the top of the visor. During the Soviet Union, the cockade was made in the form of a crab - a red star framed by golden leaves. The summer cap is sewn from white fabric and always comes with a spare case. In winter, sailors of the Navy wear hats with earflaps made of black fur. What does the winter form of the Navy look like nowadays? The photo below shows her appearance.
There is a set of hats and a cap. Front - cockade, on the sides - three blocks for ventilation. In Soviet times, black caps varied in type - especially for officers and privates. Today, the caps are all worn, and the semicircular style has been changed to rectangular. Sailors' shoes have an interesting name - burnout. They are made of yufti, have a thick sole, and rubber inserts are added to the laces. Dress shoes are considered chrome boots.
Everyday uniform of officers, midshipmen and women
The uniform of a naval officer, as well as a warrant officer, differs little from the uniform of a simple sailor. The set of clothes includes a woolen cap of black or white color, a woolen jacket, a cream shirt, a black coat, black trousers, a black tie with gold fastening, a coat, a belt, gloves.
As shoes can be ankle boots, low shoes or boots. Complementary items include a black sweater, light overcoat, woolen cloak or blue tunic. Women wear black wool caps, black wool skirts, cream-colored blouses, a belt, a black tie with gold fastening, body tights, black shoes or boots. Women are also allowed to wear a black wool jacket. In winter, women are supposed to wear a black astrakhan beret and a coat of the same color.
Full dress uniform of midshipmen and officers
The parade form of the Navy is divided into several types according to weather conditions. Headgear - black or white cap, cap with ear flaps or astrakhan hat with a visor (for senior officers and captains of the first rank). A mandatory element of clothing is a black tie with a gold tie. A woolen jacket is of two colors - white (summer) and black (front). Black wool trousers, a white shirt and a golden belt are the essential elements that make up the Navy’s dress uniform.
A white scarf or black collar is worn in accordance with weather conditions. Shoes are black or white shoes, boots, low shoes or low boots. Sewn epaulettes are worn on a black wool coat. Also included are white gloves.
