[nwinn]

While searching for a navy(colored) db blazer, I came upon Marlow White, a site specializing in military uniforms. In their Navy section, I found a 6x3 blazer that is somewhat similar to what I had in mind. My question is, would this look too odd or costumey on a civilian? I would think not, given its lack of ornamentation, but what do I know? Any thoughts?

The picture below also shows matching trousers. Purely out of curiosity, could one pass this off as a sort of db suit? Pardon my ignorance, but I'm not a member of the armed forces nor have I seen a service dress uniform up close.

 

[a tailor]

sorry but if you change the buttons and tuck in a pocket square it will look like a uniform.
but if belong to a yacht club, yep.
all i m h o.

 

[brokencycle]

I think it will look uniformy. There will be something that just won't look right. The cut of military dress uniforms is distinctive.

 

[Aaron in Allentown]

USN Dress Blue uniforms are not navy blue. They're basically black with the tiniest little hint of blue in them.

 

[PJC in NoVa]

If you're looking for a decent OTR navy blazer, try the BB Country Club model or the one from Ben Silver.

 

[Bird's One View]

I like this uniform and would gladly wear it (without USN buttons or insignia, to which I have no right) while embarked upon private seafaring adventures. But I do not think it is a very good substitute for a civilian blazer in general.

The biggest problem is that the sleeves are unvented as they are meant to take gold braid. Sleeve buttons could be added but I doubt a vent could be, and I suspect working buttons are out of the question.

Otherwise, the cloth, as mentioned, is black; the hip pockets are distinctive (single besom, no flaps); and the 6x3 buttoning is unusual.

 

[pichao]

For me, it still looks like a uniform.

 

[eagle2250]

You could enlist in the USN. They will issue you one and you will look fabulous...women love a man in uniform! Otherwise, my inclination would be to pass on this one.

 

[Fuzzypuppy]

You could enlist in the USN. They will issue you one and you will look fabulous...women love a man in uniform! Otherwise, my inclination would be to pass on this one.

Enlisting won't do it. You'll get the E1-E9 service dress, which looks like the classic sailor's outfit your mom bought for you in nursery school. For that jacket, you'll have to get a commission.

On a more serious note, the issue with buying it and replacing the buttons is that in my experience the quality of uniform fabric usually isn't great. I always had both my dress- and service-level uniforms custom made for that reason, rather than the fit.

 

[The Louche]

IMO, 6x3 buttoning will always make it look like a uniform. I don't really see too many 6x3 DB blazers or suit jackets, usually 6x2 or, unfortunately, 6x1.

 

[Naval Gent]

An aside - Brooks Brothers produces a version of the Service Dress Blue uniform. They're sold in the uniform shops as "premium grade" or something like that, and the do carry the Brooks label inside.

But as stated previously, the SDB uniform isn't blue anymore; it's black. If it has any hint of blue at all, I sure as heck can't see it.

Personally, I'd get a 6x2 blue blazer.

Scott

 

[marmer]

Don't you have to be in the military to purchase from Marlow White? And, generally speaking, aren't there restrictions on the authorized wear of current military uniforms? Anyway, you should get either a blue blazer or a blue DB suit, if that's what you want. I think anyone with even a passing familiarity with military uniforms would recognize a Navy SDB uniform.

(Oh, and don't wear a red blazer if there are going to be lots of former Marines around.)

 

[Cruiser]

(Oh, and don't wear a red blazer if there are going to be lots of former Marines around.)

What is a "former" Marine? I have always been of the understanding that there is no such thing. :icon_smile_big:

Cruiser

 

[Acct2000]

I agree that you are asking for someone to recognize the uniform and possibly be offended. I would not take the risk. There are too many nice suits to choose from.

 

[mommatook1]

Don't buy it unless you don't like cuffs on your sleeves and enjoy being mistaken for a Delta airline pilot.

Besides, there's a reason half the officers in the Navy have custom SDBs and mess dress made while on port calls in Asia--the normal uniform issue stuff is not the best quality or fit. The only exception may be if you get the BB line or something from Abbott's.

 

[hockeyinsider]

The jacket looks polyester to me.

 

[marmer]

What is a "former" Marine? I have always been of the understanding that there is no such thing. :icon_smile_big:

Cruiser

Sorry, of course you are right. I meant "retired." That's what the Marine Corps League is all about, right?