The United States Marine Corps has taken a bold step forward in modernizing its dress code for women, marking a departure from long-standing traditions. In a significant policy shift, female Marines are no longer required to wear pantyhose with their uniform skirts, signaling a notable departure from practices that have been in place since women were officially integrated into the Marine Corps in 1948.
This significant change was formally announced by Marine Corps officials, who declared, “Effective immediately, the wear of hosiery with skirts is optional.” While this update offers greater flexibility to female Marines, it specifies that if pantyhose are chosen, they must be of a “skin tone harmonizing” shade. However, the use of dark hose remains permissible when worn under dress slacks.
The decision to revise the hosiery requirement reflects a broader initiative within the Marine Corps to review and update outdated policies. Major Joshua Larson, spokesperson for the Office of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, stressed that the previous mandate did not align with a “common sense” approach. Larson explained that this change stems from the Marine Corps’ Talent Management initiative, led by then-Assistant Commandant Gen. Eric M. Smith, which aims to evaluate existing policies to ensure they are relevant and practical.
Larson stated, “In the spirit of common sense, our Uniform Board recommended a change to the policy that required women to wear hosiery with skirts. Hosiery is now optional.” This decision underscores the Marine Corps’ commitment to prioritizing the well-being and comfort of its personnel, as articulated by Larson: “The Marine Corps prioritizes its people above all things.”
Furthermore, Larson emphasized the profound responsibility of Marine Corps leaders to mentor, support, and advocate for their Marines. He affirmed that Talent Management initiatives drive institutional decisions aimed at enhancing the lives of Marines and their families.
It’s noteworthy that the U.S. Navy, the parent organization of the Marine Corps, had already modified its policy in 2022 to grant female members the option of forgoing hosiery when wearing slacks or skirts. This move by the Navy set a precedent for the Marine Corps’ recent decision. Similarly, the U.S. Air Force had eliminated its hosiery requirement for women in 2021, marking a broader trend within the U.S. military towards updating dress codes to reflect contemporary norms and preferences.
The Marine Corps’ decision to make pantyhose optional for female Marines represents a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity, flexibility, and practicality within its ranks. As the organization continues to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of its diverse workforce, such policy changes reaffirm its commitment to fostering a culture of respect, dignity, and equity for all service members.
