Different Dresses of the Indian Navy: Types, Ranks, and When They’re Worn

These are the most formal uniforms of the Indian Navy. Worn on occasions of honour, tradition, and national pride, such as parades, official ceremonies, and state functions, they symbolise the Navy’s timeless customs. Types of ceremonial uniforms include:

Dress No 1: Winter Ceremonial Uniform

One of the most distinguished ceremonial uniforms of the Indian Navy, Dress No 1, is worn on occasions that demand the high standards of dignity and tradition. It is seen at commissioning ceremonies, formal parades, and national-level events, where naval pride is on full display.

This uniform features a black double-breasted jacket with strips on the forearms, paired with black trousers and a peaked cap or turban. Authorised medals and aiguillettes are worn as applicable, while the sword is not carried. Crisp, commanding, and steeped in legacy, Dress No 1 represents the Navy at its most formal and revered.

Dress No 1A: Winter Semi-Ceremonial Uniform

Dress No 1A is a slightly less formal variant of the Winter Ceremonial attire, worn for official functions that require ceremonial appearance without full regalia. It consists of a black double-breasted jacket paired with black trousers, maintaining a sharp, dignified naval look. Instead of full medals, ribbons are worn, along with aiguillettes as applicable, and the sword is not carried.

Dress No 1C: Winter Ceremonial Uniform (Intra IN Only)

Dress No 1C is a formal winter ceremonial uniform authorised exclusively for the Indian Navy–internal (Intra IN) ceremonies. It is worn at change-of-command ceremonies, formal receptions, and commissioning ceremonies.

The uniform comprises a black double-breasted jacket and black trousers, worn with authorised medals and aiguillettes as applicable. The naval sword is worn when ordered, signifying the ceremonial authority and leadership of commissioned officers. This attire exemplifies tradition, hierarchy, and the disciplined elegance of the Indian Navy.

Dress No 2: Summer Ceremonial Uniform

Dress No 2 is the refined summer counterpart to Dress No 1, worn on formal and ceremonial occasions. Balancing elegance with practicality, it features a white half-sleeved shirt and white trousers, projecting a highly dignified look. Authorised medals and aiguillettes are worn as applicable, while the naval sword is not carried. With its understated sophistication and immaculate bearing, Dress No 2 embodies the Indian Navy’s ceremonial grace.

Dress No 2A: Summer Semi-Ceremonial Uniform

Dress No 2A is the semi-ceremonial variant of Dress No 2, designed for occasions that call for a formal appearance without full ceremonial regalia. It comprises a white half-sleeved shirt paired with white trousers, maintaining the Navy’s hallmark white elegance. Ribbons are worn in place of medals, along with aiguillettes as applicable, and the naval sword is not carried. This uniform offers a composed and professional look, well-suited to semi-ceremonial activities.

Dress No 2C: Summer Ceremonial Uniform (Intra IN only)

Dress No 2C is among the most distinguished summer ceremonial uniforms of the Indian Navy, authorised exclusively for Intra IN occasions. It consists of a white tunic paired with white trousers, worn with authorised medals and aiguillettes as applicable. The naval sword is carried when ordered. This uniform is worn for change-of-command ceremonies, formal receptions, and highly dignified ceremonies held in warmer weather. Immaculate and commanding, Dress No 2C reflects naval tradition, hierarchy, and ceremonial excellence at its finest.

Dress No 3: Winter Working Uniform

Dress No 3 is the standard winter working uniform of the Indian Navy, worn for routine official duties ashore where a formal yet practical appearance is required. It consists of a black double-breasted tunic paired with black trousers, worn with service ribbons.

Dress No 3A: Winter Working Uniform (Jersey)

Dress No 3A is a functional variant of the winter working uniform, worn in colder conditions when added warmth is required. It comprises a black naval jersey worn over a white full-sleeved shirt, paired with black trousers and a black tie.

Dress No 3B: Winter Working Uniform (Battle Jacket)

Dress No 3B is a more robust variant of the winter working uniform, designed for duties that require added protection and practicality. It consists of a naval battle jacket paired with black trousers, worn with service ribbons. Suitable for outdoor tasks and operational environments during colder weather, this uniform blends functionality with a disciplined military bearing.

Dress No 4: Summer Working Uniform

For warmer weather, the working uniform for officers transitions to a lighter, more breathable attire. Dress No 4 features a white half-sleeved shirt paired with white trousers, worn with service ribbons. Designed to ensure comfort without compromising discipline, Dress No 4 provides a clean, professional appearance suited to routine summer duties.

Dress No 4C: Summer Working Uniform (Intra IN only)

This attire is meant specifically for trainee officers and sailors and is authorised for wear within Indian Navy establishments (Intra IN only). During the summer months, Dress No 4C features a white half-sleeved shirt paired with white shorts, offering maximum comfort and ease of movement in warm weather.

