Navy Physcial Training Uniform Rules

Each branch of the military has separate uniforms for different functions. For instance, combat fatigues are not worn during a formal military ceremony, and dress uniforms are not worn during boot camp. 

During calisthenics, exercise, and some drills, there is a physical training uniform (PTU). The PTU may also be worn on and off base for fitness or leisure unless determined otherwise by regional coordinators or commanding officers.

Navy Requirements

The PTU, available in Navy Exchanges, is required for command and unit physical training, and the semi-annual physical fitness assessment (PFA

The basic PTU for sailors includes:

• A gold long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirt with the word "Navy" on the left chest area and back of the shirt
• Navy blue shorts with the word "Navy" on the left leg
• Black sweats with the word "Navy" on the left leg of the pants and the left chest of the sweatshirt.
• Comfortable running shoes, of any color, are allowed as footwear

Officers, who don't receive clothing allowances, pay for the cost of the fitness suit out of pocket

Wearing the PTU

During command exercise in port, the PTU shirt must be tucked neatly in to the top of the shorts. During individual PT, or while the sailor is on liberty, shirts may be worn in or out of shorts. While a sea, the PTU is worn at the discretion of the commanding officer. Shorts must be worn on the waist. The length of the shorts may not extend below the top of the knee.

Female sailors should wear a sport or dress brassiere under the PTU. Ball caps are allowed as part of the PTU in inclement weather as long as they are Navy-issue. It is at the discretion of the commanding officer.

The PTU cannot be worn while in a duty status or when conducting official business on bases such as visiting medical treatment facility, galleys, or Personnel Support Detachments.

Footwear for PTU

Athletic socks must be worn and shall not extend above mid-calf. Low-cut socks are permitted. Pregnant sailors will wear the shirt out and will discontinue wearing the PTU when it becomes too tight.

The Navy Tracksuit

In 2017, the Navy introduced a long-awaited fitness tracksuit, which is an approved two-piece jacket and pants. The suits were issued to new recruits and were later made available to all enlisted sailors. While sailors pay for the jacket and pants, they get reimbursed for the cost in their clothing allowances. 

The tracksuit is meant to be worn over PT shorts and shirts during fitness training, and during the physical readiness test, sailors take twice a year. The jacket should be zipped at least three quarters, and sleeve cuffs should hit at the wrist (this is a uniform after all, and should look tidy).

As with other PTU shorts and pants, the tracksuit pants are intended to be worn fully on the waist, with the pant leg hitting the top of the shoe, but not touching the ground.