History

Members of the SS originally wore uniforms that were similar in design to those worn by the SA. In order to distinguish between the two organisations, members of the SS wore the black Kepi, a black tie, black breeches, and a swastika armband with black stripes along the top and bottom.

The brown shirt was first introduced in 1925 when the NSDAP was reformed following Adolf Hitler’s release from prison. By the late 1930s, the design of the brown shirt had been largely standardised and was usually worn with collar patches, a single shoulder strap, a swastika armband, and a cuff title.

The shirt is designed with a flapped, pleated pocket on each breast, cuffed sleeves, and a pointed collar that is piped according to the rank of the wearer. Officer grade shirts are piped with silver cord, while Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) and Enlisted Men's (EM) shirts are piped with black and white, and later black and aluminium, cord. Despite this minor difference, the quality and design of the brown shirt generally do not vary between Officer and Enlisted Ranks.

The type of buttons used on shirt pockets vary, although, they were generally painted black.

In 1932, a black service uniform specially designed for members of the SS was introduced, although it was not completely issued until 1933. By the mid 1930s, the traditional SS uniform with the brown shirt was virtually obsolete.