Mess dress uniform

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Sandy MacGregor talks resiliency with 173rd paratroopers 140801-A-MM054-260

Canadian Highland Officer's Mess Uniform, 1967, Lieut. Ron Wen, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada - Glenbow Museum - DSC00653

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Lt Gen Pierre St Amand at a Canadian Mess Dinner

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Mess dress uniform is a formal type of military uniform used for military social events, including dinners, balls, and evening receptions. The mess dress uniform is distinct from regular service dress uniforms or ceremonial dress uniforms, emphasizing formality and tradition. It is equivalent to the civilian black tie and, in some cases, white tie attire, depending on the specific requirements of the military branch or unit.

History

The origins of the mess dress uniform trace back to the British Army in the 19th century. Initially, it was informal wear for officers during evening mess, where they could relax and socialize. Over time, it evolved into a more formal attire, reflecting the regiment's identity and traditions through specific colors, badges, and accessories. Other countries and their armed forces adopted the concept, each adding unique elements to their mess dress uniforms.

Components

The components of a mess dress uniform vary between the branches of the armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) and between different countries. However, common elements include:

• Jacket: A formal jacket, often dark in color, with various types of lapels and sometimes adorned with braiding or unique buttons.
• Trousers: Matching trousers, which may have a stripe or braid down the leg, indicating the wearer's rank or branch.
• Shirt: A formal shirt, typically white, and may include a wing collar for bow ties.
• Decorations: Medals, ribbons, and other military decorations are worn according to specific regulations.
• Headgear: Depending on the branch and occasion, formal headgear such as a peaked cap or beret may be worn.
• Footwear: Formal shoes, usually black, are worn with the mess dress uniform.

Occasions

Mess dress uniforms are worn at various formal military occasions. These include:

• Mess nights or dining-ins, which are formal dinners for members of the same unit or organization.
• Military balls, which are large, formal social events.
• Weddings, when the military member chooses to marry in uniform.
• Official receptions and ceremonies that occur in the evening.

Variations

Each country and military branch has its own variations of the mess dress uniform, reflecting historical and cultural influences. For example, the British Army's mess dress includes regimental colors and patterns, while the United States Air Force mess dress features a cummerbund in the color of the specific branch.

Regulations

The wear of the mess dress uniform is strictly governed by military regulations, which outline the appropriate components, accessories, and manner of wear. These regulations ensure uniformity and adherence to tradition within the military community.

Gallery

Note: As per the given constraints, no images are included.

See also

• Military uniform
• Service dress uniform
• Ceremonial dress uniform
• Military decorations