A Brief History of US Postal Uniforms

Delivery men and women have delivered mail across every part of the United States for more than a century now. The deliveries are done by way of different means of transport- rail, road, air by the delivery guys proudly wearing their postal carrier uniforms. However, did you know that USPS carrier uniforms have gone through several changes over all these years?


During the earlier times, city carrier uniforms were mostly cadet gray in color. The fabric was usually cut into sack suits, plain and simple, and paired with black pants with stripes. A cap and attachable cape of the same material were also provided with CCA uniforms, in case the weather takes a toss.

Many small changes to the postal carrier uniforms were made between 1868 and 1901. Summer and winter uniforms were perfected, numbered badges were introduced, and pith helmets added a colonial feel to summertime delivery.

In 1957, the employee handbook broke the gender barriers prevalent during those times in the most casual of ways. The USPS opened vacancies for women with the rule that female employees will have the same USPS carrier uniforms as male employees. That was a huge statement back then! Passing through the 1960s, the uniforms saw a drastic change in the uniform guidelines. The employees had the liberty to choose their version of city carrier uniforms. The choices were limited to keep a uniform dress code across the district, but the introduction of these options in itself was quite unprecedented.

The year 1971 saw a lot of changes. The eagle had long been worn on postal workers' helmets-badges, but their shirts featured a patch with a horse. When the Post Office Department was renamed the United States Postal Service, a new patch was created, featuring an eagle over the words "United States Mail."

The CCA uniforms have gone through several changes to bring it to the current state of being. Today’s uniforms are adaptable, and the designs are made to keep up with the climate conditions. And even when employees have to choose a uniform dress code across the city, there is a wide range of options to choose from.

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