Women’s dress uniforms in the Navy and Marine Corps are shifting to a more masculine version, called “gender-neutral,” and touted as a step toward equality.

A new service dress white “choker” uniform with Mandarin collar will be available for female chief petty officers and officer in 2017 for required wear by 2020.

The Navy plans to evaluate and redesign parts of the female service dress uniform for both officers and enlisted personnel no later than May, according to Navy Secretary Ray Mabus.

The Navy first launched the Maternity Uniform Pilot Program in 2022 with the idea of offering sailors maternity uniforms, tailored to fit, at no cost for the length of their pregnancy.