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Naval officers, more than
officers of any other Service, come into contact with
diplomats, senior government officials and foreigners,
particularly during goodwill visits by warships. In
order to present a good image of the country and meet
the requirements of any social function that they may
be required to attend, it is customary for a naval
officer to possess a diverse wardrobe, which befits
his status in any type of social gathering.
When national dress is
specified, the choice is between wearing a bandh gala
which consists of a black or white jacket closed at
the neck; commonly known as the jodhpur jacket, and
black trousers; or a churidar achkan which consists of
a black coat with a white churidar pyjama.
A lounge suit is rather
versatile: it easily doubles as formal or informal
attire. A well dressed naval officer will therefore
possess lightweight suits for summer, woolen suits
for winter, and that most versatile jacket ever
designed—the blazer.
When informal dress is
specified in the invitation, social functions in
uniform are attended in Red Sea Rig, otherwise called
No 6B. Functions requiring civilian apparel are
attended in a combination suit or a full-sleeved shirt
with a tie. If the weather dictates wearing of a
jacket, a suit may be worn in lieu. Of late, the
safari suit has also gained acceptance as informal
wear, as also the full sleeved shirt with an open
collar. The choice of informal wear, ranging from a
suit to an open collar full-sleeved shirt, is decided mainly by climatic conditions and the
nature of the function.
Casual dress, when specified,
refers to a bush shirt which is never tucked in, or an
open necked half or full sleeved shirt which is worn
tucked into the trousers. However, for sports
functions, it is customary to wear white shorts or
trousers with a blazer, with or without a cravat.
Certain basic rules apply to
all these dresses. Closed shoes with or without laces
are always worn, whether the dress specified is
formal, informal or casual. The ties and socks should
be suitably matched. T-shirts are not used except for
sports functions, and the wearing of any article of
uniform with civilian clothing is not permitted.
Finally, in keeping with the
traditions of the Service, it is advisable to follow
the senior officer's movements. It is customary for
the Flag Lieutenant to ascertain from the Admiral what
specific dress the latter would be wearing, so that
every officer attending the function can also wear an
equivalent dress.
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