“I feel like I’m drowning when I wear men’s sizes,” said Cmdr. Jennifer Lo, who has served in the Navy for 30 years. For Lo and other female Sailors, finding a uniform that fits is about more than appearance. It is about confidence and functional readiness so Sailors show up equipped to do the job.

Scientists, designers, engineers and textile experts from the Navy Exchange Service Command’s Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility worked with nearly 80 female Sailors during a five-day fit evaluation Aug 17-21, 2026, onboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story and at NEX Norfolk, Virginia. The research team collected measurement data and used cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to evaluate prototype uniforms for concept of fit, functional design and accuracy of the size prediction.

Sailors tried on several prototype uniforms and provided immediate feedback while experts conducted the assessments. Fit Clinic participants’ input is helping the Navy identify acceptability of new fit types and update patterns to build uniforms around the people who wear them.

“We learned from our Fit Clinics in 2022 that we needed to expand our current ‘Alpha’ and “Bravo’ modernized fit types to add ‘Charlie’ and ‘Delta’ as well to ensure we captured all body types,” said Dr. Brianna Plummer, Group Leader, Design & Testing Laboratories at NCTRF. “The data collected from the latest fit evaluation will help determine whether the additional fit categories are needed and whether they align with existing body types.”

Lo, assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story, has attended the three Fit Clinics held in Virginia since 2022. She said decades of uniform challenges have made the need for Navy’s newer numeric sizing system for the Navy Working Uniform Type III a welcome change. “I appreciate the women’s modernized fit as the numeric sizing fits better,” said Lo.

Fire Controlman 1^st Class Ariana Friedrichs, assigned to the Transient Personnel Unit at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, came for two reasons - to help solve her own uniform fit challenges and to make things better for the Sailors who come after her. “My mom helped me, so I want to help future Sailors have better fitting uniforms,” said Friedrichs.

Inside the Fit Clinic, researchers took measurements and fitted Sailors in prototype slacks, shirts and jumper tops. The team compared how each garment fit against the Navy’s modernized sizing system, while Sailors learned which sizes may work best for them.  

Once the clinic was wrapped up, the research team’s next step is to analyze the measurements and Sailor feedback and use the findings to guide future sizing recommendations. “We are committed to providing certified, high-quality Navy uniforms so that Sailors are comfortable and professional looking so that they can focus on their mission,” Plummer said.

The modernization effort replaces an outdated, restrictive sizing system with a more consistent fit across a Sailor’s uniform wardrobe, giving Sailors the confidence they can select the right size the first time and reduce the need for costly alterations. Results are already reaching the fleet. Service Khaki slacks with back pockets, and the Summer and Dress White female overblouses in both short-sleeve and long-sleeve, are now available at select NEX Uniform Shops and online at myNavyExchange.com.

NCTRF is currently focused on modernizing the size and fit of female uniforms plans to evaluate male uniform sizing in the coming years. The goal is simple: Uniforms should fit the Sailors wearing them and Sailors should have a say in how the Navy gets there.