The most distinctive uniform
in the military

Every detail of the dress blues uniform reflects the proud legacy of Marines who have served for more than two centuries: 
 
The buttons featuring the eagle and anchor have been on the uniform since 1804, making them the oldest military insignia in continued use. 
 
The scarlet "blood stripe" runs down each trouser leg of the dress blues worn by Noncommissioned Officers, Staff Noncommissioned Officers and officers. Originally it honored those Marines who fell in the Battle of Chapultepec during the Mexican War in 1847. Today, the blood stripe honors the memory of all our fallen comrades. 
 
The collar of today’s dress blues reflects the original Marine uniform of the American Revolution, which had a high leather neck to help protect Marines from sword blows. 
 
Because it embodies Marine Corps history, rigorous standards apply to wearing this uniform and every Marine upholds those standards with pride.