• JEB LITTLE CREEK-FORT STORY, Va.
Scientists, designers, engineers and textile experts from the Navy Exchange Service Command’s (NEXCOM) Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility (NCTRF) worked with nearly 80 female Sailors during a five-day fit evaluation here and at NS Norfolk, Va.
From the Fit Clinic held from Aug. 17 to Aug. 21, the research team collected measurement data and used cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to evaluate prototype uniforms for concept of fit, functional design and accuracy of the size prediction.
Sailors tried on several prototype uniforms and provided immediate feedback while experts conducted the assessments.
Fit Clinic participants’ input is helping the Navy identify acceptability of new fit types and update patterns to build uniforms around the people who wear them.
The modernization effort replaces an outdated, restrictive sizing system with a more consistent fit across a Sailor’s uniform wardrobe, giving Sailors the confidence they can select the right size the first time and reduce the need for costly alterations.
“We learned from our Fit Clinics in 2022 that we needed to expand our current ‘Alpha’ and ‘Bravo’ modernized fit types to add ‘Charlie’ and ‘Delta’ as well to ensure we captured all body types,” said Dr. Brianna Plummer, group leader, Design & Testing Laboratories at NCTRF.
“The data collected from the latest fit evaluation will help determine whether the additional fit categories are needed and whether they align with existing body types.”
HOW IT WORKS
Inside the Fit Clinic, researchers took measurements and fitted Sailors in prototype slacks, shirts and jumper tops. The team compared how each garment fit against the Navy’s modernized sizing system, while Sailors learned which sizes may work best for them.
Once the clinic was wrapped up, the research team’s next step was to analyze the measurements and Sailor feedback and use the findings to guide future sizing recommendations.
“We are committed to providing certified, high-quality Navy uniforms so that Sailors are comfortable and professional looking so that they can focus on their mission,” Plummer said.
Results are already reaching the fleet. Service Khaki slacks with back pockets, and the Summer and Dress White female overblouses in both short-sleeve and long-sleeve, are now available at select NEX Uniform Shops and online at myNavyExchange.com.
UNIFORM CHALLENGES
Cmdr. Jennifer Lo, assigned to the Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit which is based here, has attended the three Fit Clinics held in Virginia since 2022.
“I feel like I’m drowning when I wear men’s sizes,” the 30-year Navy veteran said, adding that decades of uniform challenges have made the need for Navy’s newer numeric sizing system for the Navy Working Uniform Type III a welcome change.
“I appreciate the women’s modernized fit as the numeric sizing fits better,” Lo stated.
Fire Controlman 1st Class Ariana Friedrichs, assigned to the Transient Personnel Unit at NS Norfolk, came to the clinic for two reasons: to help solve her own uniform fit challenges and to make things better for the Sailors who come after her.
“My mom helped me, so I want to help future Sailors have better fitting uniforms,” Friedrichs explained.
GOALS
NCTRF is currently focused on modernizing the size and fit of female uniforms, and plans to evaluate male uniform sizing in the coming years.
The goal is simple: uniforms should fit the Sailors wearing them and Sailors should have a say in how the Navy gets there.
Source: NEXCOM
Edited by Larry Lapka
