what to wear
TRANSCRIPT
What To Wear
A Guide For IOT Studentsand Junior Officers
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What To Wear
Issue 2 Oct 05
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INTRODUCTIONContents
3 Introduction
4 The Lounge Suit
10 Jacket and Tie
15 Casual Dress
23 Formal Evening Dress
27 Dress Guide by Function
28 Official Reception/Annual Cocktail Party
33 Graduation Day
36 General Dress
39 Suggested Retailers
41 Frequently Asked Questions
43 Mess Rules
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This booklet has been written to give you practical guidance during the initial phase ofyour new career in the Royal Air Force, whether you have joined from civilian life or fromnon-commissioned service. It has been designed to help you resolve that ever-pressingquestion: ‘What should I wear?’
All professions have a code of conduct, set of rules and a standard of dress. As anofficer in the Royal Air Force, your superiors and subordinates will expect you to besuitably dressed, in order to uphold the standards of the Service, and to set an exampleto others. Whether you are in or out of the Service environment, you represent the RoyalAir Force and will be expected to dress accordingly. As a junior officer you will be livingin an officers’ mess and your attire should not cause offence to other officers using theMess. You will also be invited to attend all ranks functions. You should always avoid thetemptation to slip to the lowest common denominator i.e. trainers and jeans thinkingthat you will fit in better.
The characteristic dress of an officer falls within well chosen limits; the purchase ofappropriate, good quality clothes is a must. Building up a good wardrobe can prove tobe expensive, but if planned and spread over a period of time, the cost will not beprohibitive. However, in today’s relaxed lifestyle, it is often difficult to decide what towear for different events and functions. As you progress through Initial Officer Training,you will attend many different training functions, each designed to teach you the etiquetteand standards required of a junior officer. The type of function will determine the dresscode expected, from a less formal quiz night in the Mess to the more formal dinner orreception. Although standards of dress still need to conform to the ethos of a militaryservice and be of the highest quality, it is possible to adopt an up-to-date look that meetsthis standard. Extremes of fashion should always be avoided, but by following the advicein this booklet, there is no reason why you cannot achieve a modern style, which will notbe out of place in society today.
You will need to understand both the male and female dress codes so that you canbrief your partners and guests when they attend functions in an officers’ mess with you,as they will also need to conform to the same dress rules. We have also listed thecivilian equivalent for your guests for those occasions when you are likely to be wearinguniform.
When you leave Cranwell and visit another Mess, you will also need to read Mess Rulesto see if there are any particular requirements for that Mess.
INTRODUCTION Introduction
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The Lounge Suit
Male
The first major item to be considered is the lounge suit. The suit is still one of the mostelegant items of clothing a man can wear, as long as its cut, colour and fabric arecorrect, meaning that they suit the occasion, the time of day, the season of the year, andthe climate. Cut is definitely the most important factor and the main reason why acheap suit will always look cheap is because the cut is wrong for your shape; a well-cutsuit can hide a multitude of body faults! Some points to remember:
A well-cut suit should not be confused with the so-called ‘designer’ suit. The‘designer’ suit will cost at least as much as, and probably more than, a goodquality suit, but may not look anywhere near as good.
Traditional colours for a suit are navy blue, dark or mid-grey, and black. Othercolours are appropriate for more informal occasions, but not for mess wear.
Traditionally, a gentleman’s suit will have a 2 or 3-button single-breasted coat; it isnever correct to have a 4-button coat on a suit, but a double-breasted style is anappropriate alternative. The coat should have at least one vent, but 2 are normalon a double-breasted suit; coats without vents are unsuitable attire for Mess wear.
The trousers can have a pleated front, or they can be plain, and they mayhave turn-ups; crucially, though, your trouser length should always be exactly right.If they just break on your shoe, the length is correct; the current trend for one or 2inches hanging over your shoe does not create a tidy impression. Wearing braces,instead of a belt, will help keep your trousers at the right length (see p39).
It is impossible to over-emphasise that a well-cut suit should be viewed as an investment;it will not need to be replaced within 10 years of normal wear, and if you consider thevariety of occasions on which you will wear a suit (Mess functions, weddings, funerals,Service meetings) it will pay dividends to buy one which is well-cut, rather than a trendysuit from a designer outlet, which will last a fraction of the time.
