Indian Air Force Uniforms Explained: A Complete Guide to IAF Dress Variants

Dress No 2: Summer Ceremonial Uniform

The most distinguished uniform of the IAF, Dress No 2, is worn on formal occasions that demand the highest level of dignity, such as Air Force Day, Passing Out Parade, and state ceremonies. It features a light blue half-sleeved terrycot shirt paired with blue-grey terrycot trousers, complemented by a peak cap, rank badges, decorations, and official insignia that reflect the officer’s status and service.

Dress No 2A: Summer Ceremonial Uniform (For Air Officers, AAs, DAs, SOs)

A more prestigious variant of Dress No 2, Dress No 2A, is reserved for Air Officers, Air Attachés (AAs), Defence Attachés (DAs), and Staff Officers (SOs). Worn at high-level ceremonies and international representations, it signifies senior leadership. The blue-grey tunic and distinctive aiguilettes set it apart, symbolising authority, rank, and ceremonial importance.

Dress No 4: Summer Semi-Ceremonial Uniform

Designed to balance formality with practicality, Dress No 4 is worn for lower-scale parades and official events where a formal appearance is required without full ceremonial display. In this uniform, ribbon bars replace full medals and entitled officers wear aiguilettes (only when specified). The result is a smart, professional look that upholds Air Force decorum while remaining functional for semi-ceremonial duties.

Dress No 6: Summer Working Uniform

Designed for everyday duties, Dress No 6 reflects simplicity, discipline, and functionality. It comprises a standard light blue half-sleeved terrycot shirt with silk rank braids on the shoulders, paired with blue-grey terrycot trousers. The uniform is completed with a blue-grey narrow nylon belt, standard IAF cap, and ribbon bars, decorations, collar badges and more—making it practical yet distinctly professional for daily wear.

Dress No 8: Summer Ceremonial Mess Dress

The most elegant uniform of the Indian Air Force, Dress No 8 is reserved for occasions such as mess functions, state banquets, and official dinners, reflecting the highest standards of military etiquette and tradition.

It features a white closed-collar tunic with sleeve and back piping and an IAF breast pocket. Silver rank braid appears on blue-grey shoulder epaulettes, with authorised collar tags. The ensemble is completed with a white, full-sleeved shirt, blue-grey trousers, a peaked cap, and miniature medals, commendations, and badges, all contributing to a refined ceremonial appearance.

Dress No 8A: Summer Mess Dress for Lady Officers (Pre & Post Natal)

A distinguished variant of the ceremonial mess dress, Dress No 8A, is designed specifically for pre- and post-natal lady officers. Styled in a saree format, it features a white, collared, half-sleeved blouse paired with an elegantly draped, blue-grey silk sari. Silver rank braid on blue-grey epaulettes denotes rank, while miniature medals, a bilingual metallic name tab, a peaked cap, and black leather bellies complete the formal ensemble.

Dress No 10: Summer Mess Dress

Dress No 10 is a formal uniform worn by Indian Air Force officers during mess functions and social gatherings where full ceremonial attire is not prescribed. Designed for summer evenings, it combines simplicity with understated elegance while preserving formal identity. The ensemble features a standard white terrycot shirt and blue-grey trousers, silver rank braid on the epaulettes, and a side cap. Miniature ribbons, medals, collar tabs, and badges complete the look with refined ceremonial detail.

Dress No 12: Field Dress

Dress No. 12 is the combat uniform worn by officers and airmen during operational duties and field postings. Designed for practicality, camouflage, and mobility, it ensures air warriors remain mission-ready across varied terrains and weather conditions. The attire includes a jacket-style field dress, black combat ankle boots, and a standard field cap or turban. Rank insignia, specialist badges, and collar tabs are worn as authorised, clearly identifying role and responsibility.

Dress No 1: Winter Ceremonial Uniform

Dress No 1 is the most prestigious winter ceremonial uniform of the Indian Air Force, worn by officers on formal, dignified occasions such as state ceremonies and major parades, including Air Force Day and Republic Day. Similar in status to the Summer Ceremonial uniform, it features a blue-grey terrycool tunic and trousers. The ensemble is completed with a peaked cap or turban, black Oxford-pattern shoes, and a plain black tie. Full medals, badges, collar tabs, decorations, and commendations are prominently displayed, reflecting honour, rank, and tradition.

