OCTOBER 30, 2014, WASHINGTON (NNS) – Male officer and chief service dress white (SDW) coats can now be fitted with a single metal hook and eye closure at Navy Exchange (NEX) tailor shops that will improve the collar neck closure, according to the Navy’s Uniform Matters Office.
This optional closure can replace the Velcro closure that is the standard closure for the uniform coat.
Some wearers found the standard closure did not provide the right fit and appearance, particularly after repeated wear and dry cleaning. The hook and eye closure can help provide a better fit to the SDW coat.
“The optional closure will help Sailors ensure the proper fit and professional appearance of their service dress whites, which must be maintain with all uniforms,” said Capt. Janet Bristol, head of Navy Uniform Matters. “Sailors should replace or make alterations as needed to maintain proper appearance, wear and functionality of their uniforms.”
The SDW coat hook and eye closure is optional and now available for alteration through the NEX at a cost of $13.50.
“As we consider any change to uniforms to improve fit, function, or appearance, our goal remains to have uniforms that our Sailors will proudly wear at sea and ashore that project our Navy heritage,” said Bristol.
The hook and eye closure is also available for purchase via the NEX Uniform Call Center (1-800-368-4088 / Fax 1-757-502-7532 and USC_Customer_Service@NEXWEB.ORG.
Sailors can provide feedback on uniforms to umo_cmc@navy.mil or usnpeople@gmail.com.