The uniforms of the Royal Navy have evolved gradually since the first uniform regulations for officers were issued in 1748. The predominant colours of Royal Navy uniforms are navy blue and white. Since reforms in 1997 male and female ratings have worn the same ceremonial uniform.
Royal Naval uniforms have served as the template for many maritime uniforms throughout the world, especially in the British Empire and Commonwealth. The uniforms of the Royal Naval Reserve, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the Maritime Volunteer Service, the Sea Cadet Corps, the Navy branch of the Combined Cadet Force and the Volunteer Cadet Corps, as well as modern uniforms of Trinity House, the Royal Australian Navy, the Royal New Zealand Navy, the Royal Malaysian Navy and the Indian Navy are virtually identical to Royal Naval uniforms, with the exception of flashes at shoulder height and on rank slides. The Royal Canadian Navy on the other hand, does not wear dress uniforms similar to the Royal Navy anymore. In addition to the dress uniforms that is more similar to the U.S. Navy, the traditional sailor suit is no longer worn and some distinctly Canadian rank insignia and titles are used; e.g., master sailor.