Female
Female lounge suits should be the equivalent quality and style to that of the malelounge suit with the exception that a skirt may be worn instead of trousers. If trousersare worn they should be straight legged and fall on the ankle. Skirts should be straightand finish at about the knee, but above mid-calf. Both jacket and skirt/trousers shouldbe of the same material and colour, and the jacket should only ever be long sleeved. Ashirt with a collar, or fitted tailored top, must be worn (tee-shirts and vest tops areunacceptable). Shirts and tops must not expose the stomach or cleavage, and underwearshould not be visible through the shirt/top. A smartly fitting dress may also be worn.Closed toe shoes that complement the suit, with tights/stockings or pop socks, shouldbe worn. Hair can be worn down if desired, and with an inconspicuous use of stylingproducts, but it should still look neat and tidy.
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Acceptable
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Acceptable
Note the length of this skirt; at about knee length, this is acceptable.
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Acceptable
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This would be acceptable for a more informal jacket and tie function but unacceptableat a function where a Lounge Suit is required.
Unacceptable
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This is a good suit for a Mess function; however, the shirt should be lighter in colour.
INTRODUCTION Unacceptable
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Jacket and Tie (‘Dog Robbers’ in the Royal Navy!)
Male
The Sports jacket is so-called because it became acceptable to wear in the late-19th
Century for sporting occasions, or more precisely for shooting. It was made of tweed,with 3 or 4 buttons, a belt, pleats for ease of movement, and large pockets to holdcartridges and provisions. It was some time before the design of the sports jacket beganto approach the cut of the traditional suit jacket and this is the style in use today for lessformal occasions.
The correct jacket to wear in the mess, or on sporting occasions, is made of tweed, worsted,wool and, in summer, linen, but corduroy is rarely appropriate, as it is too casual.
The blazer is also traditional. It emanates from the jackets ordered for wear by the crewof HMS Blazer when Queen Victoria visited the ship in 1837. The classic navy blueblazer is double-breasted (single-breasted is acceptable, though has no militarybackground) and has 6 bright gilt buttons. It is usually dark blue, although black isacceptable for non sporting events and it always has 2 side vents. In addition, it has abreast pocket and 2 pockets with flaps. The blazer is usually worn at informal occasions,such as evenings in the Mess or at an informal garden party, or during IntercollegiateGames weekends.
In selecting trousers, you will never go wrong with a pair in wool (grey, of any hue, isgood with a blazer), twill, or smart cotton in summer. Your jacket and trousers shouldnot be the same colour.
Female
Everybody knows what a lounge suit is, and one accepts from that dress code that theoccasion will be fairly formal; therefore, ladies are rarely in any doubt what to wearwhen gentlemen wear a suit. However, not all functions during your training will be soformal; the words ‘jacket and tie/female equivalent’ appear often on invitations to functionsat Cranwell, so it is worth exploring what this actually means.
Usually, ladies elect to wear a tailored jacket, with a complementing, but not matching,skirt; sometimes trousers are worn in lieu of the skirt. Some rules for you to follow:
Skirts should be about knee length or a long skirt is also appropriate, but mini ormicro skirts are not suitable.
Trousers should be tailored, straight-legged, and fall on the ankle.
The skirt or trousers should be a different colour to the jacket.
A blazer may be worn if desired. A collared shirt or tailored top, which does not exposethe stomach or cleavage, should be worn under the jacket. Shoes should complementthe outfit and be closed toe. Tights/stockings or pop socks should be worn. If attendingan outdoor event, smart leather boots may be worn. However, boots should never beworn with a skirt at an evening function. A small, feminine leather handbag may becarried if necessary.
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Acceptable
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Acceptable
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This is acceptable wear for an informal sports function; however, the cords are a littletoo casual for a formal jacket and tie function. A pair of trousers, in a light grey orbeige, would make this outfit suitable for an informal Mess function.
Unacceptable
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The trousers in this outfit are also too casual for jacket and tie dress.
