On November 2, 2020, then Defense Secretary Mark Esper released a memorandum allowing physical fitness attire in the Commissary and Military Exchange facilities. Historically, any physical fitness attire – including yoga pants – has been a no-go at the Commissary. In fact, it is common for some females to keep skirts in the car to throw over the leggings before running into the Commissary to pick up milk or eggs. But now, no additional skirt needed – athleisure is now authorized.
Per the memo, both service-issued PT uniforms and their civilian equivalents can now be worn inside the commissary and exchanges as long as the clothes are “clean, serviceable and in good condition and appropriately modest.” It further delineated that the Secretaries of the individual Military Departments are “authorized to make exceptions to this policy for Service members based on mission requirements and the need to maintain good order and discipline.”
Bases across the world do have varying clothing policies. Commissaries and Exchanges in the beach-destination of Camp Pendleton and tropical Okinawa allow flip-flops while they are seen on showering gear at other bases. The accepted dress code overall is individualized at each base. The November 2, 2020 memo is meant to cover all bases while allowing continued individualization within the service branches as needed for service members. Any specifics for service members will not apply to military dependents, which includes military spouses and children.
While the military collective is not looking to join the ranks of big-box “People of” groups, you are now allowed to go from the gym to the commissary. And yes, it was already happening, but now it is authorized.
I served from in the Air Force from 1971 until 2001 (30-years…). I have never been a fan of wearing athletic clothing outside of the gym. I’ve seen tooooo many instances of folks wearing their gym garb returning to work, or making a quick stop at the exchange/commissary/shoppette, soaking wet in sweat, with a towel wrapped around their shoulders to sop up the sweat dripping off their face and head. There were even those who returned to work without a shower and only changed back into their uniform, leaving the rest of us to “relish” their body odor for the rest of the day…
People do not change, so this is your warning, be prepared to “enjoy” the company of your fellow shoppers who are only making a “quick” trip to pick up a few items (leaving a trail of sweat dripped on the floor, food, carts, checkout line, and everywhere else they travel)…
Amen Chief. Too many want to live like slobs. God invented clothes to hide our flaws, not advertise them. Even asking them to wear Class A gets a respnse like asking them to jump into boiling oil.
Glad to see this move making it easier for us transitioning from our workouts at the gym to the commissary without having to change clothes. In this COVID-19 world the less time I have to spend in the gym locker room changing clothes the better off we all are.
The “Old Chief” makes a very valid comment. IMO: People who are going to the gym, against recommendations not to do so, are already demonstrating their lack of willingness to comply with the extra precautions needed during this pandemic.. I don’t think they will make an exception in a grocery store.
I actually didn’t know this was a thing we weren’t supposed to do. I have been doing it for years and nobody has ever said anything to me. I’ve never gone after the gym though, only before while I wasn’t sweaty/gross. And these days, I think a large chunk of people who wear “athleisure” don’t even work out in it anyway.
Sirs,
It alarms me to read this. As mentioned above, the code has not been followed or enforced for a long time. I was holding my breath as to when someone would do something about it.
Now I read that they have the official blessing., not good.
It offends me to see women of all sizes In skintight yoga pants with short tops. It actually makes me sick and I can but wonder if they do not look in a rear view mirror. Some of those pants are so thin that it shows clearly see the underwear.
.Modesty obviously is a thing of the past God help us.
Thanks for the space.
I don’t know what my web site is?
Oh dear. We’ve gone to the other extreme. My Mother was a military wife in the days when women had to wear nylons, dress shoes, skirt/dress, & GLOVES! While I’m thankful we’ve relaxed a lot since those days, I’m totally in agreement w/Herta Jone’s post. Waaaaay too lax on the dress code here. Policy makers missed the mark here & I’ll be one of the many who’ll fill the suggestion box and/or voice my dislike the first time I see a military member or family member in attire like this. IMO, yoga pants, leggings, should be worn w/a shirt that completely covers the derriere….and I fear the horror show y’all just allowed to be queued-up in the commissaries.
Well guys, welcome to the 21st century. I was born in the 40s, grad hs in the 60s, and retired from the AF in the 80s. I guess you could pretty much say that I’ve seen it all. Welllllllll….. maybe not. But I’ve learned to roll with the punches.
Having watched trash blowing across my local NASJRB as I enter the Commissary to shop, I can only think the military is caving in to the lower standards of our sad country. Is this how we expect the best? Just what type of people are volunteering now? Having been treated to the rear view of men in jogging tights and tank tops, I cringe at how our military has become a job instead of a lifestyle or calling to serve.
Goodness! Most of these commenters are kidding themselves! I’m a busy mom raising children, working and taking care of ‘home base’ while my husband is frequently deployed SERVING THIS COUNTRY!
I’m doing my very best on my own and sometimes that means I’m running to get groceries straight from a workout or school run, with a baby on my hip and a to-do list a mile long.
I’m sorry if I don’t have the time or opportunity to change my outfit to please your high standards. Honestly! I can’t roll my eyes enough at these stuck up comments saying gym wear is offensive.
You can all kiss my legging-clad ASS!