Dress No 4D: Summer Working Uniform (Intra IN only)

This variant of the summer working uniform is designed for practicality and comfort during duties at naval establishments and is authorised for Intra IN use only. Dress No 4D consists of a white half-sleeved shirt paired with white trousers, worn with a black jersey or navy windcheater as required.

Mess uniforms are formal evening attire worn by officers during mess functions and social events, reflecting naval tradition, camaraderie, and refined military etiquette.

Dress No 5: Winter Ceremonial Mess Uniform

To maintain a formal yet elegant naval appearance, Dress No 5 is worn for ceremonial mess events in the winter. This attire combines a black double-breasted jacket with black trousers, complemented by miniature medals and aiguillettes as applicable.

Dress No 6: Summer Ceremonial Mess Uniform

This summer variant of Dress No 5 presents a clean, refined naval look suited for formal evening functions and upholds the decorum of the Indian Navy’s mess. Dress No 6 features a white half-sleeved shirt paired with black trousers, worn with miniature medals, kamarband, and aiguillettes as applicable.

Dress No 6A: Summer Working Mess Uniform

Dress No 6A is a less formal mess attire worn for routine mess functions and informal gatherings during the summer months. It comprises a white half-sleeved shirt paired with black trousers, worn with service ribbons and a kamarband.

These dresses are designed for operational duties and field environments, prioritising functionality, protection, and mobility, enabling naval personnel to perform effectively in demanding, combat-ready conditions.

Dress No. 7: Digital Camouflage Afloat

This uniform is worn during operational duties onboard ships. It features digital camouflage attire paired with a DC T-shirt, worn without accoutrements and with the tunic worn out.

Dress No 7A: Digital Camouflage T-Shirt

This is a more relaxed operational variant, consisting of digital camouflage trousers with a DC T-shirt, worn without the upper tunic. Designed for high-mobility tasks, it enhances functionality, readiness, and operational efficiency at sea.

Dress No 7B: Winter Digital Camouflage Uniform

Dress No 7B is a winter-specific digital camouflage (DC) uniform, designed to provide warmth while retaining operational effectiveness. It consists of digital camouflage attire worn with a DC T-shirt and a reversible camouflage jacket. Practical and mission-focused, this uniform ensures concealment and readiness during winter operations.

Dress No 7C & 7D: Digital Camouflage Ashore Uniforms (Intra IN only)

Dresses No 7C and 7D are digital camouflage uniforms worn ashore within Indian Navy establishments. Both consist of digital camouflage with a DC T-shirt and accoutrements. Dress 7C is worn with the tunic out, while Dress 7D is worn with the tunic in.

Dress 7M: Combat Dress for Special Operations

Dress No 7M is the specialised combat uniform designed for MARCOS, the Indian Navy’s elite special operations force. Built for extreme conditions and high-risk missions, this dress prioritises stealth, durability, and operational flexibility, enabling MARCOS operators to perform effectively across maritime, coastal, and land-based environments.

Overalls are practical working attire worn by naval personnel during technical, maintenance, and engineering duties, designed to protect clothing while ensuring safety, ease of movement, and efficiency in demanding shipboard and dockyard environments.

Dress No 8: Flying Overall Without Patches

Worn by naval aircrew during routine flying duties, this green flying overall paired with a blue T-shirt offers comfort, safety, and mobility. Its clean, patch-free appearance is suited for training sorties and non-operational flying tasks.

Dress No 8A: Action Overall

The famous blue action overall with a blue t-shirt is a staple for shipborne and base duties, designed for technical, engineering, and operational tasks. Practical and durable, it supports long hours of work while maintaining a professional naval appearance.

Dress No 8B: Submarine Disposable Overall

Light blue disposable overalls are used in submarine environments to ensure hygiene and safety. Designed for confined and sensitive spaces, they help maintain cleanliness and protect both personnel and critical onboard systems.

Dress No. 8C: Flying Overall With Patches

This operational variant of the flying overall includes authorised patches that denote squadron and role. Worn during active flying duties, it reflects both functionality and the identity of the Indian Navy's naval aviators.

Each uniform of the Indian Navy reflects a shared spirit of service to the nation—rooted in the defence of its waters, shores, and maritime interests, and shaped by time-honoured naval traditions. From ceremonial dress to combat attire and functional overalls, these are not merely uniforms but living symbols of discipline, duty, and pride. Together, they embody the naval spirit and heritage that set the Indian Navy apart, underscoring its unique identity within the armed forces and its unwavering commitment to the nation.

Your next read: Indian Navy Ranks Explained: Commissioned, Junior & Non-Commissioned Officers