How to Blouse Your Boots

When I first began teaching as the DrillMaster, I wore the Army Combat Uniform (photos below) until I achieved my goal of wearing a generic solid blue Tactical Duty Uniform (above) when I teach.

Many years ago while I was still active duty in the Air Force I bought blousing weights to give a “squared-off” look to my Battle Dress Uniform trousers legs. I appreciated the look and the uniformity. If you would like to do this as well, please come with me:

First, pull on your trousers, put on your boots and tie and tuck the laces. Then, pull your trousers back down to your boots.

Next, pull the trouser legs up so that the hem is anywhere from 2 inches to 6 inches above your boots. This is something you are going to have to gauge for yourself: you need to have long trouser legs to begin with and you will need to see what feels and looks right for you based on that length. You will see what I mean in a minute.

Now place your blousing strap (pictured) or blousing band (little green things with metal hooks) around your leg just above the boot. A note here: some people prefer to use a blousing band and have it on the boot so that it doesn’t feel like their circulation is being cut off.

This is what I use for weight. While I was in the USAF,  I wrapped these with clear tape and had dozens of pennies on the inside because the weights were actually 4 inches wide and would stay up around my calf when I sat down. I cut them in half and used the 2 halves, but I lost some of the weight, hence the pennies.

After you pull your trousers on and get buckled and buttoned, reach down and now pull out to spread the material around to give the best presentation.

Here we have a more squared-off look. I don’t use the pennies as weights anymore so you can see that, even though the blouse is more horizontal, there is still some material that may bunch up.