Am I Allowed to Wear Colorful Underwear in the Army?

When it comes to personal items in the military, there are often strict regulations that govern everything from your boots to your choice of undergarments. Understanding these rules can help avoid misunderstandings and maintain professionalism. This article delves into the specifics of what is and isn't allowed when it comes to wearing colorful underwear in the military, specifically focusing on the Army and Air Force.

Military Undergarment Regulations

The U.S. Department of the Army Regulation 670-1, Chapter 20-32, "Undergarments," provides guidance on the acceptable types of undergarments. The regulation states that brassieres and underpants for females may be commercial designs in white, black, or other neutral colors that are not readily apparent when worn under the uniform. For male personnel, drawers must be a specific length (brief), but the color is left largely to personal discretion, as long as they remain appropriate.

However, personal undergarments are not the subject of regular inspection. Inspections are typically limited to formal training environments such as basic training, initial entry training (IET), and various leadership course environments. In these situations, the focus is on ensuring that the uniform is clean, pressed, and properly worn, not on undergarments.

Army Regulations

In the Army, the specific regulation relating to undergarments is detailed in DA PAM 670-1, 26 January 2021. According to Chapter 20-32, brassieres and underpants for females may be of a commercial design in white, black, or other neutral colors that are not readily apparent when worn under the uniform. For males, drawers must be of the brief length, with limited color options.

Real-Life Experiences

Service members have varying experiences regarding the visibility and acceptance of undergarments in the military setting. Some personnel, such as those in the Air Force, report differing experiences. Below are a few anecdotes from past service members:

Personal Experience in the Air Force

One Air Force service member shared their experience: "I was not in the Army. I served in the Air Force. We were issued plain white undergarments during induction. Civilian clothes were taken and locked away, and we wore plain white during basic training. During technical training, we were less restricted in our inspection, and I began to wear what I wanted.

"The only time I was inspected was during the Basic Leader Development Course (PLDC), now known as the Basic Leader Course (BLC). At BNCOC and ANCOC (formerly NCO Academies), inspections were rare. Locker checks, rather than uniform inspections, were more frequent. Most males I knew wore boxer briefs, and females wore sports bras in various styles. I preferred bikini or thong panties during physical training and wore diapers underneath battle dress uniforms (BDUs) for comfort.

"In common shower scenarios, short tights were often worn. However, it's important to note that few military personnel check undergarments. If an inspection does occur, it is unlikely to include a detailed examination of the underwear. For instance, I know of no situation where an SGT would pull down someone's pants to check the undergarments. Such actions could lead to accusations of sexual harassment, and this would not be a justifiable response in most circumstances."

Key Points Summary

Commercial Designs: Undergarments can be of commercial design in any neutral color, with brassieres and underpants for females required to be not readily apparent. Inspection Frequency: Undergarments are not typically inspected, and inspections focus on the overall cleanliness and proper wearing of the uniform. Individual Standards: While there are specific regulations, the actual enforcement can vary between branches and individual units.

Understanding these rules can help new and experienced service members navigate the sometimes complex world of military attire, ensuring they maintain professionalism while respecting the accepted standards of the service.