The new darker blue clothes will replace the light blue shirt and trousers known as Action Working Dress, or No4s, worn at sea since the Second World War.

 

Previously¹ the Ministry² of Defence described the new design as "cool and more modern", but reaction to Thursday's announcement was mixed at best.

 

One Twitter user likened the new look to "a sack of spuds tied in the middle", while another said the uniform resembled a “fire-retardent bin³ liner”.

 

Jamie Frost, a seaman⁴ who trains at the University Royal Naval⁵ Unit, said: "The new Navy No4s look horrendous⁶. They still can't issue a uniform that fits and it reduces RN personnel to looking like garage mechanics."

 

The new Navy No4s look horrendous. They still can't issue a uniform that fits and it reduces RN personnel to looking like garage mechanics. -- Jamie Frost (@ospriet) March 19, 2015

 

According to the navy, however, feedback from sailors so far has been "mostly positive".

 

The crew of the Portsmouth-based HMS Lancaster, which will head out to the South Atlantic on Saturday on a nine-month deployment⁷, will be the first to wear the new No4s.

 

It has several layers, including a t-shirt, top and thermals⁸, and will offer more protection from fires. Badges denoting rank will also be worn on the front, instead of on the shoulders.

 

Officially called the Royal Navy Personal Clothing System (RNPCS), the new design has been tested on several ships and submarines.

 

It is only to be worn during operational duties and will not replace more formal uniforms or the berets and old caps seen by families when sailors return home from deployment.

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