Unacceptable
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Casual dress may be worn in the Mess before 1900, and on weekends, depending onMess Rules. It is the minimum dress standard expected of an officer when out ofuniform. Denim jeans and tee-shirts are considered unacceptable, as they are tooscruffy. Jeans can be worn in many officers’ messes at the weekend, but check the MessRules; it is better to be over-dressed than assume. If acceptable, they should be smartand clean; fashion styles should be avoided, and torn or frayed jeans are never to beworn.
You will feel comfortable in the Mess environment if you follow these simple rules:
Trousers should be styled more like trousers from a suit than jeans-style trousers(which may have patch pockets and rivets). ‘Boot-cut’ trousers are not appropriate,and should not be worn.
Your shirt should always have a collar. For example, a polo shirt is adequate, as is along-sleeved shirt, but a tee-shirt is never appropriate. Your shirt should always betucked into your trousers, which will be worn with a belt.
Training shoes should never be worn in the Mess, and this rule includes trainer-styleshoes.
Planters
Male
‘Planters’ is a form of relaxed dress that was popular in the 19th Century in the rubber,tea and coffee plantations in the tropics where it was too hot to wear a jacket. The ideawas introduced more recently to officers’ messes in the UK for the warmer summermonths. Put simply, it is jacket and tie, but without the jacket! Your trousers should stillbe well cut, but the fabric may be cotton, in the style of chinos. Your choice of footwearshould still be smart, but the informal loafer would be acceptable with planters.Sometimes, depending on mess rules, a polo shirt may be worn instead of a shirt andtie.
Female
A skirt or tailored trousers may be worn. Skirts should be about knee-length or a longskirt may be appropriate. A shirt, or a tailored top, may be worn without a jacket. Incold weather, a knitted top or cardigan can be worn if desired. Tee-shirts and vest topsare unacceptable. Closed-toe shoes should be worn with a skirt, and boots may beworn with trousers. Hair should be neat and tidy, and accessories should be small andunobtrusive.
Casual Dress
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Acceptable
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This is an example of Summer Planters, and this is acceptable dress before 1900 inthe mess. However, the trousers should be taken up by several inches to beacceptable!
Acceptable
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Acceptable
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At first glance, this looks acceptable wear for the Planters dress code; however, thetrousers are actually jeans. The rivets on the pockets let the trousers down, and thisjeans-style pair of trousers is not appropriate whilst at Cranwell.
Unacceptable
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This is not appropriate as the model’s stomach is showing. Her top is also too low cut.However, this blouse and trousers would be acceptable if the buttons were fastened atthe bottom and top of the shirt.
Unacceptable
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This skirt is too short, and the model has too many buttons unfastened on the blouse.If a button was fastened on the blouse, the blouse would be acceptable.
Unacceptable
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This is far too casual for mess wear; training shoes, including fashion trainers, shouldnever be worn in the mess, and your shirt should always have a collar.
Unacceptable
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Male
The dinner suit, or in American parlance, the Tuxedo, after Tuxedo Park in New Yorkwhere the jacket is said to have been introduced in 1886, is normal attire for civilianguests at a formal Mess function. Serving officers will also wear it in the Mess, at theChristmas Draw, on Burns’ Night and for formal dinner parties when the invitationstates that the dress is ‘Black Tie’; if you, or your guests, are entitled to wear HighlandDress, it may be worn under this dress code.
As the ‘Dinner Jacket’ is worn for a number of occasions in your Service career and incivilian life, it makes sound financial sense to buy, rather than hire, a suit. As with thelounge suit, the cut is very important, but the style can be single-breasted or double-breasted, and a shawl collar is also an option on this type of suit. A soft fronted ‘marcella’shirt with studs or buttons will be required.
Your bow tie should be black, and all other colours and garish patterns should be eschewedin favour of the classic self-tie, black silk or barathea bow tie. You will be issued a bowtie with your No 5 Mess Dress so you do not need to purchase another one.
A cummerbund may be worn with this suit, again it should be a dark colour, with thefolds pointing upwards.
