Australian military uniform alterations
Military uniforms hold a special sense of pride. They represent something. If you have a military uniform (whether it’s your own or inherited from a family member), you’ll want to look after it.
And if you’re wearing your uniform in active service or for an ANZAC memorial occasion, bring it to the professionals at LookSmart to get it altered, repaired, and cleaned, ensuring you’ll feel comfortable and confident honouring the legacy of your service.
Can you alter military uniforms?
It’s a good question. Military uniforms follow strict guidelines, and any alterations must comply with these rules to maintain uniformity and professionalism.
The key is to focus on fit. Active (and former) service members can tailor their uniforms for a better fit, so restrict your alterations to ones that make your uniform fit and feel better, rather than any cosmetic alterations. You don’t want your uniform to look overly tailored or custom-made. (Save custom tailoring for your civilian wardrobe.)
Start with your standard-issue uniform and bring it to a professional tailor who understands military uniform tailoring. At LookSmart, we can provide advice while keeping the attire regulation-appropriate.
Here are some helpful guides you can use to better understand what you can and can’t do to your uniform.
Six key alterations for a better-fitting military uniform
Altering your military uniform to fit well isn’t just about looking sharp. It’s about feeling comfortable, being able to move freely and wearing your uniform with pride.
Whether you are in active service or preparing for a special occasion, the right alterations can boost your confidence and comfort while keeping within military regulations. Here are six important adjustments for a sharp, regulation-compliant fit.
Pant hemming
Ever found yourself rolling up your pant legs because they’re just a little too long? Often, standard-issue pants will be too long as they are designed to fit soldiers of all heights.
Hemming your pants will help them fit comfortably without dragging low or needing to be rolled up. Ideally, your pants should break neatly over your boots without excess fabric.
Sleeve alterations
Long sleeves can get in the way of doing your best job. If they’re too long or too short, get your sleeves adjusted to fit. You’ll want your sleeve to end neatly at the wrist bone for a refined and practical placement.
Collar modifications
Your collar should allow about two fingers of space between your neck and the fabric. A too-tight collar will be uncomfortable, but a loose one will look messy. Getting your collar made perfect for you will help enhance your look and comfort while sticking to the standard regulation style and shape.
Badge placement
Your insignia, patches, and name tags all need to be sitting in the right spot. You don’t want to have them sitting crooked, so if your Velcro is worn out or weak, reinforcing it will keep everything in place and up to standards.
Waist adjustments
Like any good pair of pants, they should sit comfortably without digging in or slipping. Your size may change over your military career (and ensuing years) and you may want to have your waist adjusted for a more comfortable fit.
General sewing and repairs
When you wear your uniform daily, it can suffer from wear and tear. The same applies if you’ve had your uniform for years but want to give it a freshening up before you wear it again.
Some common places you might see wear in your uniform are loose seams, missing buttons, and small rips. Having a tailor reinforce the weak or broken areas will guarantee durability and a polished appearance.
Having a uniform that is tailored to perfection will help your posture, comfort and confidence – all essential things in a military career.
The value of uniform alterations: why fit always comes first
A perfectly tailored uniform isn’t just about looking your best, it’s also about comfort, confidence, and respect for your service.
When you are in active service, having a well-tailored uniform will help you move more freely and look professional. It will also extend its life for the duration of your service.
For veterans, a uniform is more than just clothing, it’s a symbol of your dedication and sacrifice. Keeping it in good repair is helping to maintain what it represents.
Professional tailoring versus doing it yourself
Military uniforms are built with precision. Your uniform stitching needs to be perfected with care.
If you know how to sew and have the equipment, it’s easy to make uniform alterations yourself.
However, if you don’t have experience, it will save you time and money to seek out a professional tailor to make any alterations. A professional tailor will understand the structure and fit needed to maintain a uniform’s integrity and ensure you don’t run into any regulation issues.
How to choose the right tailor for your uniform
It’s important to find the right tailor who can make sure your uniform maintains its professional fit and durability.
You’ll want to look for a tailor with experience doing military alterations and great attention to detail. A skilled tailor understands the significance of military uniforms and treats them with care.
For reliable, high-quality alterations, LookSmart offers expert tailoring services with a commitment to precision and professionalism.
Summing up
A precisely tailored uniform is a must-have for any soldier, whether you’re actively serving or a veteran.
Expert tailoring ensures a sharp, regulation-compliant look that extends your uniform’s lifespan and preserves the pride of your service.
A uniform that fits right is a uniform worn with pride. Trust LookSmart’s expert tailors to refine your fit, enhance your comfort, and make sure you always look your best.
FAQs
Can I get my military uniform tailored?
Yes. It’s common practice to get your military uniform tailored. You just need to make sure you choose the right tailor who understands the regulations you need to follow while giving you the perfect fit.
What military uniform alterations are the most common?
It’s very common for people in the Australian military to get their pants taken up, sleeve adjustments, collar modifications, a fix of their badge placement, or just general repairs like fixing small rips or missing buttons.
How can I be sure my alterations are regulation?
Luckily, the Australian military has online guides for each of their factions that you can visit here: Army dress, Navy dress, and Air Force dress. By finding a tailor who’s experienced in military alterations, you can be confident your uniform will meet regulations and help you look your best.
How long does it take to alter uniforms?
In a hurry, soldier? It depends on how extensive and intricate the alterations are, as well as the current level of demand. If you need a fast turnaround time, enquire about our Express Service. We’ll complete your alterations in 24 hours or less. (Additional charges apply.)
