The SS troops belonged to the SS organization; service in them was not considered state service, even if it was legally equivalent to such. The military uniform of SS soldiers is quite recognizable all over the world; most often this black uniform is associated with the organization itself. It is known that the uniforms for SS employees during the Holocaust were sewn by prisoners of the Buchenwald concentration camp.
History of the SS military uniform
Initially, soldiers of the SS troops (also “Waffen SS”) wore gray uniforms, very similar to the uniform of stormtroopers of the regular German army. In 1930, the same well-known black uniform was introduced, which was supposed to emphasize the difference between the troops and the rest and determine the elitism of the unit. By 1939, SS officers received a white dress uniform, and from 1934, a gray one was introduced, intended for field battles. The gray military uniform differed from the black one only in color.
Additionally, SS soldiers were entitled to a black overcoat, which, with the introduction of the gray uniform, was replaced by a double-breasted, respectively, gray overcoat. High-ranking officers were allowed to wear their overcoat unbuttoned by the top three buttons so that the colored distinctive stripes were visible. Subsequently, holders of the Knight's Cross received the same right (in 1941), who were allowed to display the award.
The Waffen SS women's uniform consisted of a gray jacket and skirt, as well as a black cap with the SS eagle.
A black ceremonial club jacket with the symbols of the organization for officers was also developed.
It should be noted that in fact the black uniform was the uniform of the SS organization specifically, and not the troops: only SS members had the right to wear this uniform; transferred Wehrmacht soldiers were not allowed to use it. By 1944, the wearing of this black uniform was officially abolished, although in fact by 1939 it was used only on special occasions.
Distinctive features of the Nazi uniform
The SS uniform had a number of distinctive features that are easily remembered even now, after the disbandment of the organization:
- The SS emblem of two German "Sig" runes was used on uniform insignia. Only ethnic Germans - Aryans - were allowed to wear runes on their uniforms; foreign members of the Waffen SS did not have the right to use this symbolism.
- “Death's Head” - at first, a metal round cockade with the image of a skull was used on the cap of SS soldiers. Later it was used on the buttonholes of soldiers of the 3rd Tank Division.
- The red armband with a black swastika on a white background was worn by members of the SS and stood out significantly against the background of the black dress uniform.
- The image of an eagle with outstretched wings and a swastika (formerly the coat of arms of Nazi Germany) eventually replaced skulls on cap badges and began to be embroidered on the sleeves of uniforms.
The Waffen SS camouflage pattern differed from the Wehrmacht camouflage. Instead of the conventional pattern design with parallel lines applied, creating the so-called “rain effect,” woody and plant patterns were used. Since 1938, the following camouflage elements of the SS uniform have been adopted: camouflage jackets, reversible covers for helmets and face masks. On camouflage clothing it was necessary to wear green stripes indicating rank on both sleeves, however, for the most part this requirement was not observed by officers. During campaigns, a set of stripes was also used, each of which denoted one or another military qualification.
Rank insignia on SS uniform
The ranks of Waffen SS soldiers did not differ from the ranks of Wehrmacht employees: the differences were only in form. The uniform used the same distinctive signs, such as shoulder straps and embroidered buttonholes. SS officers wore insignia with the symbols of the organization both on shoulder straps and in buttonholes.
The shoulder straps of SS officers had a double backing, the upper one differing in color depending on the type of troops. The backing was edged with a silver cord. On the shoulder straps there were signs of belonging to one or another unit, metal or embroidered with silk threads. The shoulder straps themselves were made of gray braid, while their lining was invariably black. The bumps (or “stars”) on the shoulder straps, designed to indicate the officer’s rank, were bronze or gilded.
The buttonholes featured runic “zigs” on one, and rank insignia on the other. The employees of the 3rd Panzer Division, which was nicknamed "Death's Head" instead of "zig", had an image of a skull, which was previously worn as a cockade on the cap of SS men. The edges of the buttonholes were edged with twisted silk cords, and for generals they were covered with black velvet. They also used it to line the general's caps.