Beware: if an invitation states Evening Dress, then the dinner jacket is not correct; yourhosts will expect you to arrive in white tie and tails to such a function, so a visit to a hireshop may be in order! This will rarely be required and definitely not whilst on InitialOfficer Training.
Female
Females should wear a full length dress of ankle length or lower and shoulders shouldbe covered. At most functions shoulders may be uncovered after the meal, so for thosedresses that have bare shoulders a shawl/pashmina or bolero jacket should be worn,both prior to, and during the meal. Typical ball dresses are permitted; however, it is alsoacceptable to wear a full-length evening dress. A 2-piece evening outfit can also beworn if desired, but it should be in keeping with the elegance of the evening. Large splitsor tight fitting clothing are inappropriate. Strappy, heeled sandals are permitted withouttights or stockings. Hair and accessories should complement the outfit.
Formal Evening Dress
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Acceptable
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This dress is suitable for a Summer Ball, or for after dinner at a Christmas Draw (notbefore dinner, as the shoulders are bare).
Acceptable
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This dress would be suitable for a Cocktail Party, but it is too short for a Summer Ball ora Christmas Draw.
Unacceptable
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Occasion Dress Guest’s Dress
Dept Meet & Greet Lounge Suit N/A Games Night Jacket & Tie N/A
Quiz Night Jacket & Tie N/A London Visit Working Dress N/A
Mid Course Reception (See notes on Official
reception)
Lounge Suit (male) Dress (female)
Male/female equivalent
Mid-Course Function Lounge Suit (male) Dress (female)
Male/Female equivalent
Charity Night As determined by Sqn N/A Training Dining in night No 5 Mess Dress N/A
Visiting Lecturer’s Dinner Lounge Suit N/A Colour Sunday Lunch No 1 HD Uniform N/A
Commandants Reception Lounge Suit N/A Intercollegiate Games
Weekend Jacket & Tie Jacket & Tie/female
equivalent Dining in Night No 5 Mess Dress N/A
Sqn Revue Night Lounge Suit N/A Graduation Lunch No 1 HD Uniform Lounge Suit
Graduation Ball (See Notes on Graduation Ball)
No 5 Mess Dress Mess Dress or Formal dress
Informal visit to the Mess In accordance with Mess Rules depending
on the time of day (smart casual or jacket
& tie)
In accordance with Mess Rules depending on the
time of day (smart casual or jacket & tie)
Dress Guide by Function
The following table is an example of the typical formal and informal functions that willbe held during your training at Cranwell:
Given the number of functions you will attend, you will need the following basic wardrobe:
Male
Formal, dark coloured lounge suit.Blazer and trousers and/or a sports jacket and trousers.Black leather, lace-up shoes.Minimum of 3 long-sleeved shirts.Ties and socks to go with each outfit.
Female
Formal, dark coloured lounge suit.Blazer or jacket, and skirt or trousers.Leather shoes, closed toe.Minimum of 3 long-sleeved blousesKnitted top to go under jacket or blazer.Tights, stockings or pop socks (neutral and barely black).
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Male
Official receptions are held annually to entertain civic dignitaries and other official guestson occasions such as the Queen’s Birthday or to commemorate the Battle of Britain. Forthese events, No 1 HD dress is worn by serving officers, and guests would be expected towear a dark suit. If the event is a formal ‘Black Tie’ evening, then a dinner suit isappropriate for a function - please see the advice for Evening Dress. For the mid-coursereception whilst on Initial Officer Training, the dress is lounge suit.
Female
Ladies should wear a smart dress which falls between knee and calf length. The dressshould be plain in style and not expose the stomach or too much cleavage, and itshould cover the shoulders. An evening trouser suit or evening trousers and top (notshirt or blouse), may be worn as an alternative, following the same guidelines. Tights/stockings should be worn if wearing closed-toe shoes. If wearing strappy, heeledsandals, bare legs are permitted. Large splits or tight fitting clothes are to be avoided.
Official Reception/Annual Cocktail Party
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Acceptable
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Acceptable
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This is a suitable dress; it is the correct length (below the knee) and has the shoulderscovered by a shawl.
