The Army's Newest PT Uniforms: What to Know

The U.S. Army began changing its physical fitness training uniforms more than a decade ago. After years of development and input from soldiers, the Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU), has been standardized. The changes replace the traditional gray and black Improved Physical Fitness Uniform (IPFU) that had been in service for more than a decade. The transition to the new gold and black uniform is more than just a color swap; it represents a shift towards improved performance, comfort, and functionality for soldiers.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the new Army PT uniforms. We'll cover the design features, the materials used, the phased rollout plan, and what this change means for soldiers across the force. Whether you're a soldier preparing to receive your gear or just interested in military updates, this post will provide a clear overview of the latest in Army fitness wear.

What's New with the Army PT Uniform?

The new Army PT uniform, officially known as the Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU), introduces several key upgrades designed to enhance soldier performance and comfort during physical training. Unlike the previous gray and black IPFU, the APFU features a striking gold and black color scheme. But the changes go far beyond aesthetics.

The APFU is a modular system designed for versatility across different climates and exercise intensities. The complete ensemble includes a jacket, pants, long-sleeve and short-sleeve t-shirts, and trunks (shorts). Each piece has been re-engineered with modern materials and a more athletic fit.

According to the Army, the new Army PT uniform program was actually initiated because of soldier feedback. A February 2012 Army Knowledge Online survey of some 76,000 Soldiers found that soldiers had issues with the IPFU. They liked its durability but believed the IPFU's textiles had not kept pace with commercially-available workout clothes. They also had concerns with other things, particularly modesty issues with the shorts, especially in events like sit-ups. Those concerns were expressed by males as well as females. The issue was of such concern that soldiers were purchasing spandex-like under garments to wear beneath the trunks.

In an Army news release, the Army stated that another issue was that there were not enough female sizes in the IPFU, meaning IPFUs that wouldn’t fit all shapes and sizes.

PEO Soldier worked closely with the Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center to develop a new PT uniform that met soldier concerns but did not cost more than the IPFU. The APFU met the goal of controlling costs and improving performance by adopting lighter high tech moisture wicking fabric. The APFU introduces multiple sizes, including female sizing, and has solved the modesty issue.

The fabric of the trunks, while still made of durable nylon fabric, is lighter than and not as stiff as the IPFU trunks. Also, there is now a four-way stretch panel inside the trunks, sort of like bicycle pants, which eliminates the need for soldiers to purchase their own under garments. The trunks include a bigger key pocket and a convenient and secure ID card pouch. In all, some 34 changes were made to the new Army PT uniforms.

Key Features of the APFU

Performance Fabrics: The uniform is made from lighter, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying materials. This helps keep soldiers cooler and drier during intense workouts. The fabrics also incorporate anti-microbial properties to reduce odor.

Improved Fit and Design: The APFU has a more tailored, athletic cut compared to the often-baggy IPFU. This reduces bulk and allows for a greater range of motion, which is crucial for exercises like running, stretching, and strength training.

Enhanced Safety: Reflective elements are strategically placed on the jacket, pants, and shirts to increase visibility during early morning or evening training sessions, improving safety for soldiers running on roads or in low-light conditions.

Modularity: The system is designed to be layered. Soldiers can wear the trunks and t-shirt in warm weather, add the long-sleeve shirt as it gets cooler, and top it off with the jacket and pants in cold conditions. This allows for optimal temperature regulation.

A Closer Look at Each Component

Let's break down the individual pieces of the new Army PT uniform to understand their specific features and improvements.

The new Army PT uniforms have five parts: the jacket and pants which resemble warm ups, trunks or shorts, and the short- and long-sleeve T-shirts, he said. The ensemble is modular; meaning parts of the new Army PT uniform can be mixed and matched, for example, short- or long-sleeve T-shirts with the pants or trunks. During PT formations, unit leaders determine the appropriate combo.

Soldier feedback not only determined the form, fit and function of the new Army PT uniforms, it also determined its look. The Army made prototypes of the APFU in a variety of colors and designs and they took them to a series of soldier town halls at Fort Hood, Texas, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Soldier feedback was solicited about the design features as well as the preferred color scheme.

