USMC
CERTIFIED UNIFORMS
TOLL FREE
1-888-237-7683
WE SHIP
APO / DPO / FPO
30 DAYS
RETURN POLICY
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Marine Uniform How To: Dress Blue Collar
Fasten the collar of your blue dress coat by pressing each hole of the collar through the collar’s studs.
Once your collar is attached, fasten your coat starting from the second button down. Fasten the first button last.
Fold the tab of your coat back and clip your collar together using the fastenings on either side.
How To Assemble Your Cover
Assembling your USMC cover can be a daunting task the first time you have to do it, so we here at The Marine Shop have put together an informative video to guide you through the process. Whether you are building your first dress white or service green cover, or swapping between the two on a single frame, the steps are the same.
Your cover is comprised of a frame and the white cloth.
Remove the frame from the bag and retain the plastic bag to protect the cover when not in use. Use the plastic bag as a clean surface when assembling your cover. This will prevent dirtying the white cloth of the cover.
Remove the screw posts and the vinyl retaining strap. Grab the grommet and pull it through the headband. This allows for free play while placing the cloth on the frame.
Find the crown hole of the cover and line it up with the crown hole on the frame itself.
Set the cloth and bill upside down and facing you. Squeeze the headband to ease the cloth over the frame. Work and rotate the cloth until it is in position. Be sure to align the crown hole of the cloth with the crown hole of the frame.
Make sure the edge of the cloth is even with the seam of the frame.
Insert one of the screw posts on either side to anchor the cloth. Once complete, insert the screw post to the opposite eyelet. Check to make sure the center seam of the cloth cover is centered in the back.
Reinsert the grommet to make sure the seam of the rim is aligned with the metal band inside. The grommet is adjustable, you want just enough tension to give a firm push without a fight.
Once in place, adjust until the seam of the white cloth rim is lined up with the grommet all the way around.
Once assembled, reattach the vinyl strap over the screw posts. This will help your cover maintain its shape.
Place your assembled cover inside the plastic bag for clean storage.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blue Dress Coats
Does The Marine Shop sell Blue Dress coats off the rack?
No, uniform coats are all made to order and tailored to fit each Marine.
How does The Marine Shop calculate delivery time?
Blue Dress coats, like our other uniform items, are made to order and tailored to Marines. At certain times of year, such as Naval Academy or Officer Candidate School graduations, delivery times will get longer. Without a queue, the tailoring process takes around 4 weeks, with a queue it can take upwards of 10. Placing your order as soon as possible will help to ensure accurate and timely uniform delivery.
Where are the enlisted Blue Dress coats?
We do not make or carry the enlisted Blue Dress jacket. You can find them at the Navy Exchange website if you need to order one online. If you have an enlisted Blue Dress coat that needs a tailoring adjustment, visit us in Quantico and we can still take care of you!
How is a white collar strip supposed to fit?
A white collar strip will overlap slightly across your throat. It should be accounted for in the measurement sizing.
What belts can be worn with a Blue Dress Coat?
Blue Dress Coats can be worn with a Sam Browne belt, a sword belt, or a Blue Dress belt.
Is it Blue Dress or Dress Blue?
According to tradition, history, and USMC regulation, it is Blue Dress, not Dress Blue.
When should the Blue Dress Coat be worn?
The Blue Dress uniform is worn for ceremonial events and events requiring formal attire, think tuxedo or black tie equivalent.
When should the Blue Dress Coat not be worn?
The Blue Dress uniform is intended to be worn by actively serving Marines, and for the rare occasions when a retired or veteran Marine wishes to wear it (like a daughter’s wedding.) It is strongly suggested you are still within regulations for height and weight. If an event requires business or cocktail attire, choose the service uniform.
Where can I find the official uniform regulations?
USMC
TOLL FREE
WE SHIP
30 DAYS