Acceptable
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This dress is far too short for a cocktail party; dresses or skirts should fall below the knee,but above the ankle. Having bra straps that are visible is unacceptable, whatever theoccasion. Furthermore, the model should also have her shoulders covered.
Unacceptable
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The Graduation Parade and Service of Dedication is a unique occasion reviewed by amember of the Royal Family or a VIP. The ceremonies are followed by a formal lunch inCollege Hall Officers’ Mess which has a specific dress code therefore all guests areinvited to dress appropriately. Uniform is only to be worn by the Reviewing Officer’sparty and RAF College staff officers (including the graduating officers). For those guestsunfamiliar with service ceremonies, the dress code is very similar to that of a smartwedding, so typical dress for gentlemen is a dark lounge suit, and dress for ladies isslightly more ‘dressy’; hats are encouraged.
Graduation Ball (and other formal evening functions)
No 5 Mess Dress is worn by Graduating Officers at the Graduation Ball, and servingofficers amongst the guests are encouraged to wear Mess Dress; civilian guests shouldwear Black Tie. After leaving Cranwell, you will have the opportunity to go to the SummerBall and the Christmas Draw (called a Draw, rather than a Ball, because it is traditionalto have a raffle as the primary focus of the evening); the dress code differs for these 2highlights of the Mess social calendar, and is as follows:
Summer Ball.Summer Ball.Summer Ball.Summer Ball.Summer Ball. No 5 Mess Dress is worn for Summer Balls on Royal Air Forcestations, although female officers are often given the option of wearing civilianattire if they desire; cadets on Initial Officer Training will not normally attend aSummer Ball.
Christmas DrawChristmas DrawChristmas DrawChristmas DrawChristmas Draw..... On RAF stations, you will be expected the wear Black Tie, orthe female equivalent, as detailed in the formal evening attire section.
Graduation Day
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Acceptable
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Acceptable
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Male
Shoes
Shoes worn with any outfit need to be of superiorquality and appropriate for the dress code. Shoesworn with a suit, or with a sports jacket and tie,should always have a leather upper and leather sole,as rubber-soled shoes are deemed too informal,and lace-up shoes are infinitely preferable to themore casual slip-on. A pair of black brogues orOxford pattern shoes will always be appropriatewhen wearing a suit; when wearing a dark loungesuit, the only colour shoe deemed correct is black.Trainers are only acceptable with sports clothes, andonly whilst participating in sports. Fashion shoes,particularly those with square toes, buttons or velcroshould always be avoided in the Mess environment.
Trousers at the right length
Shirts and Ties
Your choice of shirt is as important as your choice of suit; wearing a cheap shirt ruins theeffect of any smart suit. The collar should be semi-stiff, ideally with removable collar‘bones’ to maintain the collar’s shape, and the smartest shirts have double cuffs, whichrequire cufflinks. Some people dislike double cuffs, and button cuffs are perfectlyacceptable. Checked shirts, and shirts with a button-down collar are more informal,and these may be worn with a sports jacket or blazer, but not with a lounge suit. Whenin a formal environment, a suit should be worn with a plain shirt, in a light colour, suchas pale blue. A pale coloured, striped shirt is a good alternative.
A well-chosen tie can be the finishing touch to a suit, as long as it complements the shirtas well. A geometric patterned, or a ‘regimental’, striped tie looks smartest when wornwith a suit, and will also go well with a sports jacket or a blazer. Colour is unimportant,but garish designs or cartoon characters on ties will create a comic effect that isinappropriate in clothing, and totally unsuitable for the Mess environment.
Too Long Too Short Just Right
General Dress
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Accessories
A belt is required with all trousers, except when braces are worn, and it should be madeof leather, in the same colour as your shoes.
Cufflinks are one of very few items of jewellery acceptable on a gentleman; the othersare a wedding band, or a signet ring, and a watch. Cufflinks are usually made of eithergold or silver, but silk knots are a stylish, and very inexpensive, alternative.
Socks
Plain, dark-coloured socks are best with a formal outfit; fashion socks, or brightly coloureddesigns are discouraged. Socks should complement the suit and the shoes; therefore,white socks will never be acceptable with anything other than sportswear.
