Air Force Uniform Office members 1st Lt. Avery Thomson and 2nd Lt. Maverick Wilhite model updated versions of the Air Force physical training uniform at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Feb. 25, 2021. (Jim Varhegyi/U.S. Air Force)
After a two-year delay, the Air Force anticipates the new gender-specific uniform for physical training to be available on a limited basis in November.
The PT uniform — short-sleeve shirt, running shorts, all-purpose shorts and warm-up suit — was originally scheduled for release in 2022, Air Force spokeswoman Ciara Travis told Stars and Stripes by email Thursday.
The uniform is now expected in November at select Army and Air Force Exchange Service locations in the continental United States, she said.
When the Air Force announced the new uniform back in 2021, it planned on a four-year transition before it became mandatory wear.
Travis did not say when the new workout clothing would be available at bases overseas.
Some optional items, including a long-sleeve shirt and sweatshirt, are in development and will be available later, she said.
“That process took longer than expected,” she said.
Fielding the new uniform required time to find mandatory government sources and collaborate with domestic fabric manufacturers to meet technical requirements for the materials, Travis said.
The Berry Amendment and Buy American Act require certain products purchased by the Department of Defense to be manufactured and purchased within the United States.
The Space Force launched its new physical training uniforms in March for basic trainees; the Air Force followed shortly thereafter.
“The Air Force began providing the new AF PT uniform to Airmen in basic training as of July 2024,” Travis said. “The items issued included the short-sleeve shirt, running shorts, all-purpose shorts and track suit.”
The Space Force PT uniform is based on the latest Air Force PT uniform designs, the Defense Logistics Agency announced in June.
The outfit will have improved fabrics that include soft, quick-drying material with antimicrobial technology that helps with moisture and odor control, and fabric that minimizes noise.
The 10-piece gender-specific PT uniform — five pieces each for men and women — replaces a four-piece unisex uniform, according to the agency release.
Adding additional production lines to the already fragile industry base came with challenges, David James, clothing and textiles customer operations cell chief for Air Force and Space Force clothing, said in the release.
