In the 1600s there was no standardized or homogeneous uniforms for the navy seamen. There was no regulation regarding dresses to be worn either. The early navy seamen probably wore the same type of outfit worn by fishermen and sailors at the time; rustic, weatherproof, durable clothing consisting of a jacket and short trousers made of flax or wool. Footwear was usually short boots or shoes of leather. Headgear was most likely a type of slouch hat of thick woolen cloth.The officers, on the other hand, were uniformly dressed, both in material and cut. Source: Flottans sjöofficersuniformer by N-E Melinder (Uniforms of naval officers).The seamen received a part of their pay in broadcloth. In the 1650s a seaman’s clothing normally consisted of a jacket, a pair of short blue trousers of broadcloth, a linen shirt, a pair of long stockings and a pair of grain-leather shoes.An attempt was made to standardize the clothing in the 1690s. However, the seaman’s uniform varied in different parts of Sweden.The image to the right shows a reconstruction of a seaman’s dress salvaged from the Vasa, a Swedish man-of-war which went down in 1628. Vasamuseet.In the end of the 1600s there are indications of homogeneous uniforms of the ship’s crews.The blue and gray color of the garments has varied between the 1600s, 1700s and the 1800s. The service dress uniform was usually blue while the fatigue uniform was gray (un-dyed).The trousers of the seamen were, according to the fashion, short (roughly knee long). It is said that long trousers were introduced after the French Revolution 1789. However, the officers and the petty officers of the Swedish navy has been wearing long trousers from 1778. It is not known when the Swedish enlisted seamen began using long trousers, however a decree from 1837 clearly states that the seamen must wear long trousers.
Uniforms of the Swedish Navy - 1700s
During the second half of the 1700s standardized uniforms were introduced. The seaman’s uniform now consisted of a coat, frieze or linen weaved trousers and long stockings. Further, blue vest, shirt, sweater of frieze, long coat, leather shoes and hat. The coat was blue with a yellow lining. In 1778 King Gustav III introduced the so-called national dress uniform known as the “Svenska dräkten”. A version of this uniform was also introduced in the navy, a dark blue uniform with the designation m/1778. The national dress uniform was made both in military versions as well as civilian versions. The civilian dress was used by the Royal Court, cabinet ministers, civil servants etc.With the national dress uniform the Swedish Navy and the Army Fleet received a uniform that in large differed very much from the international naval fashion of officers at the time.
The Grand uniform m/1778 (Stora uniformen)
In April 1778 a decree was issued that stating that Admirals and naval officers must wear the new uniform as of June 1778.The coat was dark blue and reached down to the knees. The officer’s coats were equipped with a gold colored lining. The buttons had an imprinted anchor and three crowns. The petty officer’s buttons were different depending of service; ship masters, ship mates and artillery mates. The buttons of the ship masters had an imprinted anchor; the ship mates an imprinted star and the artillery mates two crossed guns barrels.Rank insigniasThe rank insignias were braids or stripes in different numbers and widths. The rank insignias were worn on collars, cuffs and chests.The different ranks was made up by different number of strips on the cuffs; Colonels wore 3 stripes, Lieutenant Colonels 2 stripes and Majors 1 stripe. these officers also wore small tassels in the buttonholes.The image to the right shows a Lieutenant Colonel (2 stripes on the cuffs) wearing the grand uniform m/1778. Reconstruction. Navy Museum. Photo Hans Högman 2007.Ensigns, Lieutenants and Captains respectively petty officers wore stripes in a similar way on the cuffs but in narrower widths. The image to the left shows a petty officer (Arklimästare) wearing the grand uniform m/1778. Reconstruction. Navy Museum. Photo Hans Högman 2007. A similar system of rank insignias was worn by the admirals but instead of stripes they wore oak leaves as rank insignias. The oak leaves are still worn by generals and admirals in Sweden today as rank insignias on their collar tabs on battle dress uniforms.The titles of the navy officer ranks at the time were more or less the same as in the army. A white shirt was worn under the coat. Footwear was shoes or boots. Each shoe could be worn on either foot (no differences between left and right shoe). The stockings were white and was long enough to cover the knees and usually made of wool. The trousers were short but reached down to the knees. An alternative was long trousers that was tucked into the boots. The hat was round and around the crown there was a yellow ribbon. The officers wore a yellow plume and feathers on the hat. The uniform was equipped with a yellow and blue sash. Further, white scarf, gloves of shammy leather. Officers wore a white armlet around their left upper arm in honor of King Gustav III coup of 1772.A double-breasted surtout was worn as an overcoat.The image to the right shows an enlisted navy seaman (båtsman) wearing uniform m/1778. Reconstruction. Navy Museum. Photo Hans Högman 2007.The so-called national dress uniform wasn’t liked by the military and it wasn’t used for very long time. The naval officers abandoned the uniform in 1788 and the army officers in 1792.Both the army and the navy adopted new uniforms in 1802.There are very few original uniforms kept from this period of time, i.e. the military versions of the national dress uniform.
