Liberty cuffs are a strictly unofficial bit of US naval uniform tradition that once was quite popular with shipboard sailors from WW2 through the 1980s. During this time, enlisted sailors were required to wear their issue naval jumpers to and from the ship and while on board. No civilian clothes were allowed on the ship. This gave birth to the Liberty Cuff tradition. Sailors being the rebellious bunch that they are, could not pass up the opportunity to sneak a bit of flagrant individualism under the noses of the officers and the ever present Shore Patrol. The Liberty Cuff was born. It was traditional for a sailor to have his jumper tailored and additionally embroidered with art inside.......... against all US Navy regulations, of course. Once the sailor was off the ship and on liberty, he could turn up the cuffs of his jumper and sport his Liberty Cuffs. But, while he was on liberty, and looking so salty, he had to keep the ever vigilant eye open for the dreaded, and ever present, Shore Patrol. These tough Navy cops would bust a sailor in a minute if he was caught out of uniform with his Liberty Cuffs turned up.....................................
Posted on: Thu, 28 Nov 2013 15:53:20 +0000
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