Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia

23–8. Neck tab, black, dress
The material is polyester and cotton broadcloth, in Army shade 305. It is a quarter-moon neck tab, which fits under the
collar of the white formal blouse.
23–9. Capes, Army black and blue
As an option, all female officers are authorized to wear the Army blue or the Army black cape instead of the black allweather
coat, when wearing the Army white uniform after duty hours. Enlisted personnel may not wear the cape. (See
paras 27–6a and b for a complete description of the wear of the cape.)
23–10. Cummerbunds, black and white
a. The cummerbund will be made from a commercial design. It is made in either black or white silk or satin
material, with four or five pleats running the entire length of the cummerbund.
b. Wear. The black cummerbund is worn with the white mess and white evening mess uniforms. The white
cummerbund is worn with the all-white mess uniform. The cummerbund is worn with the pleats facing down.
c. Females who possess cummerbunds made from previously authorized materials may continue to wear them for as
long as they are serviceable.
23–11. Headgear
No headgear is authorized for wear by female personnel with the Army white mess, all-white mess, or white evening
mess uniforms.
23–12. Items normally worn with the Army white mess, all-white mess, and evening white mess
uniforms
a. Accessories.
(1) Buttons (para 27–4).
(2) Capes (officers only).
(a) Black (para 27–6a).
(b) Blue (para 27–6b).
(2) Coat, black all weather (para 27–8).
(3) Gloves.
(a) Black, leather, unisex, dress (only when the black all-weather coat is worn) (para 27–12b).
(b) White, dress (para 27–12c).
(4) Handbags.
(a) Black, dress (carried with white mess and evening mess only) (para 27–13b).
(b) White, dress (carried with all-white mess only) (para 27–13c).
(5) Shoes.
(a) Pumps, black (worn with white mess and evening white mess only) (paras 27–23f and g).
(b) Pumps, white (worn with all-white mess only) (paras 27–23f and g).
(6) Stockings, sheer (para 27–24d).
(7) Umbrella, black (para 27–27).
(8) Undergarments (para 27–28).
b. Insignia, awards, badges, and accouterments worn on the Army white mess, all-white mess, and evening mess
uniforms.
(1) Aiguillette, dress (officers only) (para 28–26).
(2) Insignia.
(a) Branch insignia (paras 28–10 and 28–12a). Branch insignia is worn as prescribed in paras 23–5a(2) and
23–5b(2).
(b) Grade insignia (paras 28–5 through 28–8). Grade insignia is worn as prescribed in paras 23–5a(2) and 23–5b(2).
(c) Regimental distinctive insignia (para 28–23).
(3) Service stripes (enlisted personnel only) (para 28–27).
(4) Decorations and service medals, miniature (para 29–9).
(5) U.S. badges (combat and special skill, dress miniature, and identification) (paras 29–17c and 29–18c).
23–13. General guidelines
Personnel will wear knee-length mess skirts no longer than 1 inch above or 2 inches below the crease in the back of
the knee. The black evening mess skirt is worn full length. Personnel may wear the black dress gloves when wearing
the black all-weather coat. Personnel may wear white gloves with all uniforms. The black pumps with sheer stockings
128 AR 670–1 3 February 2005