The Lesser Service Dress Uniform m/1788 (Lilla uniformen)
The lesser service dress uniform m/1788 was introduced in 1788. It is known as the “Lesser uniform” (Lilla uniformen), meaning less formal uniform. The m/1788 was a simpler, less decorated version of the “grand uniform”.The grand uniform was after 1788 only to be worn on special occasions. Footwear was bootees. Rank insignias was worn on epaulets on the shoulders.The coat was made of dark blue broadcloth with a dark blue lining. The coat was double breasted with 17 buttons in each row, grouped 4 and 4. The coat was equipped with a dark blue standing collar. The coat was to be worn unbuttoned between May 1 and October 1, other times of the year, buttoned up. The vest was made of white broadcloth. The long trousers were dark blue. The uniform was equipped with a yellow and blue sash. When the coat was worn unbuttoned the sash was worn over the west (see image), otherwise over the coat.A double-breasted surtout was worn as a overcoat.The image to the right shows a Lieutenant wearing the service dress uniform m/1788. Reconstruction. Navy Museum.
Uniform m/1793
The navy officers’ uniform was changed in 1793. The coat now became more like the one used by the army. Other articles of clothing remain the same as stated in 1788.
Dress suit with tailcoat m/1794
The dress suit with tailcoat was introduced in 1794, m/1794. The color of the coat was dark blue. The cut was the same for all officer ranks, but the color was different on collars, cuffs and linings depending on rank.
Uniform m/1802
In1802 the Navy adopted a new uniform. This was the final end of the national dress uniform in the Navy.
Images of Navy Uniforms - End of the 1700s:
About the image of the armored vessel HMS Göta above:The armored vessel HMS Göta was built in 1888 and launched in 1889. After a renovation 1900 – 1901 she was used as a flagship for the Stockholm squadron and from 1917 for the Gothenburg squadron. Length 79 m, width14.8 m. HMS Göta was taken off duty in 1923 and finally scrapped 1942/43.Uniform m/1878The officer standing nearest to the lantern is an Admiral wearing full dress uniform with tailcoat m/1878.He is wearing epaulet m/1878 with golden stars and emblem m/1895. Further, he is wearing long trousers m/1878 with a golden stripe (4.5 cm wide). Headgear is the bicorne m/1878. The Amiral is wearing saber m/1915 under his tailcoat. Other officers were wearing the saber over the tailcoat. The image to the right shows tailcoat m/1878 for an Admiral. Digitalmuseum.On the HMS Göta image above; the Admiral is talking to his Adjutant who is standing to the right of the Admiral. The rank of the Adjutant is Lieutenant and he is wearing coat m/1878. This coat came in different models; knee-long, short jacket and cut as a tailcoat. The so-called round jacket (Swe: rundtröjan)was a short jacket. The round jacket was originally part of the sailor’s undress uniform worn with the blue flap collar. However, in 1860 the round jacket was adopted to be a part of the officers’ mess dress uniform, mess jacket m/1878.The image to the left shows mess jacket m/1878 (mässjacka m/1878), for a Commander. Digitalmuseum.Further, on the HMS Göta image above; the sailors in white uniform are wearing blue flap collar, either with sailor jumper m/1848 with the collar fastened to the jumper (alternative the separate blue flap collar m/1845) and sailor cap m/1848 with the name of the ship on the tally. White uniform was used between 30 April and 30 September.Source: Flottans sjöofficersuniformer by Nils-Erik Melinder.The image to the right shows a Swedish seaman in a white summer uniform. The sailor cap tally reads; “Kongl. Flottan” (Royal Navy). The image is shown with consent of Shirley Koelling, USA.