Video: SS form
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The military uniform has always had and still has some similarities with ordinary civilian clothing worn at a given time. In those states where there was a caste structure, the clothing of the Warrior caste was also the uniform of the army. Generally speaking, initially every man capable of bearing arms was a warrior and went to war in the dress that he always wore; specifically military armor was very primitive and varied. However, the desire to distinguish one's troops from the enemy's from afar, as far as possible, led already in ancient times to the fact that the armed forces tried to have one-color clothes or at least distinctive signs with a variety of clothes. If any branch of the army had permanent and honorable significance, it also received distinctive signs of its dignity (for example, a detachment of “immortals” or the guard of the Persian kings). Proper uniforms, according to military historians, began in Sparta, but this was only a consequence of the peculiar structure of the entire Spartan life: the regulations that prescribed the rules of washing, the schedule of dishes at lunch, etc., could not but affect such an important event as a performance to war, and did not provide the color of clothing most convenient for this purpose - and the Spartans chose red so that the blood flowing from their wounds would be less noticeable and would not confuse the faint-hearted.
The convenience of uniform uniforms could not help but be realized by other Greeks, and after them by the Romans. The Roman legions have something like a uniform in the modern sense: white clothes, uniform weapons and armor, and multi-colored feathers on the helmets, distinguishing the legion from the legion. In the Middle Ages, strictly speaking, there was no army, since it was made up of vassals and their squires and warriors; there could be no question of any uniformity in the form of uniforms, but everyone wore the distinctive insignia of their master; The cut of the clothes was also approximately the same, depending on the rank.
World War 2 military uniform
The clothing of the rich barons and their servants was distinguished by luxury, which was the subject of rivalry between them. At that time, military uniform should actually be understood as the military armor in which they went into battle. Later, when mercenary detachments appear, a desire is noticed on the part of their commanders to dress their squads in the same way; These gangs sometimes received their names based on the color that predominated in their costume. At the beginning of modern times, standing armies were gradually established, the maintenance of which in all respects fell on the government.
The end of the 17th and the entire 18th centuries were marked by long and bloody wars between the main states of Europe; Much attention was paid to the army at this time. This was also reflected in the uniform of the troops, which, especially in the guard, became fabulously beautiful, uncomfortable and expensive. The uniforms in France and the states that were under its influence were distinguished by the greatest luxury. The Prussian and Swedish troops were dressed more modestly than others. The French Revolution and the wars that followed it, and then the constant growth of armies under the influence of the development of militarism, led to the simplification and reduction in cost of uniforms. Currently, everywhere there is a noticeable desire to bring the Uniform to the point that it is comfortable, durable, easy to fit, suits climatic conditions and does not greatly burden the soldier with its care. The most beautiful and varied of the forms in all states belonged to the cavalry, while the local and auxiliary troops had the most modest. The uniform must satisfy the condition of distinguishing one part of the troops from another, so that the serviceman’s belonging to his unit is completely obvious; this is necessary both to maintain discipline and to develop solidarity between the ranks of one unit. More than ever, it is necessary to equip troops since the principle was proclaimed that states fight through their armed forces, and not the entire population. The requirement that the enemy be open obliges the combatants to wear a uniform that distinguishes them from a distance from civilians and at the same time has features that could not be quickly and conveniently hidden. The people's militia may wear a variety of Uniforms, but must have badges that are distinguishable at least at gun range
Where did the myth come from that the SS uniforms during World War II were exclusively black? After all, this was far from the case. Experts blame the legendary film “Seventeen Moments of Spring” directed by Tatyana Lioznova, where almost the entire SS uniform was black. Apparently, the film directors needed this for artistic purposes.
Western researchers argue that the Nazi uniform became a fetish and a central symbol in plays, cabarets, films, pornography, fashion and sexual perversion. Suffice it to mention Liliana Cavani's acclaimed film The Night Porter, where the uniform sets off the love story being told. According to Australian University professor Jennifer Craik, "the uniform, conceived to fashion a new nation and a 'pure race,' has become a symbol of impurity, perversion and cruelty in popular culture."
