The United States Marine Corps has made a groundbreaking change to its dress code for women, modernizing a long-standing tradition. Going forward, female Marines are no longer required to wear pantyhose with their uniform skirts. This shift in policy marks a significant step since women were officially integrated into the Marine Corps in 1948.
The announcement came directly from Marine Corps officials, stating that pantyhose is now optional when it comes to skirts. However, if Marines do choose to wear pantyhose, they must select a “skin tone harmonizing” shade. Dark hose is still allowed when worn under dress slacks.
This decision is part of a larger effort in the Marine Corps to update outdated policies. Major Joshua Larson, spokesperson for the Office of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, explained that the previous requirement lacked a “common sense” approach. The change aligns with the Marine Corps’ Talent Management initiative, which aims to evaluate existing policies for relevance and practicality.
Speaking about the revision, Larson stated, “Our Uniform Board recommended a change to the policy that required women to wear hosiery with skirts. Hosiery is now optional.” This decision highlights the Marine Corps’ commitment to the well-being and comfort of its personnel. Larson emphasized the role of Marine Corps leaders to mentor, support, and advocate for their Marines, with Talent Management initiatives driving decisions that enhance the lives of service members and their families.
Interestingly, the U.S. Navy, the parent organization of the Marine Corps, already updated its policy in 2022 to give female members the choice of not wearing pantyhose with slacks or skirts. This move by the Navy set the precedent for the recent decision by the Marine Corps. Similarly, the U.S. Air Force eliminated its hosiery requirement for women in 2021, reflecting a broader trend within the U.S. military to update dress codes in line with contemporary norms and preferences.
The Marine Corps’ decision to make pantyhose optional for female Marines is a significant milestone, demonstrating its dedication to inclusivity, flexibility, and practicality. As the organization continues to evolve and meet the needs of its diverse workforce, such policy changes reaffirm its commitment to promoting a culture of respect, dignity, and equity for all service members.
