- See military uniform and full dress for wider coverage of dress uniforms.
Dress uniform (often referred to as
Full Dress Uniform, to distinguish it from
Mess Dress, and from semi-formal uniforms, such as the
British Army's
Service Dress), is the most
formal military uniform, typically worn at ceremonies, official receptions, and other special occasions; with
order insignias and full size
medals. The dress uniform correspond to the civilian
white tie dress code. Uniform design may be distinct to a service (Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, etc.), or to a
Regiment or Branch of Service. Although they are often brightly colored, and adorned with ornaments (gold braid, lanyards,
lampasses, etc.), most originated as practical uniforms that, with the adoption of even more practical uniforms, have been relegated to ceremonial functions.