Rank Insignias as of 1898
The form, shape and placing of the navy rank insignias have of course varied through the centuries but generally speaking they have gradually been toned down. The insignias have been worn on the cuffs or on shoulder straps of the uniforms.The number of stripes and the width of these for the different ranks as well as the placing has varied from the regulations of 1873 and until present days. Also, the titles of ranks have been changed.Rank insignias 1898 - officers and other ranks:
The Navy crewconsisted mainly of the seamen (båtsmän) maintained by the Allotment System. In addition to these seamen special enlisted seamen were enlisted from the mercantile marine, so-called Kofferdikarlar (Kofferdimatroser) and Volunteers (Cannoneers) at the sea artillery. In 1824 the crew from the mercantile marine (Kofferdikarlarna) formed the Matroskorpsen (Able Seaman Corps); they served on deck with sailing duties. Volunteer was a term used for military personnel being trained to become petty officers and officers. The volunteer system was used both in the Army as well as within the Navy. A navy volunteer started off as a seaman but had a higher position or status than the ordinary seamen.
Cabin Boys Corps
In 1685 the Cabin Boys Corps (Skeppsgossekår) was established at the Karlskrona naval base. From1732 the boys had to be at least 10 years old to be admitted. In 1776 the age of admission was lowered to 8.The cabin boys were fully trained at the age of 18. They then became seamen (båtsmän) through a ceremony called karlskrivningen (karlvuxen). The cabin boys were future petty officers in the navy.In 1799 the uniform of the cabin boys was consisting of a blue jacket of broadcloth equipped with a yellow collar, a hat with a light blue ribbon, 1 red and 1 black scarf, 1 pair of blue trousers, 1 sweater and a pair of long trousers, 1 sailor’s jumper, shirts, 2 pair of woolen socks and 1 pair of shoes. The image to the right shows cabin boys in uniform, circa 1900.A naval military academy was established in Karlskrona in 1756 for the training of naval officers. The cadets wore a blue uniform with nacre colored cuffs and collars, silver-plated buttons, silver colored ribbon on the hat, and a yellow insignia. From 1788 the cadets wore the same uniform as the navy officers. When the War Academy was established in 1792 at the Karlberg Palace in Stockholm, the Navy Military Academy was transferred to Karlberg.
Uniforms of the Swedish Navy - 1800s
In the 1800s the fashion of the Swedish naval uniforms returned to the international fashion of naval uniforms which in large was inspired by the French navy uniforms. The primary color was blue and there were obvious differences between uniforms of officers and seamen. The seamen dress was made for practical duties such as up in the rig. The naval officers’ uniforms were in cut and design different from the army uniforms.The Swedish seamen weren’t homogeneously dressed until 1817 when a standard uniform was adopted. The uniforms were now to be blue. A seaman’s uniform consisted then of: blue double-breasted coat of wadmal equipped with a high standing collar, vest (with arms) and sweater of blue wadmal, a pair of blue long trousers, scarf, hat, leather shoes, two pair of woolen socks and two pair of shirts. A round flat cap, the sailor cap, was introduced in 1835, known as “rundmössa” in Swedish. The sailor cap is a round, flat visorless hat worn by sailors in many of the world's navies.The hat was reintroduced in 1848, now equipped with a tally. Also, the typical blue flap collar(Swe: blåkragen) worn with the sailor’s jumper was adopted in 1848. A short jacket, known as round jacket (Rundtröja” in Swedish), was also part of the uniform as well as a longer overcoat. In the 1850s the hat was made of tared canvas which made it stiff and shiny also known as “blankhatt” in Swedish. The seamen also wore a black scarf.The round navy cap was reintroduced in 1861 and the tally (ribbon) was bearing the text “Kongl. Flottan” (Royal Navy). In 1865 a new longer coat (pea coat) was introduced, known as “stortröja” in Swedish, as an outer garment.The blue flap collar on the sailor’s jumper grew in size during the 1800s, with the jumper open in front of the neck. The purpose of the flap collar was to protect the jumper or jacket from getting greasy of the sailor’s pigtail.The image to the right shows enlisted seamen (båtsmän) wearing navy uniforms from 1832 (left) respective 1849 (right).The image to the left shows an enlisted seaman wearing a sailor cap, 1856.
The sailor suit in the navy and in the mercantile navy followed about the same fashion in the 1800s. In the end of the 1800s and in the 1900s the uniforms of these two became more differentiated. After the introduction of steam powered ships, the sailor suits used by the mercantile navy became more like ordinary working clothes while the sailor navy uniforms became more military. The navy uniforms now clearly differed from the mercantile navy’s suits.The navy officers’ uniforms kept their characteristic design and looks and the mercantile officers uniforms pretty much followed the navy officer’ uniforms.The image to the right shows a Swedish seaman with blue flap collar and sailor cap, 1920, Karlskrona. The tally reads KONGL. FLOTTAN (Royal Navy).
