There are four types of stripes that were used in World War II. Numerous variations can be found within each type: different background materials, different colors/shades of thread and material, and different weaves or embroidery. There are also numerous examples of locally manufactured or private purchase insignia. The types shown here are the most common types.
"Summer Combat": These are by far the most common variety. They are the light silvery-tan or gold-tan stripes on a dark blue (almost black) cotton background. These were to be worn on summer-style field or combat uniforms. M-41 field jackets, wool shirts (when worn as a field shirt as opposed to a dress shirt), and HBT shirts. They can also be seen worn on the khaki cotton shirt in tropical areas. These were originally embroidered, but as the war progressed were more often found in the woven "bevo" style.
"Summer Dress": These are an uncommon variety, as they were unauthorized and more limited in their use. These are the light to medium green, olive, or gold/tan colored stripes embroidered on a light khaki cotton background. These are often mistaken for Marine Corps stripes. These were generally only worn on the khaki cotton shirts when they were worn as a dress shirt . They could also be worn on the enlisted Khaki Tan Summer Dress jacket (not a normal issue item), and oddly enough, can sometimes be seen worn on the M-1942 paratroopers uniform. These were also originally embroidered, but can be found in the woven style. This variety was never specifically authorized for wear, but nevertheless saw widespread use.
"Winter Combat": These are the hard to find stripes that everyone wants. They are the thick dark OD wool felt stripes that are sewn onto a thick blue (almost black) wool felt background. These were supposed to be worn on any winter field or combat uniform such as tankers jackets, mackinaws, "horse blanket" wool overcoats (when worn as a field overcoat, NOT a dress overcoat), "Ike" jackets, etc.
"Winter Dress": These are the nice looking embroidered medium OD green stripes on a dark blue (almost black) background. Some early-war or pre-war versions have a more brown or gold color stripe. These were designed to be worn on the four-pocket dress tunic, and the wool shirt and the wool overcoat when they were worn as a dress uniform.
All of the above were pre-war or early war recommendations/regulations. Once the war got underway, a lot of these distinctions were ignored, and stripes were often worn as they became available. By far, the most commonly seen stripes on all uniforms are the so-called "Summer Combat" woven type stripes.
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