6 Fashion Trends Inspired by Naval Uniforms

It’s no secret that fashion runs of cycles, what’s old will eventually become new again. Fashion not only plays on our desire for something new, it also gives us the chance to explore the familiar and comfortable. And, there are many fashion trends which are inspired by uniforms, symbols of safety and security. It just so happens that some of the most trendy items of clothing right now have their roots in naval uniforms. Created to be functional, they are now some of the most beloved items in people’s wardrobes.

6) Bell Bottoms

They got their start in the 1800s as comfortable pants that members of the navy wore aboard ships. But, these pants didn’t catch on in terms of civilian fashion until the 1930s, when women began wearing pants more regularly. Female movie stars even wore them!

Sailor pants were a hot trend into the 1940s and this would be true for the 1970s and the 1990s as well. Now they are back again, this time competing with skinny, straight leg, boot cut, boyfriend, and balloon pants that are also trending. Basically there are more choices now, but bell bottoms are certainly trending around the world for both men and women.

5) Pea Coats

This classic style of coat features a double breasted front, wool fabric, and a shorter length. The way the buttons are arranged enabled sailors to bundle up against the cold. The wool fabric was naturally water resistant. And, the shorter length allowed sailors to move and work more freely.

They also happen to be quite stylish and are somehow always in fashion, though some eras love them more than others. This is one coat that you can style any number of ways and always look chic. These classic coats are also called reefers because sailors that were assigned the task of reefing the sails (adjusting the size smaller for better control of the ship) wore these coats. This type of coat is still popular for both men and women, but has made a strong comeback in the past year or two.

4) Sailor Collars

Queen Victoria had a sailor style garment made up for her son Bertie in 1846 and started this trend for sailor collars way back then. She wrote in her diary, “Bertie put on his sailor’s dress, which was beautifully made by the man on board who makes for our sailors. When he appeared, the officers and sailors who were all assembled on deck to see him, cheered, and seemed delighted.”

Since then the look caught on with every generation on both sides of the pond! It was popular in the early 1900s and into the 1920s, catching on again in the 1940s and again in the 1960s and 1980s. Basically this is a look that comes back often.

3) Breton Stripes

These famed striped shirts were worn by the French Navy and later adopted by Coco Chanel as one of her signature casual looks. The stripes today give an air of relaxed, coastal vibes, but back in the old days these stripes were useful if a ship crew member fell overboard.

The striped pattern helped them to be visible amongst the waves. Think of them as the first hi-vis gear! They’ve been included in many naval uniforms around the world. Today, they are elegant sweaters worn by men, women, and children, but they’ve never lost that seafaring air to them.

2) Submarine Sweaters

Created to be warm and flexible, these knitted sweaters moved with the crew members of ships and boats and provided warmth when they came up from the engine room or below decks to the harsh sea winds.

Similar styles caught on with college and high school sports teams in the early days before performance fabrics had been invented. No doubt the great function of these sweaters is what made them so popular. Today we know them as turtleneck sweaters, though styles with lower necks were also used in the early 20th century by various navies.

1) Beanies

Wool hats go back thousands of years ago in China, but fast forward to today and you can find them everywhere. The first caps of this style, knit and then felted for extra warmth, were Monmouth hats out of England starting in the 1400s.

They were worn by any men working outside, this included labors and fishermen, as well as sailors. Later naval uniforms around the world included these versatile hats, known as watch caps in the US Navy. The version we know today is usually knit and not felted, but there’s no doubt that these hats, named for the “bean” we wear them on, are very fashionable at the moment. They are not only warm, but very comfy, earning a spot in nautical (and fashion) history.