Service Dress Uniform m/1948
The Swedish Navy introduced a new set of uniforms in 1948. Uniform m/1948 was permitted by the navy on several defined occasions except as mess dress. Today (2018) the m/1848 is used as an informal undress uniform by petty officers and seamen. Seamen and petty officers wear sailor jumper m/1948 (Swe: bussarong) of wool and beneath shirt with blue flap collar m/1948, the blue flap collar over the jumper, and scarf m/1948. Jacket m/1948 (Innerkavaj)is made of dark blue cloth, double-breasted with 4 buttons in each row. Rank insignias are worn on the cuffs. Further, blue long trousers and sailor cap m/1948. White crown of the cap is worn between 30 April and 30 September, m/1930 White, other times of the year blue m/1930 Blue. Officers and petty officers wear peaked cap m/1948.Footwear is shoes m/1903 and black socks. When undress uniform (vardagsdräkt) is prescribed, side cap m/1948 (båtmössa) is used instead of the sailor cap.The image to the right shows a petty officer wearing uniform m/1948 (1993) with jacket m/1948. Image Wikipedia.Side cap m/1948 is made of dark blue cloth. The Navy cap badge m/1878 is worn at the front of the cap. In Sweden this style of headdress is known as a "båtmössa" (lit. "boat cap").The image to the left shows side cap m/1948. Wikipedia.
Images of Navy Uniforms of the 1900s
Service Dress Uniform m/1987
A new service dress uniform was enacted in 1987, m/1987. The m/1987 his produced in 4 models:•m/1987, Dark blue (base model). Worn by the Air Force andAmphibious Corps. •m/1987A, Steel-gray. Worn by the Army. •m/1987K, Khaki (beige). Worn by the Army and Air Force in tropical and subtropical environments. •m/1987V, White. Worn by the Navy in tropical and subtropical environments.The Navy is not using this service dress uniform except for m/1987 White in tropical and subtropical environments. Instead the Navy is using service dress uniform m/1948.The uniform m/1987V is compost of a coat m/1987V, long trousers m/1987V, white shirt m/1978.
Navy Battledress Uniform m/1993
The Navy battle dress uniform m/1993 (Swe: Sjöstridsuniform 93) is the uniform used by navy personnel at sea. The color of the uniform is dark blue. Articles of clothing:side cap m/1948, Winter cap m/1987, naval jacket m/1993, trousers m/1993, blue belt, blue shirt m/1987, jacket m/1948, naval boots m/1993, blue socks m/1993, blue T-shirt, coat m/1993, storm suit m/1993.Naval jacket 93 is a waist short jacket equipped with pockets on the sleeves. Insignias are worn on the shoulders. A blue T-shirt or navy field shirt 93 is worn under the jacket. Both the jacket and the trousers have a lining for better fire protection. Side cap m/1948 are used during summertime. A blue fur hat are used in wintertime. The image to the right shows naval jacket m/1993. Navy Museum.
Full Dress Uniform - m/1948 (Navy) and m/1987 (Amphibious Corps)
Parade uniform m/1948 (m/1987 for the Amphibious Corps) is the Navy’s uniform for special occasions and parades. The parade uniform consists of uniform m/1948 (m/1987 for the Amphibious Corps) with additional kit.There are two variants; Full mess dress and parade dress. •Full mess dress m/1948 (Swe: Högtidsdräkt) for the Navy respectively m/1987 for the Amphibious Corps. The mess dress corresponds to the civilian tailcoat and are worn on special occasions. Petty officers 1st class and above wear saber. Petty officers 1st class and above wear wear peaked cap. Enlisted men and junior petty officers wear sailor cap m/1948 and in the Amphibious Corps green beret. White gloves are worn by all personnel. •Parade dress m/1948 (Swe: Trupparaddräkt) for the Navy respectively m/1987 for the Amphibious Corps. The parade dress are worn by troops at parades, guard duties, state visits and other ceremonies. Navy Petty officers 1st class and above wear saber and peaked cap. Enlisted men and junior petty officers wear sailor cap m/1948. All personnel in the Amphibious Corps wear green beret.Further, white kit such as gloves, spats, belts. Enlisted men and junior petty officers are armed with assault rifles equipped with bayonets.
Rank Insignias as of 2009
The Swedish Navy rank insignias were adjusted in 2003 to better correspond to international navy insignias. Further adaptations were done in 2009 which lead to changes both to insignias and ranks. The rank Petty Officer First Class was then added to the rank system.Below, The Swedish Navy Rank Insignias from 2009:
Above, The navy rank insignias as of 2009. Source: Försvarsmakten (Swedish Armed Forces).
