Air Force Female Dress and Appearance | Your FAQs Answered

The United States Air Force, or USAF, are taking steps to become a more inclusive environment. This means the uniform rules are changing, to offer better choices to women. Outdated clothing regulations are being replaced with options to appeal to a larger cross-section of women.

However, the Air Force still is a military service and values respectable dress and appearance. Many of the guidelines for appearance are intended to make the Air Force a safer environment. This means prohibiting the wear of items that may get in the way, or lead to distraction.

Let's get into some commonly asked questions!

Do females have to wear skirts in the Air force?

Women no longer have to wear skirts while in Air Force uniform. Previously, females were expected to wear floor length skirts when in mess dress uniforms. However, this rule was changed in August 2020 after feedback. Overwhelmingly, women wanted the option to wear trousers (formal pants) when at formal events.

Full length skirts are still permitted, but females are now given the option to wear either the skirt or altered men’s trousers. Women’s mess dress slacks are likely to become available in 2024. Until then, they can exchange their skirts for altered men’s slacks, at no cost.

When in service dress, woman have the option of wearing either a knee-length skirt or women’s slacks. Both need to be well-tailored, and with a respectable fit. The skirt must not extend below the knee, nor fall above the kneecap when standing to attention.

When in other utility and training uniforms, females do not wear skirts. The training uniform consists of two pairs of shorts, and a pair of pants. When in utility uniform, all aircrew must wear pants.

Can you wear make up in the Air Force?

You can wear makeup in the Air Force, but there are tight rules around what’s allowed. Females are allowed to wear makeup in all uniforms, but it needs to complement the uniform. Makeup must be conservatively applied, and in good taste. The makeup has to complement both the wearer and the uniform.

If a woman wishes to wear lipstick, it must match the complexion. It cannot be a contrasting shade. This is true for eyeshadow as well. The colors need to be natural, and must not stand out.

The rules regarding makeup are open to interpretation. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to get away with much. Even natural colored eyeshadow may be considered too bold. Leaders will need to exercise their own judgement, and this changes from person to person. The best way to stay out of trouble is to keep makeup minimal, or not wear it at all.

During basic training, makeup won’t be allowed. However, it can be worn on graduation day. Again, it must be conservatively applied, and complement the uniform.

Check below to see what the Air Force official policy is on cosmetics:

Can you have a nose ring in the Air Force?

No. The rules for facial piercings in the Air Force are strict. Nose rings and nose studs are not allowed. A woman can wear a pair of stud earrings, but all other facial piercings are prohibited.

Earrings have to be 6 mm or less in diameter, round or square, made of white diamond, gold, silver, or pearl. The earring must fit snug to the ear, and must not protrude below the ear lobe. Only one can be worn in each ear at any one time, and they must match.

Clip-on earrings are also allowed, but must conform to the same standards. A man cannot wear an earring when in uniform, or when not in uniform but performing official duties. They can wear an earring when in civilian clothes and off duty.

No other visible piercings are allowed. If a piercing can be seen through clothing, this is also prohibited.

All jewelry falls under similar rules. While bracelets and necklaces are allowed, they must be unobtrusive. Necklaces must be hidden by a shirt at all times. Three rings are allowed across both hands, and none may be worn on the thumb. 

Can you wear false eyelashes in the Air Force?

There are no specific rules against wearing false eyelashes in the Air Force, but they’d need to conform to the makeup regulations. This means they must be conservative, and complement the wearer. Excessive false eyelashes would not be allowed. 

While there are no rules specifically against it, that doesn’t mean it will be welcome. If false eyelashes are noticeable, there’s a possibility they’ll need to be removed. Poorly applied false eyelashes could present a hazard.

Even if the risk is minimal, any risk should be avoided. With the daily duties expected of a member of the Air Force, it’s unlikely you’ll really want to wear false eyelashes.

Can you have your nails done in the Air Force?

You can have your nails done in the Air Force, but the rules regarding what is allowed are extensive. Measured from the tip of the finger, females must not exceed a length of ¼ inch. If it’s determined your nail length is excessive, or detracts from the uniform, you’ll be asked to trim them. Long nails can interfere with how the equipment is used. If your nails are judged to be a safety hazard you will be in trouble.

Females can wear nail polish, but it must be conservative. This means the color needs to be as close to natural as possible. Bold colors such as red, blue, gold etc. are not allowed. Designs are not allowed to be applied. Two-tone nails are also against regulations, as are multi-toned. It’s better to play safe than to get into trouble over the color of your nail polish.

Acrylic nails are allowed, but they must fit the above regulations. If they’re deemed to be a problem then you will be asked to remove them.

Nails must be kept clean at all times, and neatly trimmed. 

Males are not allowed to wear nail polish, and the nail must be trimmed to not extend the fingertip.

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