Navies worldwide have upheld traditions that have endured for centuries, many of which trace back to origins now forgotten with the passage of time. Yet, one tradition stands out with a well-recognized explanation: the 13-button pants worn by US Navy sailors. Although the design is primarily functional, several theories suggest it also carries a symbolic meaning.
‘Crackerjacks’
The 13-button bellbottom pants, lovingly referred to as “Crackerjacks,” were introduced by the US Navy in the early 1800s with a focus on practicality. The flared bottoms allowed sailors to roll them up easily during strenuous tasks and allowed for quick removal in the event of falling overboard, all without taking off their shoes.
Crafted from thick wool fabric, the pants became heavy when wet but provided the advantage of helping to prevent sailors from sinking.
Some theories suggest the flared design also served to give US sailors a distinctive look. Moreover, since zippers were not yet widely available, the buttons were essential for securing the crotch area, known as the “broadfall,” in place.
Why do the pants worn by US Navy sailors have 13 buttons?
The broadfall section of the pants, as previously mentioned, is secured by 13 buttons, leading many to assume that this was an intentional nod by the US Navy to honor America’s original 13 colonies. However, this is widely regarded as a sailor’s myth.
Originally, the broadfall originally had 15 buttons, later reduced to seven to save on material. Sailors soon expressed dissatisfaction, finding the smaller section uncomfortable. This discomfort was partly due to weight gain from dietary changes, with some even commenting that it felt restrictive for their “equipment.”
In response, the US Navy expanded the size of the broadfall. With the additional fabric, more buttons were necessary, adding six and creating the 13-button design we see today. This number was likely chosen to provide a balanced look.
What about other pieces of uniform?
Other pieces of the US uniform had their uses, too. The neckerchief could be used as a headband or a cleaning cloth, and it also kept uniforms clean. Sailors in the 19th century typically sported long hair and, to keep it out of their way during tasks, it would be tied in a ponytail and stuck down with a sticky tar-like substance. The neckerchief kept it off the rest of their uniform.
Like the “13 buttons, 13 colonies” explanation for the bellbottom pants, the neckerchief also has an alternative and unlikely origin. Allegedly, the fabric is a symbol to honor Horatio Nelson, with the three white lines representing his three major victories.
More from us: Battle of Trafalgar: The Engagement That Saw the Heroic Death of Vice Adm. Horatio Nelson
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Today, this style of uniform is for dress purposes, rather than actual work, and these unique features were retained to maintain traditions.
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