In the 1600s there was no standardized or homogeneous uniforms for the navy seamen. There was no regulation regarding dresses to be worn either. The early navy seamen probably wore the same type of outfit worn by fishermen and sailors at the time; rustic, weatherproof, durable clothing consisting of a jacket and short trousers made of flax or wool. Footwear was usually short boots or shoes of leather. Headgear was most likely a type of slouch hat of thick woolen cloth.The officers, on the other hand, were uniformly dressed, both in material and cut. Source: Flottans sjöofficersuniformer by N-E Melinder (Uniforms of naval officers).The seamen received a part of their pay in broadcloth. In the 1650s a seaman’s clothing normally consisted of a jacket, a pair of short blue trousers of broadcloth, a linen shirt, a pair of long stockings and a pair of grain-leather shoes.An attempt was made to standardize the clothing in the 1690s. However, the seaman’s uniform varied in different parts of Sweden.The image to the right shows a reconstruction of a seaman’s dress salvaged from the Vasa, a Swedish man-of-war which went down in 1628. Vasamuseet.In the end of the 1600s there are indications of homogeneous uniforms of the ship’s crews.The blue and gray color of the garments has varied between the 1600s, 1700s and the 1800s. The service dress uniform was usually blue while the fatigue uniform was gray (un-dyed).The trousers of the seamen were, according to the fashion, short (roughly knee long). It is said that long trousers were introduced after the French Revolution 1789. However, the officers and the petty officers of the Swedish navy has been wearing long trousers from 1778. It is not known when the Swedish enlisted seamen began using long trousers, however a decree from 1837 clearly states that the seamen must wear long trousers.
Uniforms of the Swedish Navy -
1700s
During the second half of the 1700s standardized uniforms were introduced. The seaman’s uniform now consisted of a coat, frieze or linen weaved trousers and long stockings. Further, blue vest, shirt, sweater of frieze, long coat, leather shoes and hat. The coat was blue with a yellow lining. In 1778 King Gustav III introduced the so-called national dress uniform known as the “Svenska dräkten”. A version of this uniform was also introduced in the navy, a dark blue uniform with the designation m/1778. The national dress uniform was made both in military versions as well as civilian versions. The civilian dress was used by the Royal Court, cabinet ministers, civil servants etc.With the national dress uniform the Swedish Navy and the Army Fleet received a uniform that in large differed very much from the international naval fashion of officers at the time.
The Grand uniform m/1778 (Stora
uniformen)
In April 1778 a decree was issued that stating that Admirals and naval officers must wear the new uniform as of June 1778.The coat was dark blue and reached down to the knees. The officer’s coats were equipped with a gold colored lining. The buttons had an imprinted anchor and three crowns. The petty officer’s buttons were different depending of service; ship masters, ship mates and artillery mates. The buttons of the ship masters had an imprinted anchor; the ship mates an imprinted star and the artillery mates two crossed guns barrels.Rank insigniasThe rank insignias were braids or stripes in different numbers and widths. The rank insignias were worn on collars, cuffs and chests.The different ranks was made up by different number of strips on the cuffs; Colonels wore 3 stripes, Lieutenant Colonels 2 stripes and Majors 1 stripe. these officers also wore small tassels in the buttonholes.The image to the right shows a Lieutenant Colonel (2 stripes on the cuffs) wearing the grand uniform m/1778. Reconstruction. Navy Museum. Photo Hans Högman 2007.Ensigns, Lieutenants and Captains respectively petty officers wore stripes in a similar way on the cuffs but in narrower widths. The image to the left shows a petty officer (Arklimästare) wearing the grand uniform m/1778. Reconstruction. Navy Museum. Photo Hans Högman 2007. A similar system of rank insignias was worn by the admirals but instead of stripes they wore oak leaves as rank insignias. The oak leaves are still worn by generals and admirals in Sweden today as rank insignias on their collar tabs on battle dress uniforms.The titles of the navy officer ranks at the time were more or less the same as in the army. A white shirt was worn under the coat. Footwear was shoes or boots. Each shoe could be worn on either foot (no differences between left and right shoe). The stockings were white and was long enough to cover the knees and usually made of wool. The trousers were short but reached down to the knees. An alternative was long trousers that was tucked into the boots. The hat was round and around the crown there was a yellow ribbon. The officers wore a yellow plume and feathers on the hat. The uniform was equipped with a yellow and blue sash. Further, white scarf, gloves of shammy leather. Officers wore a white armlet around their left upper arm in honor of King Gustav III coup of 1772.A double-breasted surtout was worn as an overcoat.The image to the right shows an enlisted navy seaman (båtsman) wearing uniform m/1778. Reconstruction. Navy Museum. Photo Hans Högman 2007.The so-called national dress uniform wasn’t liked by the military and it wasn’t used for very long time. The naval officers abandoned the uniform in 1788 and the army officers in 1792.Both the army and the navy adopted new uniforms in 1802.There are very few original uniforms kept from this period of time, i.e. the military versions of the national dress uniform.
