Know uniform rules for cold-weather gear Published Oct. 28, 2011 By Senior Master Sgt. Nick Grba Tinker First Sergeants Council TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- With fall upon us and winter approaching the Tinker First Sergeants Counil would like to provide some guidance on the proper wear of cold weather gear. Cold Weather Accessories: Cold weather accessories will only be worn when wearing authorized outer garments (Exception: gloves may be worn solely with the service dress uniform, airman battle uniforms and battle dress uniforms). With the exception of functional items, cold weather accessories are only worn while outdoors. Gloves. Gloves may be worn with all authorized outer garments. They will be all one color, leather, knitted, tricot or suede, or a combination of leather, knitted, tricot, and suede. Black or sage green gloves may be worn with the BDU, ABU, flight duty uniform. Only black gloves may be worn with the blue service uniforms. Scarf. A black scarf may be worn with all authorized outer garments except the pullover and cardigan sweaters. The scarf must be tucked in and will not exceed 10 inches in width and can be knit, all wool or cotton simplex. Earmuffs. Black earmuffs may be worn with all authorized outer garments and may wrap around either the top or rear of the head. Earmuffs may be made of any material but may only be worn with an outer garment. Black Watch Cap. Watch cap may be worn only when approved by the installation commander and only when wearing authorized outer garments, service dress or physical training uniform. Sage Green Watch Cap. Watch cap may be worn only when approved by the installation commander and only when wearing ABU authorized outer garments or PTU. Watch caps must fit snugly and squarely over top of head. ABU: Sage Green Fleece. The sage green fleece is authorized as an outer garment with the ABU and may be worn outdoors only. (Exception: Local commanders have the authority to allow indoor wear of the sage green fleece jacket as mission needs dictate.) It is not authorized to be worn solely over a T-shirt, thermal underwear, etc. When worn as an outer garment, it will have Velcro ABU print "USAF" and "last name" tapes and Velcro subdued cloth rank. The sage green fleece will be zipped no lower than the top of the name tape. The collar will be folded over and resting on the shoulder, chest, and back when the zipper is not completely zipped. Sleeves may not be rolled or pushed up. Thermal Underwear. Desert sand, cream or white thermal underwear may be worn under the ABU. Thermal underwear will not be worn as an outer garment and will not be visible under the ABU coat except at the neck. Sleep Shirt. The green or sand sleep shirt may be worn under the ABU coat. The sleep shirt will not be worn as an outer garment and will not be visible under the ABU coat except at the neck. Cold-Weather Parka. Can be worn with all uniform combinations. For outdoor use only. Commanders of major commands may approve long-sleeved turtlenecks, dickies or thermal undershirt with the FDU/DFDU as weather warrants. Thermal undergarments may be black, desert tan, white or cream colored and are authorized for wear with the ABU/BDU/FDU/DFDU as weather conditions warrant. Thermal underwear will not be visible under the ABU/BDU/FDU/DFDU trouser legs and/or coat except at the neck. BLUES: V-neck sweater, with cuffed sleeves all wool sweater is authorized as an indoor or outdoor garment. The tie or tie-tab is optional. Member may wear collar of shirt inside or outside sweater. The sweater cannot be exposed when wearing another outer garment. Sleeves may not be pushed up. 50/50 Cardigan Sweater. Can only be worn with the service uniform and may be worn under the lightweight blue jacket, the topcoat and the all-weather coat. It is authorized as an indoor or outdoor garment and can be worn with sleeves cuffed or uncuffed. The sweater must be buttoned completely while outdoors (Exception: When worn with maternity uniforms, members may wear sweater unbuttoned outdoors.) and may be unbuttoned while indoors. The collar of the shirt may be worn inside or outside of the sweater. Tie/tab is optional. Sleeves may not be worn pushed up. The sweater cannot be exposed when wearing another outer garment. No name tag is worn on the cardigan sweater. Lightweight Blue Jacket. Can only be worn with the service uniform and is authorized for inside or outside wear. May be worn over the pullover and cardigan sweaters. Females may wear the male version of the lightweight blue jacket. The zipper may be zipped no lower than halfway between the collar and the waistband. The Air Force symbol may be embroidered on the jacket at the Airman's expense. Enlisted males will wear 4-inch chevron rank, females wear 3 ½ inch or 4 inch chevrons. PTU: Tops. Short and long-sleeved white or light gray form fitting undershirts, (i.e. spandex, lycra or elastic material) may be worn and visible under the short-sleeved PTU/IPTU shirt. Bottoms. Short, mid and full length solid black or dark blue form fitting sportswear (i.e. spandex, lycra or elastic) may be worn and visible under both the PTU/IPTU and optional IPTU running shorts. Cold Weather Accessories. Cold weather accessories may be worn outdoors only. Knit watch cap. Will be plain, solid black, dark blue, or sage green without logos. Bandanas and other similar head-scarves/headgear are not authorized unless due to medical waiver conditions. Gloves. Gloves will be black or dark blue leather, knitted, tricot or suede, or a combination of leather, knitted, tricot, and suede and without logos. Scarf. The scarf will be black or dark blue, all wool or cotton simplex, with or without napped surface, and less than 10 inches in width. Earmuffs. Earmuffs will be solid, black or dark blue, made of any material and may wrap around either the top or rear of the head. Green or black fleece is not authorized to be worn with the PTU/IPTU. Do not mix/match the PTU/IPTU running suit jacket and running suit pants. All other combinations authorized.