The United States Coast Guard dress uniform is a symbol of pride and professionalism for the men and women who serve in the Coast Guard. The dress uniform is worn for formal occasions, such as ceremonies, parades, and official events, and is an important part of the Coast Guard's tradition and heritage. In this article, we will explore the history and components of the Coast Guard dress uniform, as well as the regulations and guidelines that govern its wear.
History of the Coast Guard Dress Uniform

The Coast Guard dress uniform has a long and storied history, dating back to the early days of the Coast Guard. The first Coast Guard uniforms were worn by the Revenue Cutter Service, which was established in 1790. The Revenue Cutter Service was responsible for enforcing tariffs and preventing smuggling, and its uniforms were designed to reflect the service’s naval heritage. Over the years, the Coast Guard uniform has undergone many changes, with new designs and regulations being introduced to reflect the changing needs and traditions of the service.
Components of the Coast Guard Dress Uniform
The Coast Guard dress uniform consists of several components, including the coat, trousers, shirt, tie, and hat. The coat is a navy blue, double-breasted design with gold buttons and a white shirt with a wingtip collar. The trousers are also navy blue, with a strip of gold braid down the outside of each leg. The shirt is worn with a tie, which is a navy blue, silk design with a subtle pattern of gold anchors and ropes. The hat is a navy blue, visored design with a gold chin strap and a Coast Guard emblem on the front.
Uniform Component | Description |
---|---|
Coat | Navy blue, double-breasted design with gold buttons |
Trousers | Navy blue, with a strip of gold braid down the outside of each leg |
Shirt | White, with a wingtip collar |
Tie | Navy blue, silk design with a subtle pattern of gold anchors and ropes |
Hat | Navy blue, visored design with a gold chin strap and a Coast Guard emblem on the front |

Key Points
- The Coast Guard dress uniform is worn for formal occasions, such as ceremonies, parades, and official events.
- The uniform consists of several components, including the coat, trousers, shirt, tie, and hat.
- The coat is a navy blue, double-breasted design with gold buttons, while the trousers are also navy blue, with a strip of gold braid down the outside of each leg.
- The shirt is worn with a tie, which is a navy blue, silk design with a subtle pattern of gold anchors and ropes.
- The hat is a navy blue, visored design with a gold chin strap and a Coast Guard emblem on the front.
Regulations and Guidelines

The wear of the Coast Guard dress uniform is governed by a set of regulations and guidelines, which are outlined in the Coast Guard Uniform Regulations Manual. The manual provides detailed information on the components of the uniform, as well as the occasions on which it is to be worn. The manual also provides guidance on the proper care and maintenance of the uniform, as well as the procedures for altering and tailoring the uniform to fit individual members.
Occasions for Wear
The Coast Guard dress uniform is worn for a variety of formal occasions, including ceremonies, parades, and official events. The uniform is also worn for special occasions, such as weddings and funerals, and is an important part of the Coast Guard’s tradition and heritage. The following are some examples of occasions on which the Coast Guard dress uniform is worn:
- Ceremonies, such as change of command ceremonies and retirement ceremonies
- Parades, such as Fourth of July parades and Memorial Day parades
- Official events, such as visits by high-ranking officials and dignitaries
- Special occasions, such as weddings and funerals
What is the purpose of the Coast Guard dress uniform?
+The Coast Guard dress uniform is worn for formal occasions, such as ceremonies, parades, and official events, and is an important part of the Coast Guard's tradition and heritage.
What are the components of the Coast Guard dress uniform?
+The Coast Guard dress uniform consists of several components, including the coat, trousers, shirt, tie, and hat.
What are the regulations and guidelines for wearing the Coast Guard dress uniform?
+The wear of the Coast Guard dress uniform is governed by a set of regulations and guidelines, which are outlined in the Coast Guard Uniform Regulations Manual.
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