Every time I go anywhere on base, there it is, staring me in the face. The dress code. I check it out, every single time. At the commissary, the PX, the on-base post office, the shoppette (or Class Six for non-USMC folks).
And I smirk/cringe a little bit every time.
It’s Time for an On-Base Dress Code Update
Let’s be honest, the on-base dress code is a smidge, well, old fashioned and out of date.
Yet, I still 100% get why we need a dress code. I definitely understand the ban on shorty-shorts and midriff-baring tops. Ditto for sports bras worn as tops.
Let’s Talk About Spandex
Gym attire used to be just for the gym. Put it on, get sweaty and then shower up.
Today? Almost everything I own is a spandex blend of some sort or other. Leggings, jeans, tops. Yeah, it’s all stretchy.
Take a look around today. Go to any military base and visit the commissary or the PX. I’m willing to bet that more than 50% of female patrons will be wearing pants or tops that might be considered “gym” wear. Why? Because they are tight, stretchy, spandex-based athleisure.
And everyone is wearing them, every where.
If the on-base retailers want to spend their time kicking folks out over athleisure-style leggings, that’s totally their prerogative. I get it, I’m technically breaking the rules by wearing leggings. But I’m definitely not going to stop wearing leggings just to shop on base. I’ll go elsewhere.
Flipping Out Over Flops
Know what else technically isn’t “allowed” at on-base retailers? Flip flops. Which I, and almost everyone I know, wears almost exclusively all summer long. For those of us located in year-round warm climates, like SoCal or Hawaii, sandals are a way of life.
I know that patrons have been kicked out of the commissary or the Exchange just for wearing flip flops. It’s definitely more likely at East Coast duty stations, particularly hubs like Quantico.
Let’s be clear: flip flops are not shower shoes. Not even close.
Shower shoes are typically cheap rubber or plastic things, really thin. They break easily, too. You can pick up a pair for under $5 at Old Navy, Target or Walmart.
Now flip flops are more sturdy, with thicker fabric or leather straps. My personal flip flops have embroidery on the strap part. And I’ve had them for about three years or more because they last. These aren’t some throwaway footwear. These are quality. And I would never wear them to shower. Ever.
Over the Top On Tanks
Now, this is kind of a grey area – tank tops. I have some sleeveless tops that are definitely work-appropriate. But, technically, I can’t wear them to shop on-base. Why? Because they are sleeveless “tank tops.”
I get that the dress code really means tanks that were meant to be worn as underwear, like camisoles or sleeveless undershirts for men. But the language is so vague that anything without sleeves or with thinner shoulder straps is included.
My silk sleeveless top? It’s a tank top.
The language of this one needs to be revisited: tank tops covers everything without sleeves that can be worn as a shirt. And that leaves a lot of wiggle room for interpretation.
Revise the On-Base Dress Code
Sure, the posters might be laminated and feature models from the late 1990s or early 2000s, but we all know that these dress code rules are way older.
The language just doesn’t match how modern military families live. Plus, the rules are not applied universally. It seems like every single base has their own little quirks and rules, some things that are more tightly enforced than others.
It’s time for our on-base civilian dress code to catch up to the 21st century, a time of leggings and flip flops. Where tank tops in warm weather is typical for men and women.
I understand the need to discourage folks from going straight from the gym to the commissary or PX. It’s smelly and sweaty! But keeping athleisure-type spandex as a “banned” items? Please, that’s ridiculous.
I get the desire to maintain modesty. After all, the military does maintain high standards! Discouraging short shorts and peek-a-boo undergarments is absolutely understood, and much appreciated.
Personally, I like to shop on base. Prices are reasonable for many items and it’s tax-free. Plus, for many years, it’s been convenient for my family, an easy way to save a little on our food bills. I also don’t reveal a lot of skin or really skate too far outside the lines – other than my leggings, flip flops and
Bottom line: it’s time to check the dress code rules against accepted civilian attire worn by a majority of military spouses and off-duty troops. It’s out of date and restricts the ability of patrons to shop on-base (when enforced).
Do you think that the on-base dress code needs an update for the modern era? Comment below with your thoughts!
Slider image Photo Credit: © Yury Zap/Adobe Stock
Wow. I have NEVER seen a dress code posted anywhere I have been on base and I have never seen or heard of anyone being tossed out of anywhere on base due to their attire. I’d say a lot of the examples in your poster are common sense and I’d never go ANYWHERE looking like most of them, but a lot of people do dress like that in public and I’m sure I’ve seen some of them on base.
The problem with the dress code is everyone has a different idea of what it should be. I think that women that go out of the house with more than a regular u neck worth of cleavage should be ticketed for indecent exposure. I think that wearing a polo, shorts and belt to mow the lawn when it’s pushing 100 degrees should be considered endangerment. Finally I believe that I did not give up my right to free speech (via my clothing) when I got married. I may not think pajamas are fit for outside wear, or that you should look like you got your pants from a tent supply store, but it’s none of my business as long as I’m not paying for them. I also think that telling young active duty members that they are adult enough to handle multi million dollar equipment and live firearms while also telling them they are not smart enough to pick out their own off duty attire is ridiculous.
there is nothing wrong with being presentable it is never outdated.
I agree completely with the prohibited off duty attires on the poster. I probably would remove torn clothing (fad worn by many young people) as well as hat on backwards.
I feel people should take a minute to get dressed before going shopping. Pajamas and slippers as well as droopy pants are some of my favorite pet peeves.
I totally agree. People have lost their self respect. Pajamas are for for home, and not for public use. Morals have become very low in this country. We need better standards and Roll Models.
