The uniform of the military navy of Russia has a rather long and rich history. Over the course of many decades, changes and additions were made to it, the colors, style and fabric from which everyday and ceremonial samples were sewn changed. Today, we are more accustomed to seeing two dominant colors in the uniform of sailors - white and black. It's hard to believe, but the first naval uniform was dark green, like ordinary military personnel. So, first things first.
Navy: uniform since 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 naval personnel. It was a gray or green coarse wool jacket, green trousers just below the knee and stockings. Sailors wore wide-brimmed hats on their heads. From shoes, sailors were allowed to wear leather shoes. The working suit, which was worn daily, consisted of a loose, non-contiguous canvas shirt, canvasspacious trousers, a cocked hat, and also a camisole. The robe was gray in color, and a snow-white shirt with an azure collar was put on top of it. During the work, the upper uniform was removed, the rest of the time the white shirt was constantly worn on top. But today in the Navy, the uniform looks completely different.
What was the first uniform made of?
For sailors of the Navy, the uniform was sewn from lightweight canvas. This fabric was recognized as the most practical - it was easily cleaned from the most difficult contaminants, practically did not wrinkle, and breathed well. It was comfortable at any time of the year. The Black Sea Fleet was highlighted in white for everyday uniforms, the rest most often preferred sky blue shades. Canvas was used in sewing almost until the 80s.
A little later, the canvas fabric was replaced with cotton. The color of the form has also changed - it has become blue. If we compare the tailoring of that time with the modern one, then we can confidently say: today the uniform of the Russian Navy is inferior in quality, since it is sewn from a variety of materials, not always of good quality.
The color scheme has also changed - a range of tones from blue to black has been proposed.
Casual sailor uniform
Navy daily uniform consists of the following elements: shirt, trousers, sailor collar, shoes and, of course, headgear. Consider each of the items separately.
Today the shirt is cut out according to the model of the old model, worn with a special clip-oncollar. There are no seams on the front or back. There is a pocket on the front (the inside is exactly the same). The sleeves of the shirt are long and straight. A tag with an indelible combat number is obligatory. On the shoulders - shoulder straps in accordance with the rank. The shirt is worn loose, refueled only when on duty.
Pants also retained the style of the seventeenth century - dark blue, with side pockets, codpiece, belt with special belt loops. Now the emblem of the Navy is depicted on the plaque, earlier it was a star. Blue cotton collar with embroidered three white stripes - symbols of victories in the Chesme, Gangut and Sinop battles.
Shoes and hats
The uniform of the Russian Navy includes several hats. It can be a peakless cap with ribbons on which the name of the ship is indicated, or a simple inscription: "Navy". On the top of the peakless cap there is a cockade in the form of a gold anchor. During the Soviet Union, the cockade was made in the form of a crab - a red star framed with golden leaves. The summer cap is made of white fabric and always comes with a spare cover. In winter, sailors of the Navy wear hats with earflaps made of black fur. What does the winter uniform of the Navy look like in our time? The photo below shows her appearance.
Available in a set of hats and a cap. Front - cockade, on the sides - three blocks for ventilation. In Soviet times, black caps differed in types - especially for officers and privates. Todaycaps are worn by everyone, and the semicircular style has been changed to a rectangular one. Sailors' boots have an interesting name - burnouts. They are made of yuft, have a thick sole, and rubber inserts have also been added to the laces. Chrome boots are considered dress shoes.
Daily uniforms for officers, midshipmen and women
The uniform of an officer of the Navy, as well as a midshipman, differs little from the uniform of a simple sailor. Clothing set includes black or white wool cap, wool jacket, cream shirt, black coat, black trousers, black tie with gold clip, muffler, belt, gloves.
Shoes can be low boots, low shoes or boots. Additional items of clothing are a black sweater, a demi-season jacket, a woolen raincoat or a blue tunic. Women wear black wool caps, black wool skirts, cream-colored blouses, a belt, a black tie with a gold pin, nude 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.
Ceremonial uniform of midshipmen and officers
The dress uniform of the Navy is divided into several types according to weather conditions. Hats - a black or white cap, a hat with earflaps or an 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 clip. A woolen jacket comes in two colors - white (summer) and black (front). Black trousers fromwool, a white shirt and a golden belt are the essential elements that make up the dress uniform of the Navy.
White muffler or black collar is worn according to weather conditions. Shoes are black or white shoes, boots, low shoes or low boots. Sewn-on shoulder straps are worn on a black woolen coat. Also included are white gloves.
Ceremonial uniform of foremen, sailors and women
Navy uniform for these categories includes a striped vest or cream shirt with a tie (this applies to contract soldiers), black wool trousers (women have skirts) and a belt. A summer white peakless cap, a black woolen hat or earflaps are put on the head. There is a white uniform or blue flannel (contractors wear a black wool jacket). In the Navy, parade uniforms include a woolen black overcoat worn with epaulets, scarves, and gloves. Pea coats are also allowed. Foremen, sailors and women put on half boots, boots or low shoes on their feet. The ceremonial belt for men is black, for women it is golden. There is also a demobilization uniform, it is divided into two types - strict and decorated. The strict uniform includes a sewn-in tunic, on which the emblems of the tribal troops, an aiguillette, gold buttons, awards and badges, shoes, a belt and a beret are located. The decorated uniform has a free format, designed for the ingenuity of the demobilization.