First, you need to understand one simple fact - the SS organization had a three-member structure and consisted of the General SS (Allgemeine SS), the SS "Totenkopfstandarten" units (SS-Totenkopfstandarten) and special paramilitary SS units located in barracks position (SS-Verfügungstruppe) . The last two, along with the Leibstandarte-SS Adolf Hitler, formed the backbone of the future SS troops (Waffen-SS). This criminal organization, which existed until 1945, never fully managed to reform itself and, naturally, transform its uniform. But it would be an unforgivable mistake to consider this uniform unified and unchanged. In addition to this historical fact, let us recall that military clothing consists, as a rule, of dress, casual, field, summer and winter uniforms.
The SS initially wore uniforms similar to those worn by their stormtrooper competitors. The difference between the SS men and the SA members in uniform was insignificant. In 1930, Reichsführer SS Heinrich Himmler abolished the old brown uniform and black ties and introduced the black uniform. The new black uniforms (Schwarzer Dienstanzug der SS) were worn with breeches and knee-high boots, as well as officer's marching belts. The next reform of SS uniforms was prompted by the Weimar government's demand in 1932 to disband paramilitary organizations and prohibit their members from wearing military and paramilitary uniforms.
On July 7, 1932, black uniforms and caps were introduced for SS members, sewn according to patterns by the artist and adviser to the Reichsführer SS on “matters of art” Karl Diebitsch, who was assisted by the SS Sturmhauptführer (captain) Walter Heck, who designed an emblem in the form of a double zig rune. The choice was probably based on the black color of the Prussian hussars' "death's head" (Totenkopfhusaren) uniform, which the latter wore from the 18th century until 1910. Initially, only SS officers wore such a uniform, but by the end of 1933 all ranks already had it.
In fact, they stopped wearing black uniforms after 1939 (with the outbreak of World War II), when a massive transition of members of the political party organization of the General SS (Allgemeine SS) to gray uniforms began, in addition, many SS men entered military service, including the SS troops (Waffen-SS), who wore khaki uniforms from 1937. The main difference between the SS uniform is the buttonholes with standard runes and the woven emblem with an eagle, sewn not on the right side of the chest above the pocket, like the Wehrmacht soldiers, but on the left sleeve. In 1938, army-style shoulder straps appeared with edgings of different colors depending on the type of troops.
At the very beginning, we mentioned that copies of black SS uniforms could well have ended up in the costume departments of Soviet film studios, because in 1942 a large number of sets of black SS uniforms were transferred to auxiliary police units in the occupied territories of the USSR, with the replacement of SS symbols and insignia. The remaining kits found their way to the West, where they were handed over to members of local SS units in occupied countries. As for the female SS units, they had a uniform consisting of a black cap with an SS eagle, a gray jacket and a gray skirt, as well as stockings and shoes.
The most observant television viewers have long noticed that Strillitz appeared on screen in an elegant gray uniform without a defiant swastika on the sleeve. In it, a Soviet intelligence officer goes to see Himmler. And he did the right thing, otherwise the Standartenführer could not escape the scolding from the Reichsführer and this would have become a “mistake” of our agent. The types in black uniforms disappeared not only from the streets of German cities, but even from the building of the RSHA. People spoke sarcastically about them, calling them “black SS”, in contrast to the brave “white SS” of which they were proud. Because they shed blood. The second question is - for what?
Sets of light gray uniforms began to arrive in the SS reinforcement unit as early as 1935, but three years later its design was thoroughly redesigned. Having retained (except for the color) the cut of the black uniform, instead of the light gray one with red with black edging, the armband with a white circle with a swastika inscribed in it acquired an SS eagle on the left sleeve above the elbow.
This change in uniform was intended to give the SS members a more militarized appearance. The military disaster on the eastern front caused a new wave of mobilization and among the burghers, especially the disabled and wounded, the SS men sitting in the rear did not evoke respect. The gray uniform deceptively demonstrated that these guys had also sniffed gunpowder.
Photo: Alexey GorshkovThe WAS special project is dedicated to the 72nd anniversary of the surrender of Nazi Germany. Study and compare infantry uniforms from the seven armies that fought in the European theater of World War II.