The Lesser Service Dress Uniform m/1788
(Lilla uniformen)
The lesser service dress uniform m/1788 was introduced in 1788. It is known as the “Lesser uniform” (Lilla uniformen), meaning less formal uniform. The m/1788 was a simpler, less decorated version of the “grand uniform”.The grand uniform was after 1788 only to be worn on special occasions. Footwear was bootees. Rank insignias was worn on epaulets on the shoulders.The coat was made of dark blue broadcloth with a dark blue lining. The coat was double breasted with 17 buttons in each row, grouped 4 and 4. The coat was equipped with a dark blue standing collar. The coat was to be worn unbuttoned between May 1 and October 1, other times of the year, buttoned up. The vest was made of white broadcloth. The long trousers were dark blue. The uniform was equipped with a yellow and blue sash. When the coat was worn unbuttoned the sash was worn over the west (see image), otherwise over the coat.A double-breasted surtout was worn as a overcoat.The image to the right shows a Lieutenant wearing the service dress uniform m/1788. Reconstruction. Navy Museum.
Uniform m/1793
The navy officers’ uniform was changed in 1793. The coat now became more like the one used by the army. Other articles of clothing remain the same as stated in 1788.
Dress suit with tailcoat m/1794
The dress suit with tailcoat was introduced in 1794, m/1794. The color of the coat was dark blue. The cut was the same for all officer ranks, but the color was different on collars, cuffs and linings depending on rank.
Uniform m/1802
In1802 the Navy adopted a new uniform. This was the final end of the national dress uniform in the Navy.
Images of Navy Uniforms - End of the 1700s:
About the image of the armored vessel HMS Göta above:The armored vessel HMS Göta was built in 1888 and launched in 1889. After a renovation 1900 – 1901 she was used as a flagship for the Stockholm squadron and from 1917 for the Gothenburg squadron. Length 79 m, width14.8 m. HMS Göta was taken off duty in 1923 and finally scrapped 1942/43.Uniform m/1878The officer standing nearest to the lantern is an Admiral wearing full dress uniform with tailcoat m/1878. He is wearing epaulet m/1878 with golden stars and emblem m/1895. Further, he is wearing long trousers m/1878with a golden stripe (4.5 cm wide). Headgear is the bicorne m/1878. The Amiral is wearing saber m/1915 under his tailcoat. Other officers were wearing the saber over the tailcoat. The image to the right shows tailcoat m/1878 for an Admiral. Digitalmuseum.On the HMS Göta image above; the Admiral is talking to his Adjutant who is standing to the right of the Admiral. The rank of the Adjutant is Lieutenant and he is wearing coat m/1878. This coat came in different models; knee-long, short jacket and cut as a tailcoat. The so-called round jacket (Swe: rundtröjan)was a short jacket. The round jacket was originally part of the sailor’s undress uniform worn with the blue flap collar. However, in 1860 the round jacket was adopted to be a part of the officers’ mess dress uniform, mess jacket m/1878.The image to the left shows mess jacket m/1878 (mässjacka m/1878), for a Commander. Digitalmuseum.Further, on the HMS Göta image above; the sailors in white uniform are wearing blue flap collar, either with sailor jumper m/1848 with the collar fastened to the jumper (alternative the separate blue flap collar m/1845) and sailor cap m/1848 with the name of the ship on the tally. White uniform was used between 30 April and 30 September.Source: Flottans sjöofficersuniformer by Nils-Erik Melinder.The image to the right shows a Swedish seaman in a white summer uniform. The sailor cap tally reads; “Kongl. Flottan” (Royal Navy). The image is shown with consent of Shirley Koelling, USA.
Rank Insignias as of 1898
The form, shape and placing of the navy rank insignias have of course varied through the centuries but generally speaking they have gradually been toned down. The insignias have been worn on the cuffs or on shoulder straps of the uniforms.The number of stripes and the width of these for the different ranks as well as the placing has varied from the regulations of 1873 and until present days. Also, the titles of ranks have been changed.Rank insignias 1898 - officers and other ranks:
The Navy crewconsisted mainly of the seamen (båtsmän) maintained by the Allotment System. In addition to these seamen special enlisted seamen were enlisted from the mercantile marine, so-called Kofferdikarlar (Kofferdimatroser) and Volunteers (Cannoneers) at the sea artillery. In 1824 the crew from the mercantile marine (Kofferdikarlarna) formed the Matroskorpsen (Able Seaman Corps); they served on deck with sailing duties. Volunteer was a term used for military personnel being trained to become petty officers and officers. The volunteer system was used both in the Army as well as within the Navy. A navy volunteer started off as a seaman but had a higher position or status than the ordinary seamen.
