The M-1938 Legging - An Introduction

Published: Fall 2008
Author: Mike "Squirrely" Ellis

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Army vs. Navy Markings--

Typical Army markings

Navy/Marine Corp leggings will generally feature brass hardware, and be khaki in color. Eyelets will be similar to late war Army leggings, but with dates much earlier in the war. Markings are usually something similar to "6 GREGORY & READ CO. NXSX 24662 3/12/43". Finding any legging marked "NXSX" or "NXS" is a dead giveaway, as this refers to the Navy Supplies and Accounts contract number. Navy pattern leggings were sized using a different system than Army leggings, meaning that a size "4" Navy is not the same as a "4" Army. This is the second big giveaway - Navy leggings do not use the R/L size suffixes. If it's marked 3R, chances are it's Army. If it's only marked "3", chances are it's not.

Typical Navy/Marine Corps markings. These were not used by the US Army in the ETO.

Introduction-- Background-- Army vs. Navy Markings Wearing Them-- Correct Use Lacing Methods Putting Them On Preparing Step 1-2 Step 3-5 Step 6-9 Step 10 Step 11 Different Ways to Wear Leggings-- Traditional The High Roller The Cut Down No Leggings? Leggings For Dummies War Time Changes-- Reduced Eyelets The Change to O.D. #7 Leggings, Dismounted, O.D. Factory-made Cut Downs? Other Hints and Tips-- Laces Taking Out That Rock Conclusion--