This week, the United States Army issued an update to its appearance, grooming, and uniform wear standards policy. It follows similar guidelines issued by the U.S. Air Force earlier this year.
The new directive from the U.S. Army follows a force-wide review of military standards, clarifying existing standards while establishing new ones. It emphasizes military appearance “as a reflection of discipline, professionalism, and a shared commitment to the Army’s values.”
Among the key charges to the Army’s policies are precise definitions for hairstyles, including authorized lengths, styles, and accessories that either male or female soldiers may wear. The guidelines further addressed standards for cosmetics, fingernails, and jewelry worn by female soldiers.
The directive also addressed standards for the wearing of insignia and body composition assessments.
“What sets the U.S. Army apart is our professionalism, and that’s a direct reflection of committed Soldiers who adhere to and enforce the standards,” explained Sgt. Maj. of the Army, Michael Weimer. “This definitive guidance gives leaders the tools they need to do just that. You don’t have to memorize it, but you should know what right looks like.”
New U.S. Army Grooming and Appearance Policies
Under the new polices, female soldiers may wear ponytails of up to six inches from the top of the collar, but not with service or dress uniforms. Braids, twists, locs, and cornrows may be worn in a ponytail or up to two braids, but braids cannot exceed two inches in width.
Now eyelash extensions or false eyelashes may be worn, except with a medical exemption. Additionally, makeup should be applied conservatively to achieve an even skin tone and a natural complexion. Semi-permanent makeup must conform to makeup standards. No lipstick may be worn, and only clear or skin-toned lip gloss is permitted.
Only clear nail polish is allowed, and nails may be no more than 1/4 inch square or rounded in shape.
Earring studs are allowed, with a maximum of one in each earlobe, and they must match in style. They cannot be worn in field environments, deployments, or with PT uniforms.
For male soldiers, hair may be a maximum of two inches in length on top and one inch on the sides. Any coloring must be natural in color and applied in a blended, subtle manner. No braids, twists, locs, or cornrows are allowed, nor any shaping and cutting in designs.
Nails can be no longer than the edge of the finger. Male soldiers are not allowed to wear nail polish, cosmetics, or earrings.
“There was an overwhelming consensus on the need to realign all Army standards with warfighting priorities and eliminate ambiguity to allow shared understanding of the standards,” the Army explained. “Soldiers will adhere to updated standards within 30 days of the date of this directive. Commanders, supported by NCOs, have the authority to enforce appearance, uniform, and body composition standards consistent with the intent of the new directive.”
New Uniform and Insignia Standards
The new guidelines further clarify changes to the wearing of laminated plastic nameplates, which are required to be worn on the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) coat, the short- and long-sleeved shirts, the Eisenhower (Ike) jacket, and the heritage 564 pullover.
Soldiers were also authorized to embroider their current rank on the AGSU coat and Ike jacket.
By October 1, 2027, all soldiers will be required to wear AGSUs, which can be worn in a standard Class A configuration or in the Class B tropical version in hot weather locations. It will be up to local commanders to determine when the tropical AGSUs will be worn.
Additionally, the directive specified that soldiers will wear their Regimental Distinctive Insignia (RDI) above the right pocket flap or on the right side of the shirt. Moreover, soldiers may wear no more than two rows of ribbons, consisting of a total of six ribbons, while only a combat or special skill badge, or a metal tab, may be worn.
“Soldiers will ensure oxford shoes are polished regularly to ensure a neat and professional appearance,” the guidelines noted. “The oxford shoe is worn with the ASU and garrison culinary uniforms.” No mention was made of the Chelsea boots that Sergeant Major Weimer was spotted wearing at the Association of the United States Army 2024 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C., last year.
Phones and PT Gear
The Army has not made any significant changes to its new Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU) yet. However, the new instructions will allow some soldiers to carry phones while wearing the physical training gear.
“At their discretion, commanders may authorize leaders within their formations to wear a runner’s belt only while wearing the APFU,” the directive explained. It can include a small pocket and be up to four inches wide, but it cannot be part of other duty uniforms.
“Commanders may require or prohibit the wear of runner’s belts based on unit safety assessments, installation guidance, or mission-specific risk factors,” the directive added. “Such decisions must be applied consistently and documented in unit standard operating procedures.”
Wider Pentagon Changes
The U.S. Army’s directive came as the Pentagon unveiled new grooming standards for facial hair, with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth explaining, “The grooming standard set by the U.S. military is to be clean shaven and neat in presentation for a proper military appearance.”
That followed a rapid force-wide review of military standards, which will allow personnel to receive a shaving waiver while participating in a medical treatment plan.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump moved forward with a plan to rename the United States Department of Defense to the Department of War as an official alternate title for the Pentagon.
