Sea Cadets and League Cadets have distinct uniforms that must be worn during different events. Cadets must be in impeccable condition when wearing the uniforms, this includes grooming, shined shoes, and jewelry per regulations. Download the full Uniform regulations here. Below you’ll find a quick guide on some of the most common uniforms.

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Working Uniform Type III

Service Dress Whites

Service Dress Blues

Grooming standards

For League Cadets

For Sea Cadets

Regulations

Source: NSCC/NLCC Uniform Regulations NSCPUB 500 October 2011

• Ownership markings: Markings shall be a stencil consisting of the owner’s surname unless directed otherwise. Stencil letters shall be approximately 3/8 inch high blocked letters. Markings shall be black on white uniforms, and white on blue/black uniforms. Blue utility shirts shall be marked in black. Blue working jackets and utility trousers shall be marked in white.
• Name Tapes: The embroidered name tape with surname sewn over right breast pocket on working uniforms and jackets and sewn over the right rear pocket on all working trousers shall be approximately 1/2 inch blocked letters. Working uniforms are required to have “USNSCC” or “USNLCC” on a tape worn approximately 1/4 inch, centered side to side, sewn over the wearer’s left breast pocket.                                   
• Breast insignia tape will be placed directly above the “USNSCC” tape on the left breast pocket shall match the color and fabric of the uniform component and shall be the length of the width of the pocket.
• Transfer of Clothing: No transfer or exchange of a member’s uniform items shall be made without the commanding officer’s authorization. When such transfers or exchanges are authorized, member’s records should document such transfers for accountability purposes. Members should return all items that no longer fit or are used to unit supply stores for reissue.
• Belt (Prescribed): Wear the belt through all loops. Males wear the belt with a clip to the LEFT of the buckle and females wear the belt with a clip to the RIGHT of the buckle. Cadets will wear a silver belt buckle, while CPO’s and up will wear golden belt buckles.
• Gloves: Black leather gloves are worn and never carried. White gloves (when required) may be worn or carried with uniforms. Gloves are removed to shake hands.
• Handbags: The color of the handbag must be the same color as the shoes worn. The handle of the bag must be the same material as the bag. The handbag must be rectangular in shape and designed with a flap. It must not have any ornamentation or any branding. Carry it over the left shoulder or forearm, placing the top of the handbag at waist level. Civilian bags may be worn across the left shoulder when wearing service uniforms. When wearing a bag, the strap must be worn across the left shoulder with the bag hanging to the left of the body. Backpacks may also be worn over both shoulders when wearing working uniforms. All bags worn with the uniform must conceal their contents and be either solid black or navy blue in color. There shall be no personal ornamentation attached on or to the bag. While in dress uniform, civilian bags will be hand-carried only. 
• Prescription glasses are permitted, but no eccentricity. Sunglasses may be worn if they do not attract attention and must be taken off in military formations. Retainer straps are permitted if they are plain black and worn snugly against the back of the head. Contact lenses are permitted; tinted contact lenses must be of natural color (ex. Blue-green, brown, etc)
• Wear undergarments, but wear white undergarments when in dress whites or any other white uniforms. 
• Free your shoes from any dirt or debris before whining them. 
• Uniforms may be tailored as needed, but not to the extent of distracting from the military appearance, or having too tight a fit. 
• Sleeves may be rolled on the working uniforms. 
• Uniforms should be stored on hangers. If uniforms are to be stored for a long time, they should be cleaned thoroughly, then packed away in an airtight plastic bag with a packet of desiccant.

