Indian Army Dress Code

Context

The Indian Army has recently reinforced its dress code regulations to ensure adherence to official rules regarding the wearing of trinkets and religious symbols while in uniform. This action follows observations of personnel wearing unauthorized accessories in social media posts.

General Dress Code Principles

• Unauthorized Accessories: No unauthorized ornaments or emblems are permitted with the uniform.
• Exceptions: Signet rings are allowed.
• Visibility: Watch chains and trinkets must not be visible when worn with the uniform.

Religious and Cultural Symbols

• Neck Chains/Threads: Prohibited unless completely concealed if worn for religious reasons.
• Bracelets: Not allowed, except for the Sikh ‘Kada’, which is permitted for Sikh personnel and non-Sikh officers commanding Sikh troops.
• Wrist Threads: A single sacred thread on the wrist is permitted only on days of religious significance.
• Religious Symbols: Tilak, vibhuti, or other religious symbols are prohibited while in uniform.

Regulations for Female Personnel

• Mangalsutra: Married women may wear a mangalsutra, but it must not be visible.
• Earrings: Only small earrings (up to 5mm diameter) are allowed.
• Nose Piercings: Permitted, but studs can only be worn with mess dress.
• Cosmetics: Lipstick, colored nail polish, and bindis are prohibited. Sindoor is allowed only if not visible when headgear is worn.
• Makeup and Henna: Facial makeup, false eyelashes, and henna on hands are not permitted.

General Jewelry and Accessory Rules

• Rings: Only engagement, wedding, eternity, or signet rings are allowed. Rings are not to be worn during ceremonial parades.
• Watches: Generally not worn during ceremonial parades except by the senior parade controller. Pocket watches with visible chains are prohibited.
• Deodorants and Perfumes: Strictly prohibited in uniform. After-shave lotions are permitted.