The Practical Reason Behind Why US Navy Sailors Wear 13-Button Pants

Navies worldwide uphold old traditions, many of which have endured for centuries with mysterious origins. However, the 13-button trousers worn by US Navy sailors stand out with a clear and well-documented history. While primarily practical, these pants are also thought to carry additional symbolic meanings, according to various theories.

'Crackerjacks'

In the early 1800s, the US Navy introduced 13-button bellbottom pants, endearingly called "Crackerjacks," with a practical design in mind. The flared ends were meant to be easily rolled up during demanding tasks, providing sailors with a useful convenience. Additionally, the flared design allowed for swift removal if a sailor fell overboard, eliminating the need to take off their shoes. This feature was vital, as it prevented the heavy, waterlogged wool material from pulling sailors underwater.

There are other theories

Apart from these practical reasons, there are other theories about the 13-button pants. Some suggest the flared bottoms were created to give US Navy sailors a unique look. Furthermore, since zippers were not very common at the time, the buttons were used to secure the crotch area, known as the "broadfall."

Why do the pants worn by US Navy sailors have 13 buttons?

As aforementioned, the broadfall section of the pants is secured by exactly 13 buttons, which are often thought to symbolize America's original 13 colonies. However, this is generally regarded as a sailor's myth.

Initially, the broadfall had 15 buttons , but this number was reduced to seven to conserve material. Sailors soon complained that the section was too small, partly due to weight gain from dietary changes and the discomfort it caused to their "equipment." In response, the US Navy enlarged the broadfall. This required additional material, and six more buttons were added, resulting in the 13 buttons seen today. This number was likely chosen for visual symmetry.

What about other pieces of uniform?

Other pieces of the US uniform had their uses, too. The neckerchief could be used as a headband or a cleaning cloth, and it also kept uniforms clean. Sailors in the 19th century typically sported long hair and, to keep it out of their way during tasks, it would be tied in a ponytail and stuck down with a sticky tar-like substance. The neckerchief kept it off the rest of their uniform.

Honoring Horatio Nelson?

Like the "13 buttons, 13 colonies" explanation for the bellbottom pants, the neckerchief also has an alternative and unlikely origin. Allegedly, the fabric is a symbol to honor Horatio Nelson , with the three white lines representing his three major victories.

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Today, this style of uniform is for dress purposes, rather than actual work, and these unique features were retained to maintain traditions.