Personal Appearance

• Male Hair: Hair above the ears and around the neck will be cut from the lower natural hairline no grater and no less than ¾ inch. Hair on the back of the neck will not touch the collar. Hair shall be no longer than 2 inches and groomed so that it does not touch the collar or ears, extend below the eyebrow when headgear is removed, show below the front edge of the headgear, or interfere with the proper wearing of the headgear. Sideburns will not extend past the middle of the ear and should be a clean horizontal line. 
• Female Hair: when headgear is worn, hair will not show from under the front of the headgear, with the exemption of the beret. Hair (including bun) is not to protrude from the opening in the back of the ball cap. Lopsided or extremely asymmetrical hairstyles are not authorized. Angled hairstyles will have no more than a 1 – 1½ inch difference between the front and back length of hair. Layered hairstyles are authorized provided they show a smooth and graduated appearance.     Hair length, when in uniform, may touch, but not fall below a horizontal line level with the lower edge of the back of the collar. When bangs are worn they shall not extend below the eyebrows. Hair bulk (minus the bun) as measured from the scalp will not exceed 2 inches. The bulk of the bun shall not exceed 3 inches when measured from the scalp and the diameter of the bun will not exceed 4 inches. Hair extensions and wigs must look natural, tints and highlights must be similar to the base color of the hair and be a natural hair color. Styles with shaved portions of the scalp (other than the neckline), those with designs cut, braided, or part into the hair, as well as dyed using unnatural colors are not authorized. Three-strand- and two-strand braids are permitted. Multiple braids (more than two braids, ex. Dreadlocks and cornrows) will look uniform, be no bigger than ¼ inch in diameter, and have no foreign objects (ex. beads) woven into the hair. Cornrows must be no larger than 1/4 inch in diameter and show no more than approximately 1/8 inch of scalp between rows. Cornrow ends shall not protrude from the head. Rows must end at the nape of the neck and shall be secured with rubber bands that match the color of the hair. Cornrows may end in a bun conforming to the guidelines listed herein if hair length permits. Hair accessories to secure buns must be completely concealed. Female cadets should only wear a wig if it is a medical necessity. 
• Facial hair: No facial hair is permitted. Discretion should be used with younger cadets or those with religious convictions. For adults, if worn mustaches will be kept neat, closely trimmed and no portion shall extend below the lip line of the upper lip.
• Cosmetics: Cosmetics shall be applied in good taste so that colors blend with natural skin tones and enhance natural features. Exaggerated or faddish cosmetic styles are not authorized. Lipstick colors shall be conservative and complement the individual. Long false eyelashes are not authorized. Male personnel is not authorized to wear cosmetics, unless for medical reasons. 
• Male Fingernails: Fingernails will not exceed past the fingertips, and will be kept clean at all times. 
• Female Fingernails: Fingernails will not exceed ¼ inch past the fingertips. Nail polish may be worn, but colors should be conservative and complement the skin tone. Acrylics and accessories are not authorized. 
• One ring per hand and a wedding/engagement ring are permitted. No rings on the thumbs. 
• Male Earrings: Earrings will not be worn under any circumstances. 
• Female Earrings: One earring per ear. If you have multiple piercings, a placeholder can be worn but must be concealed. Earrings will be a 4-6mm ball. Gold for officers, midshipmen, instructors, and CPO’s, silver for any cadets under PO1. 
• Body piercings: Body piercings will not be worn. If you have previous piercings, a placeholder can be worn but must be concealed.
• Necklaces: one single strand necklace, must not be visible. Chokers and large necklaces, etc. are not permitted. 
• Wristwatch/Bracelets: Only one of each can be worn while in uniform. Ankle bracelets will not be worn and are not authorized. 
• Tattoos, body art, brandings, mutilation, or dental ornamentation on a cadet are strictly prohibited. 
• NSCC officers, midshipmen, or instructor applicants who have visible tattoos, body art, branding, or dental ornamentation that may be questionable, must request a waiver for enrollment purposes.

Resources for Parents

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New Cadets Basics

• Type I: Crewneck navy blue t-shirts, black socks (any target, walmart or sport store)
• Type III: Crewneck coyote brown t-shirts, black socks (any target, walmart or sport store)
• Working Boots: G.I. Type Speedlace Combat comfortable 9″ leather boots (any shoe store, Amazon, Roberts – Mamaroneck)
• PT gear: Gold t-shirt, Mid Length Royal Blue basketball shorts, black tennis shoes, white socks (any target, walmart or sport store)
• Winter PT gear: Gold t-shirt, navy blue sweat pants, navy blue sweat shirt (any target, walmart or sport store)
• Name tapes: Cadet’s lastname matching the working uniform’s pattern (1800NameTapes.com)
• Uniform flashes and ranks: See above (Vanguard.com)
• Dress Shoes for Dress Blues and Dress Whites Uniforms: Military Uniform Oxfords (any shoe store)
• Blousing straps (Navy store, amazon, walmart)