Field and Garrison Uniforms utilized by the Waffen-SS

Tunics and Trousers: (Bluse und Hose)

Originally, members of the Waffen-SS wore a uniform identical to those worn by the Allgemeine-SS. As a walking out dress, this uniform proved to be impressive when on parade or on liberty, it was not practical for field use or other utility purposes. A grey-white cotton drill uniform was procured in the summer of 1933. Commissioned officers and Non-Commissioned Officers' drill jackets were of similar cut to the original black tunic and was designed to incorporate both collar patches and shoulder straps. Non-rated soldiers were issued a tunic with standing collar, which was not as finely tailored as the Officer's and NCO's and proved to be relatively unpopular among the ranks.

In the beginning of 1935, an earth-grey uniform was introduced to the soldiers of the Leibstandarte and the SS-VT. The SS Political armband was visual striking and obviously unsuited for combat or field use. At this time, it was replaced with the SS-Alder and Swastika, which was worn on the left arm. As a historical note, SS-Totenkopfverbände personnel, beginning in 1936, were issued an earth-brown version of this uniform, for use within KZ's.

Beginning in 1937, both the earth-grey and earth-brown uniforms were replaced by the standardized field-grey SS uniform. this uniform was generally based on that of the Heer uniform but did utilize the slanting slash side pockets and black or silver piped collar which was the same color as the rest of the tunic characteristic of SS uniforms. In 1938, the soldiers of the Leibstandarte were issued Heer tunics, but were distinguished as SS tunics by having unpiped dark-green collars and pleated patch side pockets.

With the formations of the SS-Divisions Totenkopf and Polizei, the SS had little choice but to outfit these Divisions with Heer uniforms, albeit with appropriate insignia. By May 1940, Heer uniforms were standard throughout the SS-VT and the Waffen-SS as a whole. For practical reasons, throughout this year the dark-green collar was phased out in favor of a field-grey version and the black/ silver piping was also discontinued.

The following are examples of uniforms utilized by the Waffen-SS.  Not all of the examples below are approved for the LAH reenactment Unit.

The M36 uniforms consists of Heer-style wool tunic and trousers. The tunic collar is constructed of bottle-green colored material. The pockets of the tunic are of the patch type and pleated. The pockets are covered by a scalloped flap and secured with pebble finish buttons. The tunic may or may not have buttoned cuffs, belt hooks or cuffed sleeves. Color of the tunic body and sleeves must be field-grey. The front is usually closed with five pebble-finish buttons. The M36 us authorized for all ranks as a walking out uniform. Field use of the M36 tunic is reserved for use by officers and NCO's. The trousers are field gray wool with a straight or slightly tapered leg.  No patch style pockets are authorized.  Slash style pockets are acceptable.  Trousers should be suspendered, however, belted is acceptable as long as the tunic is worn.  Trousers may have draw strings on the leg bottoms. 

The M40/41 uniform is identical to the M36 uniform except for the bottle green collar which has been replaced with the standard field-grey collar of the same material. the M40/41 uniform is authorized for all ranks as a dress or field uniform. This is the most commonly utilized German uniform.