The Air Force Men's Mess Dress Coat is worn with both the Mess Dress and Formal Dress uniforms, with the principal differentiation being that a silver chain fastener (linked buttons) is attached when the coat is worn with the Mess Dress uniform. Mess Dress uniforms are worn at formal social functions and/or at events, ceremonies, or occasion of an official nature; the civilian equivalent would be a black-tie affair where tuxedos are worn.
Officers are required to own Mess Dress uniforms; while it’s technically an optional item for both NCOs and other enlisted Airmen, it’s generally considered a de facto requirement for Senior NCOs—or at least those seeking to project an image that reflects their sincere dedication to the service and an appropriate level of professionalism. The same is true, of course, for enlisted personnel hoping to advance into the NCO ranks, and for both NCOs and enlisted Airmen, there is one other reason to add the Mess Dress uniform to their wardrobe: saluting is not required while wearing it.
The Air Force Mess Dress Coat is sold as a standalone item. Any
chevrons,
medals,
shirt,
tie, or
shoes seen in images on this page are displayed for illustratively purposes and are sold separately. You can purchase these items by using the Air Force sub-menus to navigate to each product category page or by visiting the
Men's Enlisted Mess Dress Uniform page.
Our Air Force Mess Dress Coat is manufactured to meet or surpass all U.S. Air Force specifications. Because virtually all of our customers will need to alter the sleeves of their Mess Dress coats, we manufacture them with longer sleeves that are unfinished. This guarantees not only that the sleeve will be hemmed at the proper length for each customer, but also that the sleeve braid on officer’s coat is perfectly positioned on the sleeve. We offer sleeve alteration services for hemming sleeves as well as sewing on chevrons (enlisted personnel) or shoulder loops to hold shoulder boards (officers). Options to select the appropriate alteration services are available after you add the Mess Dress Coat to your shopping cart.