Care of Clothing
If you take good care of your clothes you will double their useful life. You can significantlyprolong their life by using the correct type of coat hanger (shaped wood for jackets),shoes trees, and by ensuring that your clothes are brushed, sponged and pressed regularly.You will get plenty of practice in ironing and pressing your uniforms, so keeping yourcivilian clothes neat will become second nature! Stained clothes should be sent to the drycleaners as soon as possible, and shoes should always be put away clean.
Female
Shoes
For females, wedge or platform heels should not be worn, and heels should not be toohigh. Shoes should be of superior quality and closed-toe, unless worn with a cocktailor ball dress (see previous guidance), and complement the outfit.
Shirt
Female shirts/blouses should be plain in style and colour, and not include too muchdetail.
Tights
When worn with uniform, tights should be barely black. In civilian attire a more neutralshade may be appropriate with a skirt or dress; patterned and orange-coloured tightsshould be avoided.
General Dress
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Hair
Hair needs to be styled in accordance with the type of event that you are attending.Formal functions, where a lounge suit or jacket and tie are appropriate, require a tidyhairstyle. Long hair can be worn down, but should still look styled and neat. When offduty, and away from Cranwell, your hair can be worn in any style you choose.
Make-up
Make-up is acceptable with any civilian outfit, but it should not be too garish in colouror style. Neutral shades should be worn that complement skin type and colour, andfashion make-up should be avoided. Painted toe-nails in subtle colours are acceptablein cocktail and ball dresses.
Jewellery
Female officers, and cadets, are allowed to wear one pair of single stud gold earringswhen in uniform (but not in field kit, and never when on parade); normal earrings maybe worn when in civilian attire (one earring in each ear). No other form of bodypiercing is acceptable, and could be dangerous when you consider the activities youundertake during training.
All serving officers, and cadets, may wear engagement, wedding or plain signet ringswhen in uniform, but any more than 2 rings would be unacceptable, and rings shouldnever be worn on the thumb. As a general rule, accessories should be simple andcomplement the outfit.
General Dress
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While many retailers offer quality clothing ofa good standard, most of the retailers listedbelow offer a generous discount to militarypersonnel, and their products are of a superiorquality, yet still good value:
T M Lewin (Shirtmakers).
Lewins’ shirts offer exceptional value for moneyas they are a top quality Jermyn Street shirtmaker and offer their shirts (normally £60-£70) for £27 to military personnel. Their suitsare superb quality, and very good value,reduced from £500 to £225 for militarypersonnel. Visit www.tmlewin.co.uk for fulldetails, or see them at the Freshers Fair duringyour first week at Cranwell.
Hackett.
Hackett formal wear, suits, jackets and shoesare very good quality, and they also offer a10% discount to personnel of the ArmedForces. Visit www.hackett.co.uk for moredetails.
Costello
Civil & Military Tailor284 Ley Street, Illford Essexwww.costello.co.uk
G D Golding
Civil & Military Tailor220 Hatfield Road, St Albans, Herts183 London Road, CamberleyTel: 01727 841321 www.tailors.co.uk
A suit and shirt from T M Lewin
Suggested Retailers
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Gieves and Hawkes
Very high quality civilian clothes and uniform.www.gievesandhawkes.com
Ede and Ravenscroft
Similar to Gieves & Hawkes, but slightly less expensive.www.edeandravenscroft.co.uk
Charles Tyrwhitt
Good quality clothing at very reasonable prices; good military discount applies.www.ctshirts.co.uk
Cordings
Very good, traditional outfitters. Their suits are legendary for their quality and longevity.www.cordings.co.uk
Austin Reed
Decent quality casual wear, and very good value.www.austinreed.co.uk
Suggested Retailers
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Why should I invest in a good quality suitWhy should I invest in a good quality suitWhy should I invest in a good quality suitWhy should I invest in a good quality suitWhy should I invest in a good quality suit? A cheaper suit may be perfectlysuitable for the mess, but only whilst it is relatively new. The quality of the cut is nevergreat, and the fabrics used tend to look cheap quite quickly. Whilst the initial outlaymay be less than the price of a suit from a tailor, value for money is poor because thesuit will not last very long. Similarly, ‘designer’ suits are good only for flashing thelabel to friends; the cut may be of a higher quality, but for the same money, you couldinvest in a suit made specifically for your frame which will last for years, and perhaps aslong as your career in the Service.
