The Indian Army has unveiled Army Uniforms-2026, recasting dress, ceremony and grooming rules. The changes bring in more Indian elements, trim colonial-era practices and tighten appearance standards.
In a major step towards reshaping military traditions around Indian values and contemporary operational requirements, the Indian Army has introduced a comprehensive new dress code that replaces several colonial-era practices while tightening standards related to appearance, grooming and ceremonial attire.
The new regulations, detailed in the Army Uniforms-2026 manual, represent the most extensive revision of military dress and appearance norms in nearly a decade. Army officials describe the changes as part of a wider effort to strengthen the force’s indigenous identity while preserving its regimental heritage and professional ethos.
One of the most visible changes is the introduction of the traditional Bandi jacket into the Army’s formal dress code for officers. The closed-neck Indian-style jacket can now be worn during specified formal occasions, reflecting the Army’s growing emphasis on incorporating indigenous cultural elements into military customs.
The revised manual also introduces a new winter uniform, designated Dress 3B, for personnel of all ranks. The attire consists of an Angola shirt paired with a battle jacket and beret, providing a standardised winter dress pattern across formations. The Army has additionally authorised the winter ceremonial uniform Dress 1C for officers, a category that was previously restricted to Junior Commissioned Officers and other ranks.
The reforms go beyond clothing and touch upon long-standing ceremonial practices. The Army has reduced the prominence of several colonial-era accoutrements and customs, including the use of pouch belts in certain formal mess dresses. Swords, traditionally carried during some ceremonial events, will no longer be mandatory in many situations, reflecting a shift towards practicality without compromising military decorum.
The manual also removes references to archaic terminology inherited from the colonial period, including the use of the word “Royal” in dress-related nomenclature. Senior military officials say the objective is to ensure that Army traditions are more closely aligned with India’s sovereign identity and national ethos.
For women officers, the revised regulations provide greater flexibility in formal attire. Sober-coloured sarees and kurta-salwar combinations with ankle-length straight pants and dupattas have been authorised for designated occasions. At the same time, sleeveless kurtas, palazzo trousers and cigarette pants remain prohibited to maintain uniform standards of appearance.
The Army has also laid down detailed grooming and personal appearance guidelines. Visible tattoos and body piercings continue to be prohibited, while personnel are barred from wearing bracelets in uniform except under limited religious circumstances. Moustaches have been capped at a maximum length of 12 centimetres, and the use of perfumes and deodorants while in uniform has been disallowed, although after-shave lotions remain permissible.
Women personnel will be required to adhere to stricter cosmetic norms. Lipstick, coloured nail polish, bindis and nose pins are not permitted while in uniform. Married personnel may wear sindoor, provided it remains concealed beneath authorised headgear.
The regulations further standardise combat clothing categories. A T-shirt has now been incorporated into the combat uniform under Category 7A for operational duties, while Category 7B introduces a dedicated winter combat jacket for colder environments.