Then, the Army launched a second AKO survey, in which more than 190,000 responded. Soldiers overwhelmingly favored a black T-shirt with gold lettering and a black jacket with gold chevron and the Army logo.

The APFU T-Shirts (Short-Sleeve and Long-Sleeve)

The foundation of the new uniform starts with the t-shirts.

Material: Both the short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts are made from a high-performance polyester fabric. This material is exceptionally breathable and effective at wicking sweat away from the body.

Design: The shirts feature a black color with "ARMY" printed in gold across the chest. The cut is more form-fitting than the old cotton-blend IPFU shirts, preventing chafing and improving comfort during movement. The long-sleeve version provides extra warmth and sun protection without being heavy or restrictive.

The APFU Trunks

The shorts, or trunks, have received a significant redesign.

Material: Made from a lightweight, quick-drying nylon fabric, the black trunks are designed for high-intensity activity.

Design: They feature an elastic waistband with a drawstring for a secure fit. A key and ID pocket is included inside for convenience. The length is shorter than the previous PT shorts, allowing for better mobility. A reflective Army logo is located on the left leg.

The APFU Jacket

The black jacket is one of the most visible components of the new uniform.

Material: The jacket is constructed from a water-resistant and wind-resistant nylon shell. The inside has a mesh lining that promotes airflow and prevents the shell from sticking to the skin.

Design: It features a full-zip front, a high collar, and elastic cuffs. A large, stylized Army logo in gold reflective material is prominently displayed on the chest, with a chevron-shaped gold panel across the back and sleeves. Vents in the back allow heat to escape, preventing overheating.

The APFU Pants

Completing the cold-weather gear are the black pants.

Material: Like the jacket, the pants are made from a water- and wind-resistant nylon fabric with a mesh liner.

Design: They feature an elastic waistband and ankle zippers, making it easy to put them on or take them off over running shoes. A reflective gold Army logo adds to the visibility. Sorry though, you still might have to wear your reflective belt. Haha.

The Transition from IPFU to APFU

The Army began phasing out the old IPFU in 2014, with a mandatory possession date for all soldiers set for late 2017. Since then, the APFU has become the standard issue for new recruits in Basic Combat Training and is available for purchase at military clothing sales stores for all soldiers.

The transition to the new Army PT uniforms reflects the Army's ongoing commitment to modernizing soldier equipment. The IPFU, while functional, was based on older fabric technology and design principles. The APFU brings soldier fitness wear in line with contemporary athletic apparel, providing the kind of performance gear available in the civilian market. This not only improves physical performance but also boosts morale by providing soldiers with comfortable and modern-looking uniforms.

During testing of the new Army PT uniforms, about 876 Soldiers at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Fort Bragg, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Fort Hood and Fort Jackson, South Carolina, wore the APFU during PT for a three-month period, providing feedback on form, fit, comfort and so on. The APFU also was tested for things like durability, laundering, fiber strength, color fastness and color maintenance after laundering.

A key part of testing addressed the concern of some soldiers that a black shirt may cause over-heating. Instrumented tests showed that the lighter weight material and superior moisture wicking fabric more than compensated for any increased heat from the dark material.

What This Means for Soldiers

For soldiers, the adoption of the new Army PT uniforms brings several practical benefits. The improved materials mean greater comfort in a wider range of weather conditions, from hot summer days to cold winter mornings. The better fit supports a more active and dynamic training regimen, accommodating everything from long-distance running to high-intensity interval training.

Furthermore, the uniform's design acknowledges that physical readiness is a cornerstone of Army life. By providing soldiers with high-quality, purpose-built fitness gear, the Army reinforces the importance of maintaining peak physical condition. It's a tangible investment in the health, safety, and performance of every soldier.

Preparing for the Future of Army Fitness

The introduction of the new Army PT uniforms is a clear step forward in the evolution of military fitness. By prioritizing performance, comfort, and safety, the APFU equips soldiers with the gear they need to meet and exceed the demanding physical standards of the U.S. Army. As the entire force completes the transition, this modern uniform will be a common sight at Army installations worldwide, symbolizing a ready and resilient force prepared for any challenge.

If you're a soldier looking to update your gear or simply want to learn more, visit USAMM online. We carry the full Army fitness uniform. Embracing this new standard is part of staying current and ready for the future of Army service.