Cabin Boys Corps
In 1685 the Cabin Boys Corps (Skeppsgossekår) was established at the Karlskrona naval base. From1732 the boys had to be at least 10 years old to be admitted. In 1776 the age of admission was lowered to 8.The cabin boys were fully trained at the age of 18. They then became seamen (båtsmän) through a ceremony called karlskrivningen (karlvuxen). The cabin boys were future petty officers in the navy.In 1799 the uniform of the cabin boys was consisting of a blue jacket of broadcloth equipped with a yellow collar, a hat with a light blue ribbon, 1 red and 1 black scarf, 1 pair of blue trousers, 1 sweater and a pair of long trousers, 1 sailor’s jumper, shirts, 2 pair of woolen socks and 1 pair of shoes. The image to the right shows cabin boys in uniform, circa 1900.A naval military academy was established in Karlskrona in 1756 for the training of naval officers. The cadets wore a blue uniform with nacre colored cuffs and collars, silver-plated buttons, silver colored ribbon on the hat, and a yellow insignia. From 1788 the cadets wore the same uniform as the navy officers. When the War Academy was established in 1792 at the Karlberg Palace in Stockholm, the Navy Military Academy was transferred to Karlberg.
Uniforms of the Swedish Navy -
1800s
In the 1800s the fashion of the Swedish naval uniforms returned to the international fashion of naval uniforms which in large was inspired by the French navy uniforms. The primary color was blue and there were obvious differences between uniforms of officers and seamen. The seamen dress was made for practical duties such as up in the rig. The naval officers’ uniforms were in cut and design different from the army uniforms.The Swedish seamen weren’t homogeneously dressed until 1817 when a standard uniform was adopted. The uniforms were now to be blue. A seaman’s uniform consisted then of: blue double-breasted coat of wadmal equipped with a high standing collar, vest (with arms) and sweater of blue wadmal, a pair of blue long trousers, scarf, hat, leather shoes, two pair of woolen socks and two pair of shirts. A round flat cap, the sailor cap, was introduced in 1835, known as “rundmössa” in Swedish. The sailor cap is a round, flat visorless hat worn by sailors in many of the world's navies.The hat was reintroduced in 1848, now equipped with a tally. Also, the typical blue flap collar (Swe: blåkragen) worn with the sailor’s jumper was adopted in 1848. A short jacket, known as round jacket (Rundtröja” in Swedish), was also part of the uniform as well as a longer overcoat. In the 1850s the hat was made of tared canvas which made it stiff and shiny also known as “blankhatt” in Swedish. The seamen also wore a black scarf.The round navy cap was reintroduced in 1861 and the tally (ribbon) was bearing the text “Kongl. Flottan” (Royal Navy). In 1865 a new longer coat (pea coat) was introduced, known as “stortröja” in Swedish, as an outer garment.The blue flap collar on the sailor’s jumper grew in size during the 1800s, with the jumper open in front of the neck. The purpose of the flap collar was to protect the jumper or jacket from getting greasy of the sailor’s pigtail.The image to the right shows enlisted seamen (båtsmän) wearing navy uniforms from 1832 (left) respective 1849 (right).The image to the left shows an enlisted seaman wearing a sailor cap, 1856.
Images of Swedish Navy Uniforms - 1800s
Dictionary:
Uniforms of the Swedish Navy -
1900s
The sailor suit in the navy and in the mercantile navy followed about the same fashion in the 1800s. In the end of the 1800s and in the 1900s the uniforms of these two became more differentiated. After the introduction of steam powered ships, the sailor suits used by the mercantile navy became more like ordinary working clothes while the sailor navy uniforms became more military. The navy uniforms now clearly differed from the mercantile navy’s suits.The navy officers’ uniforms kept their characteristic design and looks and the mercantile officers uniforms pretty much followed the navy officer’ uniforms.The image to the right shows a Swedish seaman with blue flap collar and sailor cap, 1920, Karlskrona. The tally reads KONGL. FLOTTAN (Royal Navy).
