Military Creases and Ironing
When the dress uniforms are pressed, make sure the uniforms are INSIDE OUT so that the creases are inverted when you put it on.
Below is a graphic representation and instructions of how the enlisted uniform is folded and ironed. Although the uniform depicted is the dress whites, the dress blues are folded and ironed exactly the same way.
Remember: The jumper and trousers (whites and blues only) are NEVER creased from the outside. ALWAYS turn the jumper and trousers wrong-side out as shown below.
When ironing dress whites use a damp piece of sheet between the hot iron and the fabric as the synthetic fabric will melt or discolor if the iron is too hot. The damp cloth also helps set a sharp crease.
When ironing is completed and you turn the uniform right-side out and you should see that all creases EXCEPT the front middle crease and the three creases on the collar flap are turned inward, not out outward.
NOTE: Male Dress Blues are done the same way. Females do not wear the dress blue jumper and trousers.
How to Clean Your Uniform
Navy Working Uniform (NWU) can be washed and dried in a normal washing machine. Do not use starch or bleach as they degrade the stain resistant fabric.
Dress Whites should be washed inside out in a normal washing machine. Bleach or oxygen based whitening products can be used to remove stains and restore bright white color.
Dress Blues MUST be professionally dry-cleaned. Never wash your dress blues in a washing machine.
Do not let the dry cleaners press your uniform. They will press it in incorrectly.
Dress Whites should be washed inside out in a normal washing machine. Bleach or oxygen based whitening products can be used to remove stains and restore bright white color.
Dress Blues MUST be professionally dry-cleaned. Never wash your dress blues in a washing machine.
Do not let the dry cleaners press your uniform. They will press it in incorrectly.
How to Fold and Tie Your Neckerchief
Boot and Shoe Shine
The quality of a sailor is often measured by how much time, effort and care he/she expends on their boots. Here's how to apply that high-gloss spit shine:
Tips:
What You Need: • Shoe Polish (for best results, use Kiwi Parade Gloss) • Cloth • Water |
Rolling Your Sleeves
The sleeves of the Navy Working Uniforms (NWUs) may be rolled up during times of warm weather.
For the NWU, the sleeves will be rolled with the inside out, with the cuff folded over, forming a roll approx. 3 inches wide, and terminating at a point approx. 2 inches above the elbow.
An Official PDF version of the instructions can be found on Homeport. |