Where do I even start?
If you are overwhelmed by the amount of parts and pieces in your new cadet uniform, take a look at the illustrated Quick Reference Guide to get a quick idea of which pieces go together, and how they should look when you wear them.
Please note that the guidelines on hair and jewelry, as well as the style of the white shirt, have recently changed from what is shown here - scroll to the bottom to visit the full Dress Regulations and find out more.
Please note that the guidelines on hair and jewelry, as well as the style of the white shirt, have recently changed from what is shown here - scroll to the bottom to visit the full Dress Regulations and find out more.
Thank you to former CPO1 Annie Ruan for making this Quick-Reference Guide!
What should I wear today?
Click through this slideshow below to see all the orders of dress, as well as a list of what to wear in each one! When you receive instructions or announcements for events, the order of dress required (C1, C5, etc) will be listed in the event details.
Where do my badges go?
Click through this slideshow below to find out where badges should be sewed onto your cadet tunic. This is just a quick introduction to badges - click the button below the slideshow to visit the full Dress Regulations to see full lists of badges that cadets may receive, with pictures.
A basic tutorial on how to properly stitch a badge in place can be found here: How to Sew on a Patch (link to external website), or with machine-sewing instructions here: 3 Ways to Sew a Patch on a Uniform - wikiHow (link to external website).
A basic tutorial on how to properly stitch a badge in place can be found here: How to Sew on a Patch (link to external website), or with machine-sewing instructions here: 3 Ways to Sew a Patch on a Uniform - wikiHow (link to external website).
How do I tie the 'cap tally' ribbon onto my hat?
This step-by-step diagram shows you how to tie the "cap tally" onto your whitetop hat (also called a "sailor's cap"). The cap tally is a black ribbon that says "ROYAL CANADIAN SEA CADETS" or "RCSCC NELSON" on it in gold block letters. If you do not have a cap tally ribbon, or need help tying it on, talk to your staff!
You can read more about how to line up the ribbon properly, as well as how to attach the chin strap inside your hat, in Chapter 2 Section 2 Paragraph 17 of the Dress Instructions (Canada.ca link).
You can read more about how to line up the ribbon properly, as well as how to attach the chin strap inside your hat, in Chapter 2 Section 2 Paragraph 17 of the Dress Instructions (Canada.ca link).
Where can I find more details?
The information above is only a small sample meant to get you started on understanding the basic rules and expectations about your uniform, though we are always adding to it.
If you want to keep learning more, you can click on some of the buttons below to view the full Cadet Dress Regulations on Canada.ca, which include NEW and updated rules as of 2022 about hair and personal adornment (such as jewelry and nail polish), as well as instructions on the new neckties, multi-purpose boots, and white shirts for Sea Cadets.
If you want to keep learning more, you can click on some of the buttons below to view the full Cadet Dress Regulations on Canada.ca, which include NEW and updated rules as of 2022 about hair and personal adornment (such as jewelry and nail polish), as well as instructions on the new neckties, multi-purpose boots, and white shirts for Sea Cadets.