C.3.b. Shirts, Coats, and Jackets

Auxiliarists shall wear shirts, coats, jackets, overcoats, and raincoats buttoned. Sleeves shall not be rolled up. When not wearing a tie, only the collar button will be unbuttoned. Military creases are optional on light blue shirts and dark blue dress shirts only. If worn, form creases by pressing two parallel vertical folds in the front of the shirt from the shoulder seam through the center of each pocket to the bottom of the shirt. For men, form three parallel vertical folds on the back, centered between the shirt side seams to the bottom of the yoke. For women, form three parallel vertical folds starting at the center of the shoulder seams and from the middle of the collar seam to the bottom of the shirt. Sewn-in military creases are not authorized.

C.3.c. Ties

Auxiliarists will not wear a tie when it might be a safety hazard.

C.3.d. Trousers, Slacks, and Socks

The bottoms of trousers or slacks without cuffs should touch the shoe tops. The socks must not be exposed when the wearer is standing.

C.3.e. Skirts

Except for formal uniforms, a female skirt hemline will be no higher than the crease in the back of the knee nor lower than 2 inches below the crease.

C.3.f. Handbags

Women’s handbags may be carried in the hand or worn over the shoulder with the strap. Women may shorten the strap and carry the handbag over the arm.

C.3.g. Personal Display Items

Members in uniform may wear personal display items such as bracelets, necklaces, wristwatches, ID bracelets and rings. If visible while in uniform, these items must be conservative, non-controversial, and in good taste. There shall be no more than two rings on each hand. Eccentricities in color and manner of wear (for example, rings on every finger) shall not be worn when in uniform.

C.3.h. Earrings/Body Piercing

In uniform, men are prohibited from wearing earrings. Women may wear one pair of gold, silver, or pearl earrings which should be small (maximum ¼ inch) and of the round ball style. Women may wear diamond stud earrings (maximum ¼ inch) with the Dinner Dress uniforms. Dangling and hoop earrings are prohibited while in uniform. No articles, jewelry, or studs other than those specified for women shall be through or attached to the ear, nose, tongue, or any other visible body part while in uniform.

C.3.i. Cosmetics/ Fingernails

Women’s cosmetics shall be of conservative color and worn in good taste. Eccentricities in color and manner of wear shall not be worn while in uniform. Men and women shall keep their nails clean. Women may wear nail polish, but the color shall be conservative and neutral in color. Decorative nail art is not authorized while in uniform.

C.3.j. Necklaces and Neck Chains

Necklaces and neck chains must not be visible when wearing the uniform.

C.3.k. Suspenders

Suspenders may be worn under coats and jackets, which prevent the suspenders from being exposed.

C.3.l. Additional Jewelry

The only additional jewelry authorized are cuff links, shirt studs, tie clasps, and tie tacs. These items include the tie tac earned at SAR School which may be worn on ties.

C.3.m. Miscellaneous Articles

Many articles should not be worn or carried exposed on the uniform. These articles include pencils, pens, watch chains or fobs, pins, handkerchiefs, combs, cigarettes, cigars, pipes and similar items.

C.3.n. Hair/Facial Hair

The goal is for men’s hair to be neat and clean, not touch the collar, and be away from the ears. Beards, sideburns, or mustaches if worn, shall be well groomed and neatly trimmed at all times in order not to present a ragged appearance. No portion of a mustache will extend below the lipline of the upper lip. Handlebar mustaches or other eccentric styles are not appropriate while in uniform. Full and partial beards, van dykes, and goatees are authorized. In uniform, patches and spotty clumps of facial hair are not considered beards and are not authorized. The bulk of the beard (distance that the mass of facial hair protrudes from the skin on the face) shall not exceed 1 inch. The length of individual hair shall be limited to 1½ inches. The wearing of beards and mustaches shall not interfere with the operation of oxygen masks, gas masks, or other safety/survival gear. As such, the wearing of beards and moustaches may be prohibited for those participating in certain operational missions as deemed necessary by the Director or a Coast Guard Commanding officer supervising that mission. For uniformity during public appearances as a distinctive element of the Auxiliary, personnel assigned to a Ceremonial Honor Guard shall be clean-shaven. Women’s hair should not be below the collar or extend below the eyebrows when the hat is removed.

C.3.o. Windbreakers and Jackets

Windbreakers and jackets are authorized for use with the Tropical, Winter Dress, Undress and Working uniforms. When worn, the jacket shall be zipped at least ⅔ of the way up.

C.3.p. Eyewear

Frame and lens styles will be conservative and in good taste. Mirrored lenses are prohibited while in uniform.

C.3.q. Religious/Ethnic Items

If wearing the Coast Guard uniform, religious/ethnic items must be concealed or worn only during religious services. They must not detract from the general uniform appearance of Coast Guard Auxiliary personnel.