Britain’s servicemen and -women have been ordered to remember to put underwear on when getting measured for new uniforms to avoid embarrassing their tailors, the ministry of defence said on Monday.
A notice was issued to members of the army, navy and air force in January after tailors complained about military personnel turning up to be fitted for their parade uniforms without wearing any underpants, a spokesperson said.
”Some of the contractors complained about the embarrassment that causes, not surprisingly, so instructions were issued to all three services just reminding personnel to dress appropriately and modestly,” the spokesperson said.
”Since this note was issued in January 2005, we are not aware of any further complaints,” he said.
The instruction applies to both male and female members of the military, said the spokesperson, noting that the tailors also likely comprise both sexes.
The comments came after The Sun tabloid, Britain’s bestselling daily, revealed that the instructions were issued to sailors who kept on exposing themselves at measurings.
”Tailors will take the names of any person not wearing underwear,” Commander Douglas MacDonald was quoted by the newspaper as saying.
A senior officer was quoted as saying he does not think sailors are flashing on purpose.
”It’s always been the macho thing not to wear underpants,” he said. ”Most have just forgotten when they go to the tailors.” — Sapa-AFP