Service Dress Uniform m/1948
The Swedish Navy introduced a new set of uniforms in 1948. Uniform m/1948 was permitted by the navy on several defined occasions except as mess dress. Today (2018) the m/1848 is used as an informal undress uniform by petty officers and seamen. Seamen and petty officers wear sailor jumper m/1948 (Swe: bussarong) of wool and beneath shirt with blue flap collar m/1948, the blue flap collar over the jumper, and scarf m/1948. Jacket m/1948 (Innerkavaj)is made of dark blue cloth, double-breasted with 4 buttons in each row. Rank insignias are worn on the cuffs. Further, blue long trousers and sailor cap m/1948. White crown of the cap is worn between 30 April and 30 September, m/1930 White, other times of the year blue m/1930 Blue. Officers and petty officers wear peaked cap m/1948.Footwear is shoes m/1903 and black socks. When undress uniform (vardagsdräkt) is prescribed, side cap m/1948 (båtmössa) is used instead of the sailor cap.The image to the right shows a petty officer wearing uniform m/1948 (1993) with jacket m/1948. Image Wikipedia.Side cap m/1948 is made of dark blue cloth. The Navy cap badge m/1878 is worn at the front of the cap. In Sweden this style of headdress is known as a "båtmössa" (lit. "boat cap").The image to the left shows side cap m/1948. Wikipedia.
Images of Navy Uniforms of the 1900s
Service Dress Uniform m/1987
A new service dress uniform was enacted in 1987, m/1987. The m/1987 his produced in 4 models:•m/1987, Dark blue (base model). Worn by the Air Force andAmphibious Corps. •m/1987A, Steel-gray. Worn by the Army. •m/1987K, Khaki (beige). Worn by the Army and Air Force in tropical and subtropical environments. •m/1987V, White. Worn by the Navy in tropical and subtropical environments.The Navy is not using this service dress uniform except for m/1987 White in tropical and subtropical environments. Instead the Navy is using service dress uniform m/1948.The uniform m/1987V is compost of a coat m/1987V, long trousers m/1987V, white shirt m/1978.
Navy Battledress Uniform m/1993
The Navy battle dress uniform m/1993 (Swe: Sjöstridsuniform 93) is the uniform used by navy personnel at sea. The color of the uniform is dark blue. Articles of clothing:side cap m/1948, Winter cap m/1987, naval jacket m/1993, trousers m/1993, blue belt, blue shirt m/1987, jacket m/1948, naval boots m/1993, blue socks m/1993, blue T-shirt, coat m/1993, storm suit m/1993.Naval jacket 93 is a waist short jacket equipped with pockets on the sleeves. Insignias are worn on the shoulders. A blue T-shirt or navy field shirt 93 is worn under the jacket. Both the jacket and the trousers have a lining for better fire protection. Side cap m/1948 are used during summertime. A blue fur hat are used in wintertime. The image to the right shows naval jacket m/1993. Navy Museum.
Full Dress Uniform -
m/1948 (Navy) and m/1987 (Amphibious
Corps)
Parade uniform m/1948 (m/1987 for the Amphibious Corps) is the Navy’s uniform for special occasions and parades. The parade uniform consists of uniform m/1948 (m/1987 for the Amphibious Corps) with additional kit.There are two variants; Full mess dress and parade dress. •Full mess dress m/1948 (Swe: Högtidsdräkt) for the Navy respectively m/1987 for the Amphibious Corps. The mess dress corresponds to the civilian tailcoat and are worn on special occasions. Petty officers 1st class and above wear saber. Petty officers 1st class and above wear wear peaked cap. Enlisted men and junior petty officers wear sailor cap m/1948 and in the Amphibious Corps green beret. White gloves are worn by all personnel. •Parade dress m/1948 (Swe: Trupparaddräkt) for the Navy respectively m/1987 for the Amphibious Corps. The parade dress are worn by troops at parades, guard duties, state visits and other ceremonies. Navy Petty officers 1st class and above wear saber and peaked cap. Enlisted men and junior petty officers wear sailor cap m/1948. All personnel in the Amphibious Corps wear green beret.Further, white kit such as gloves, spats, belts. Enlisted men and junior petty officers are armed with assault rifles equipped with bayonets.
Navy rank insignias, 1940s.
Rank Insignias as of 2009
The Swedish Navy rank insignias were adjusted in 2003 to better correspond to international navy insignias. Further adaptations were done in 2009 which lead to changes both to insignias and ranks. The rank Petty Officer First Class was then added to the rank system.Below, The Swedish Navy Rank Insignias from 2009:
Above, The navy rank insignias as of 2009. Source: Försvarsmakten (Swedish Armed Forces).