Andrey, 35 years old, elevator installation engineer
Uniform: Wehrmacht, 1945
WHAT WE WORN
This is a 1940 uniform set, but it could also be seen at the end of the war. In 1945, the German army was already using uniforms from different times. The supply was disrupted, and everything they had was given out from the warehouses. The kit did not remain in use for long even after the war, in the occupation zones until the formation of the GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany.
The German uniform made of woolen cloth is considered hot for the summer, but it is comfortable. In autumn and early spring it is much better than the cotton tunic of the Red Army. During these seasons the Germans were in a more advantageous position.
DETAILS
Caps of the 1943 model entered the Wehrmacht instead of caps. The headdresses of mountain rangers were taken as a sample. Unlike a cap, a cap has a visor to protect the eyes from rain and sun. The flaps are detachable to cover the ears and neck. Closer to 1945, the model was simplified: the lapels became false and decorative.
In battle they wore a steel helmet. I have it from 1942, also simplified to reduce the cost of production. For example, stamping is now without bends at the edges. And yet the German helmet protects the ears and neck better than the Soviet one.
The color of the gaps on the buttonholes determined the type of troops. The green (then gray) gap is a sign of infantry. In the artillery, the gaps were red. Private soldiers were not entitled to chevrons.
On the pocket there is an infantry badge. This is not a reward. It was issued for 10-15 days spent at the front. In essence, this is a combat participant’s ID card.
EQUIPMENT
On my back I have an unloading frame, which is attached to belt straps. It was introduced at the end of 1941 to increase the number of items a soldier could carry. It can be combined with a backpack or used without it.
A bean-shaped pot is attached to the frame (tourists still use similar ones) and a section of a raincoat with a tent set: pegs, half-posts. The tent is assembled from four such panels. Under the tent there was a cracker bag in which they could put everything needed for a short combat operation: a rifle cleaning kit, a sweater, a towel, a soap dish.
Culture never exists independently; it is not separated, not cut off. Culture is always inscribed in society itself. There is politics, there is economics, there is culture. Different spheres of social life, but they are always together and nearby, closely connected and sometimes confused. If a society has some kind of political system that has its own goals and objectives, and most importantly ideas, then it will certainly give rise to its own culture. This is both literature and art. Everywhere there will be an imprint of the ideas that dominate society. Be it the construction of buildings, paintings by artists or fashion. Fashion can also be linked to politics, intertwined with an idea, tied to propaganda.
Military fashion. Why not? After all, the uniform of the Third Reich is still considered the most beautiful uniform. Hugo Boss uniform. Today Hugo Boss apologizes. However, they have a good company: Volkswagen, Siemens, BMW. They collaborated with the Nazis; captured Poles and French worked at their enterprises in terrible conditions. They are uniform. Uniform for the military of the Third Reich. However, at that time Hugo Boss was not yet a large company and a well-known brand. Hugo Ferdinand Bossovic Blase opened his tailoring workshop in 1923. I sewed overalls, windbreakers, and raincoats mainly for workers. The income was not great and tailor Hugo Boss understands that only a military order can save his business. However, Hugo Boss was only one of 75,000 German private tailors sewing the army. He also sewed SS uniforms.
The author of the black SS uniform, as well as many of the regalia of the Third Reich, was Karl Diebitsch. He was born in 1899. He would die many years after the end of World War II in 1985. His ancestors come from Silesia, possibly from Poland. Of Education . He also served in the SS as an Oberfuhrer. He designed the SS uniforms together with graphic designer Walter Heck. Diebitsch also designed the Ahnenerbe logo and crosses for SS officers. A kind of genius, talent, in the service of the forces of darkness. By the way, Diebitsch was also the director of the Porzellan Manufaktur Allach porcelain factory in 1936 before the factory was transferred to the SS department and moved to Dachau.
Walter Heck, a graphic artist, was also an SS-Hauptsturmführer. It was he who developed the SS emblem in 1933, combining two “Zig” runes (the “Zig” rune - lightning in ancient German mythology was considered a symbol of the god of war Thor). He also designed the SA emblem. And together with Karl Diebitsch he created the SS uniform.
Here's the story. The history of military uniforms, which had their own designers.