My favourite tie has Tigger on it, and a couple of other characters; why willMy favourite tie has Tigger on it, and a couple of other characters; why willMy favourite tie has Tigger on it, and a couple of other characters; why willMy favourite tie has Tigger on it, and a couple of other characters; why willMy favourite tie has Tigger on it, and a couple of other characters; why willthat be a problem if I wear it in the Messthat be a problem if I wear it in the Messthat be a problem if I wear it in the Messthat be a problem if I wear it in the Messthat be a problem if I wear it in the Mess? Ties are formal items of clothing, butthey can still be fashionable. Television gameshow presenters and others in the publiceye can get away with a less conservative approach to neckwear, but a potential RAFofficer is expected to display a little more taste and dignity in public; the Tigger tie canbe worn safely in the confines of your own home or at an informal party, but certainlyaway from Cranwell.
All the guidance given about dress codes seems quite daunting, and ratherAll the guidance given about dress codes seems quite daunting, and ratherAll the guidance given about dress codes seems quite daunting, and ratherAll the guidance given about dress codes seems quite daunting, and ratherAll the guidance given about dress codes seems quite daunting, and ratherexpensive. Will I need to overhaul my wardrobe before I start my training atexpensive. Will I need to overhaul my wardrobe before I start my training atexpensive. Will I need to overhaul my wardrobe before I start my training atexpensive. Will I need to overhaul my wardrobe before I start my training atexpensive. Will I need to overhaul my wardrobe before I start my training atCranwellCranwellCranwellCranwellCranwell? No, not at all. Most people who apply for a commission in the RAF willalready have the basics, and the guidance given is not intended to be a shopping list.The essentials are as follows: a dark-coloured suit; 3 collared shirts; 2 ties; a sportsjacket/blazer; a pair of trousers (to go with jacket); one pair of black leather, lace-upshoes. There is no immediate requirement to buy a dinner suit, as one may be hired asnecessary. There will also be the opportunity to purchase some good quality clothing atthe Freshers Fair, held during the first week of the Course.
All these dress codes seem a little confusing; will I always know what toAll these dress codes seem a little confusing; will I always know what toAll these dress codes seem a little confusing; will I always know what toAll these dress codes seem a little confusing; will I always know what toAll these dress codes seem a little confusing; will I always know what towear whilst at Cranwellwear whilst at Cranwellwear whilst at Cranwellwear whilst at Cranwellwear whilst at Cranwell? Guidance is given before all functions during your trainingat Cranwell, and the guidance will come from your instructors. If you feel that you needmore information at any time on what to wear for a certain occasion, and this is alwaysthe case for female cadets, then the first person to turn to would be your flight commander.
I have heard that Cranwell is very strict on dress standards, and that theI have heard that Cranwell is very strict on dress standards, and that theI have heard that Cranwell is very strict on dress standards, and that theI have heard that Cranwell is very strict on dress standards, and that theI have heard that Cranwell is very strict on dress standards, and that thewider RAF is more relaxed; is this truewider RAF is more relaxed; is this truewider RAF is more relaxed; is this truewider RAF is more relaxed; is this truewider RAF is more relaxed; is this true? Cranwell is a training unit, and all advicegiven on dress standards is guidance for what to wear whilst at Cranwell. Admittedly,officers’ messes in the RAF may apply more relaxed dress standards, but these aredecided upon by the mess membership. At Cranwell, we feel it is important to imparttraditional standards to officers of the future, and to give you the confidence that if youfollow these simple instructions you will be correctly dressed. The aim is to encouragegraduating officers to surpass the minimum stipulated standards, rather than simplymeeting them. Remember that, in or out of uniform, you are representing the RAF, andshould have pride in your appearance accordingly.