Really?
its bad enough to see people dressed like this, but unexpected on base, I respect my neighbor to be dressed properly…and I expect my neighbor to repeat me, and not look like trash. A properly dressed person is the attractive person, doesn’t look like trying to ear a few extra bucks by their long hung slacks showing their underwear, or a too tight stretch top, what kind of beauty is this. what a person is saying, I’m cheap. as if we didn’t know..
Finally!!!!
I thought this was ridiculous for years & my dependent husband couldn’t wear a baseball cap to the gym?? Folks let’s use common sense please.
I was screaming inside my head one time when the base had an all hands about the dress code & guess who shows up in a lingerie type top? The SgtMaj’s wife! I thought it was an opportunity – really to either speak up or test the situation, but the higher ranking dependents wore what they wanted – period.
Glad to read this article & hopefully we’ll see some changes that make sense for 2019 & beyond.
I have never worn flip flops to take a shower and as a matter of fact I have never worn any kind of shoes in the shower, I have worn flip flops to the shower but they were left just outside the shower to be put on when getting out of the shower. Flip flops are house shoes and never should they be subsisted for sandals. If you don’t know the difference you should try to be more educated. If you understand this no explanation is needed, but if you don’t understand this no explanation is possible.
Interesting. California Navy bases must be pretty relaxed because I’ve been wearing workout clothes to the base since 2011 (flip-flops even longer) and have never had anyone say anything. And I don’t just mean leggings. I often go in running capris and a dry fit tank top. Before I work out though, not after. Come to think of it, I’ve never actually seen a dress code posted anywhere.
If you are leaving the house to go out in public dress appropriately no matter where you are going. Look in a mirror and if you truly think your mother would approve of what you are wearing you should be good to go. If there is any doubt change your attire. Pajamas are just that, PAJAMAS! Leave them in your home along with your HOUSE slippers. Pull up your pants! NO ONE wants to see your underwear. Put the bill of your cap in the front of your head where it belongs. If I see you dressed in pajama, pants hanging to your knees with a hat on backwards I will assume that you are a child, NOT an ADULT and you never learned to dress yourself or you are too stupid to learn.
A dress code should not be needed anywhere in public but it is. I do agree it needs to be updated for the way we live today.
NO! Do not change the dress code! I just can’t understand why people would rather look like slobs that look like they not only don’t care about themselves or anyone else. So I say DON’T relax and change the dress code but get back to dressing as the proper adults we know we are and not only show we care about ourselves & others but that we care enough to show good example to all our young people and children.
IT APPEARS (IN THESE COMMENTS) THAT EACH INDIVIDUAL SHOULD SET THEIR OWN DRESS CODE
Personally, I dont care what the “trend” today is, nor what people suddenly think is acceptable because they have grown more and more lazy. Its about respect, whether you have none for yourself, as you are simply looking for comfort and whats easy to put on, its about respect of those who dont want to see you dressed a certain way and to ensure a level of professionalism on our bases and in our military community.
Seriously, I wish I could get a bill passed to permanently ban yoga pants in public US wide as many are way too tight and they just look inappropriate. Many ladies wear them and they arent even working out, why?.., for comfort, or looking for attention from someone? Its simply not the place to wear at the exchange or commisary.
Shower shoe flip flops are what all service members are issued to wear in the community shower to prevent foot fungus bacteria from being easily spread, those style flip flops arent permitted, but in many exchanges Ive been in have become understanding of the difference for 25 dollar flip flops vs shower shoes.
If you dont want to follow the dress code, then go be trashy at wal mart and have your picture taken and put online like so many others, the exchange and commisary will not will be fine without your business. I hope no one ever sacrifices respect for some lazy rule breakers money, keep the base clothing order in place!
Our military is not a social experiment. It should not be an equal opportunity employer. It’s mission is to defend our nation with the most capable to win. We bleed less in battle. A military base is a bastion of respect, discipline and order which enables it to complete its mission. For over 200 years we have maintained good order and discipline partially through how we dress/present ourselves. “I think the rules should be altered because I am inconvenienced” is not a mission oriented attitude. It is not about you.
I have shopped at Military base for many years and never seen anyone dress inappropriately, I don’t see anything wrong with leggings or tank tops, most of us like to feel comfortable while shopping, everyone should dress appropriate by the rules on base,.
I think the dress code is wonderful. The military is all about discipline, honor, and respect (or should be). Decorum is wonderful and a form of self-respect also. Pursuing high standards of integrity and good character may be old fashion, too, but is of great value.
I feel that clean, properly fitting clothes would be appropriate clothing including jeans for the exchange and commissary including all other branches of services.
I find it disgusting women wearing spandex clothing, I also feel it is inappropriate for male an female to wear
gym clothes, inappropriate shorts, tank tops and clothes with holes even though it is a new fad of wear including pants being worn low.
Heck long as the boobs, belly and butt are not showing, be comfortable.. I have seen leggins worn with a nice casual top and low cut boots, nothing wrong with that at all.. A tank top is just that, a sleeveless top is “not” a tank top.. I dress appropriately at all times but I don’t dog people for dressing down or like a slob, although I will laugh at guys that wear their pants down below their butt-crack and have to hold them up because they don’t wear a belt and honestly hoping they trip and fall.. Its like the hat issue, either men and women both can have them on inside or neither, not one because its a “Sunday hat” Anyway, the dress code would be just a little more relaxed.. I know some people that dress in suits that are total jerks and people that dress a bit more “comfy” that are well spoken, nice to all so the dress does not make the person……
I say we should always dress so as not to offend anyone whether on base or off. I am a spouse of a 20 year Air Force Sgt. and never had or now have a problem with the dress code! It is a privilege to shop on base so do not change the code to please one or two. They can go shop among the no respect for others and wear whatever!
Thank you
Leggings are for the gym. Not everyday wear. Please people something else should be worn as you can see every lump and bump and bulge in the body. Keep the gym clothes in the gym.