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Dress No 3: Winter Semi-Ceremonial Uniform

Dress No 3 is a simplified version of the Winter Ceremonial uniform, worn on occasions that require formality without full ceremonial display. It is typically worn at official functions, formal gatherings, and dignitary receptions. Unlike Dress No 1, full medals are replaced with ribbon bars that represent decorations, commendations, and service medals. Authorised Aircrew, Controller, and Para badges are worn, maintaining dignity and professionalism while keeping the attire less elaborate.

Dress No 5: Winter Working Uniform

Dress No 5 is the standard uniform worn for daily duties during the winter season. Designed to provide warmth while maintaining military decorum, it balances practicality with a smart, professional appearance. The uniform consists of a standard terrycot shirt & trousers paired with a plain blue-grey jersey for added insulation. A side cap or turban is worn as headgear. Rank braids, necessary authorised badges and accessories are worn, ensuring a neat and disciplined turnout for routine duties.

Dress No 7: Winter Working Uniform

Dress No 7 is a close variant of the Winter Working uniform and is worn for daily duties during the winter season. While similar to Dress No 5, its exact configuration may vary based on climatic conditions and operational needs. The use of blouses or additional layers is authorised at the discretion of Command HQs, AOC, or Station Commander to ensure flexibility, comfort, and readiness across varying winter environments.

Dress No 7A: Winter Working Uniform

Dress No 7A is another practical winter working uniform worn during specific months of the season. Combining comfort with operational utility, it maintains the IAF’s professional identity. It features a standard terrycot shirt with shoulder flaps and rank braid in matching colour. Trousers, a plain black tie, and a blue narrow nylon belt complete the ensemble. The uniform includes authorised accessories and badges to maintain a smart, disciplined appearance.

Dress No 9: Winter Ceremonial Mess Dress

Dress No 9 is the winter counterpart of the Summer Ceremonial Mess Dress and represents the most elegant evening attire of the Indian Air Force. It is worn during formal mess functions, banquets, and state receptions in colder months. The uniform features an off-white closed-collar terrycool tunic with piping on the sleeves and back, paired with a white full-sleeved collared shirt. Blue-grey terrycool trousers provide contrast, while silver rank braid appears on blue-grey epaulettes. The ensemble is completed with a peaked cap (or turban), collar tags, miniature medals, badges, proficiency insignia, and aiguilettes for entitled officers.

Black Leather Jacket: Winter Overwear Uniform

The Black Leather Jacket is a distinctive winter overwear of the IAF, valued for both its functionality and iconic appeal. Designed to provide warmth in cold conditions, it allows officers to maintain a sharp, disciplined appearance.

The jacket’s design features flaps for rank badges, the Air Force emblem, a foldable waterproof hood, velcro slots for the name tab, ribbons, and a brevet. Rank badges are worn on designated flaps, with an embroidered name tab secured by Velcro. No collar tabs or metallic accoutrements are worn. Senior appointment holders such as AOC-in-C, VCAS, and CAS are authorised to wear their insignia on the jacket.

Flying Overalls With Squadron Crest

The Flying Overall is one of the most iconic uniforms of the Indian Air Force, worn by fighter, transport, and helicopter aircrew during flying duties. Designed for safety, comfort, and cockpit efficiency, it also holds strong symbolic value as the attire of a combat aviator.

Typically olive green and flame-retardant, the flying overall features a zippered front, utility pockets, and aircrew insignia. The squadron crests on the attire reflect an officer’s previous units and operational journey. As per IAF regulations, these crests are not worn on service uniforms but are permitted on flying overalls and sports blazers, with a maximum of four crests authorised.

Indian Air Force uniforms are far more than prescribed dress codes—they are visual representations of duty, discipline, and identity. From ceremonial attire that honours tradition to working and flying uniforms designed for operational excellence, each dress variant serves a distinct purpose while reinforcing the IAF's values. Together, these uniforms form a silent yet powerful language, reflecting the professionalism and pride of those who wear them.

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