US Navy and USMC focus on creating better-fitting uniforms

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US Navy and USMC focus on creating better-fitting uniforms

A researcher with the Navy Exchange Service Command’s Navy Apparel and Textiles Research Center takes body measurements of a female sailor during a Navy uniform fit evaluation at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia, Aug. 20, 2026.

(U.S. Navy photo by Chris Abaya/Released)

The current Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU), the battle suit of the United States Marine Corps, has been in service since 2022, but the Marines are now evaluating a new “next generation” combat uniform design. Last month, the Marine Corps Combat Support Systems Program Manager Portfolio Acquisition Executive announced that it was modernizing individual equipment through the Next Generation Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform, called NexGen MCCUU, which was described as an “evolution” of the current battle suit.

It promises to preserve many of the familiar features of today’s battle uniform while providing increased combat and mobility in a variety of environmental conditions.

USMC feedback being collected

Throughout history, soldiers, sailors, and marines were rarely given the ability to comment on uniform design and instead simply had to endure what they were given. Historically, military uniforms were designed by high-ranking officials, procurement offices, or civilian tailors, and the frontline soldiers who wore them rarely (if ever) had a say. Because of this traditional top-down approach, many uniforms prioritized visual conformity, rank identification, or cheap mass production over the comfort and mobility required by the people who actually wore them.

That’s why, for centuries, uniforms were itchy, heavy, too hot in the summer, not hot enough in the winter, and generally never that comfortable.

The Marine Corps Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE MC) Program Manager for Combat Support Systems (PM CSS) is modernizing individual equipment through the development of the Next Generation Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (NexGen MCCUU)

(Marine Corps Executive Acquisition Portfolio photo by Todd Towles)

The MCCUU was already designed with marine comfort in mind and the NexGen MCCUU will take it even further, combining a lighter material with an updated fit. According to PAE MC, the new design includes a crotch gusset aimed at improving comfort and durability. Additionally, there will be updated sizing and two uniform cuts to better fit different sailor body types.

This may not seem like a big change, but the upgrades are intended to improve mobility and better support Marines during operational and training missions.

“The team must continually evolve to surpass the technological advancements of its peers and deliver maximum capabilities to the Fleet Marine Force,” said Todd Towles, clothing and equipment team leader.

“Like a rifle or armored vehicle, the combat uniform is a critical piece of tactical equipment. Material advantages on the battlefield directly save lives and ensure operational success,” Towles added.

The USMC is now in the initial production stage, which will provide the NexGen MCCUUs for wear testing and user evaluation. Feedback will be used to further refine the uniforms before they are adopted across the Fleet Marine Force.

“As part of an ongoing Limited User Evaluation (LUE), NexGen MCCUUs were delivered Aug. 4 and 5 to command staff, drill instructors and recruits from three platoons of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Participants will continue wear testing and complete evaluations upon completion of the LUE,” the USMC explained.

Unlike in the past, when fighters had little say over the uniforms they wore, the USMC is actively seeking input to develop the literal clothing on their backs.

“A protected, agile, unencumbered Marine is a faster, more lethal, and more effective kinetic asset. Plain and simple,” Towles explained. “The next step for the team is to field short-term Fleet units to receive feedback from Marines in the different environments and missions our units deploy to. We are also testing items at the Natick Army Lab to ensure we incorporate objective analysis on durability and performance.”

US Navy seeks to “get in shape” with better-fitting uniforms

It’s not just the USMC that is looking to develop better-fitting uniforms, as the US Navy is now in the process of collecting data. In this case, it is the uniforms worn by their female soldiers.

Last month, “scientists, designers, engineers and textile experts from the Navy Exchange Service Command’s Navy Apparel and Textiles Research Center worked with nearly 80 female sailors during a five-day fit evaluation,” the U.S. Navy announced.

The special fitting session was held at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story and NEX Norfolk, Virginia. During the evaluation from August 17 to 21, 2026, the combined research team collected measurement data and used cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to evaluate the uniform prototypes for fit concept, functional design, and size prediction accuracy, the maritime service explained.

“I feel like I’m suffocating when I wear men’s sizes,” said Commander Jennifer Lo, who has served in the Navy for 30 years.

The U.S. Navy recognized that for Lo and other female sailors, a well-fitting uniform not only provides the professional appearance the service expects of its sailors, but also gives them “confidence and functional readiness,” allowing them to do their jobs to the best of their ability.

NCTRF scientists, designers, engineers and textile experts collected body measurements and feedback from sailors to evaluate uniform prototypes and help determine future sizing and fit recommendations.

(U.S. Navy photo by Chris Abaya/Released)

During last month’s evaluation, sailors were able to test several prototypes and, like the USMC tests, sailors were able to provide immediate feedback as the experts conducted their evaluation. Input provided by FitClinic participants will help the U.S. Navy determine the acceptability of new fit types and update its patterns. This will allow the new uniforms to be “built” around the sailors who wear them.

“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’ to ensure we captured all body types,” said Dr. Brianna Plummer, group leader for NCTRF’s design and testing laboratories. “The data collected from the latest fit assessment will help determine if additional fit categories are needed and if they align with existing body types.”

According to the US Navy, this new modern approach will replace the outdated and restrictive sizing system that has been in place for decades.

The service recognized that better-fitting uniforms will give sailors greater confidence, but also reduce costs. By providing a uniform in the correct size, the need for costly alterations will be reduced. Some of the results are already hitting the fleet, and that includes the Service Khaki pants with back pockets, as well as the Summer and Dress White feminine tops in both short and long sleeves, which are available at select NEX uniform stores.

“The NCTRF is currently focused on modernizing the sizing and fit of women’s uniforms and plans to evaluate the sizing of men’s uniforms in the coming years,” the U.S. Navy added. “The goal is simple: uniforms should fit the sailors who wear them, and sailors should have a say in how the Navy gets there.”

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