As a female, should I wear trousers or a skirtAs a female, should I wear trousers or a skirtAs a female, should I wear trousers or a skirtAs a female, should I wear trousers or a skirtAs a female, should I wear trousers or a skirt? In today’s military it is entirelyyour decision whether you wear trousers or a skirt with an outfit. Whichever you chooseshould conform to the guidelines in this booklet.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should I wear my hair up or down for a particular functionShould I wear my hair up or down for a particular functionShould I wear my hair up or down for a particular functionShould I wear my hair up or down for a particular functionShould I wear my hair up or down for a particular function? Whatever thefunction, as an officer your appearance should be beyond reproach, and this includesyour hair. Hair can be worn down if desired out of uniform, but must be tidy andprofessional, especially if wearing a lounge suit.
Does my wardrobe need to be expensiveDoes my wardrobe need to be expensiveDoes my wardrobe need to be expensiveDoes my wardrobe need to be expensiveDoes my wardrobe need to be expensive? Not at all. You can mix and matchsome high street stores clothing with a few timeless classics and still achieve a smart,modern look that meets the required standard. Expensive clothes will not necessarilyalways be suitable.
Do my guests in the Mess need to conform to the same standardsDo my guests in the Mess need to conform to the same standardsDo my guests in the Mess need to conform to the same standardsDo my guests in the Mess need to conform to the same standardsDo my guests in the Mess need to conform to the same standards? Thesimple answer is yes, absolutely! The dress rules for the Mess apply to everyone usingthe Mess, including guests. You are responsible for ensuring that your guests areproperly briefed and dressed, in order that they are not breeching any rules.
Can I wear the same suit/dress to each functionCan I wear the same suit/dress to each functionCan I wear the same suit/dress to each functionCan I wear the same suit/dress to each functionCan I wear the same suit/dress to each function? There is no limit on howmany times you can wear a particular outfit to a function. Many people have a classicsuit, jacket and dress that they will wear time and time again if it is acceptable.
Will I be expected to wear all the outfits contained in this pamphletWill I be expected to wear all the outfits contained in this pamphletWill I be expected to wear all the outfits contained in this pamphletWill I be expected to wear all the outfits contained in this pamphletWill I be expected to wear all the outfits contained in this pamphlet? Thesimple answer is yes. You will spend a lot of time in uniform, within the Mess environmentand whilst at work, but as you progress through the Course, and especially when youmove into College Hall Officers Mess, you will be expected to dress appropriately whenvisiting the bar and dining room and other public rooms. Wherever you are, whateveryou do, as a (potential) officer, you will always be expected to be smartly dressed.
What can I wear in my roomWhat can I wear in my roomWhat can I wear in my roomWhat can I wear in my roomWhat can I wear in my room? Any form of casual clothing is acceptable in yourown room. There are times during bull nights (a night spent preparing your room foran inspection by training staff), when you are cleaning your living accommodation thatyou will require ‘scruffs’ (ie clothes you do not mind getting dirty, such as old track suitbottoms and jeans).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Mess Rules act as a code of conduct for members and guests in any Mess. They coverareas such as dress, etiquette, social conduct and any local rules that everyone shouldfollow. They can normally only be changed by the President of the Mess Committee(PMC) or Stn Cdr. Most Messes follow a simple traffic light system, indicating the type ofdress code permitted. A green light will indicate a more relaxed dress standard is inforce, for example planters or smart casual, dependant on Mess Rules. A red light willindicate that more formal dress should be worn, usually a lounge suit or equivalent forladies. This will normally be enforced when a VIP or dignitary is visiting the Mess orstation. Mess Rules normally apply within all public rooms in the Mess, for example thedining room, bar and ante-rooms. Domestic areas and corridors are normally considerednon-public rooms, and therefore are not subject to the dress regulations.
It is always a good idea to fully acquaint yourself with the rules of a Mess before visiting,to avoid any embarrassment. If you telephone the Mess reception, they should be ableto tell you the minimum standards expected, so that you do not get caught out! Although,this booklet offers solid advice on dress standards for all junior officers, you shouldensure that you read and follow Mess Rules for any Mess that you visit in the future.
Mess Rules
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Notes
RAFC/GRAPHICS/33.293