Luftwaffe versions of the Fliegermütze (sidecap) and M.1943 Einheitsfliegermütze were worn by all personnel. As well, officers wore the blue-grey version of the Schirmmütze (peaked cap), usually with the stiffener removed to obtain that "rumpled" look so beloved by pilots. Members of the Field Divisions wore the standard M.35 Stahlhelm (helmet), painted blue-grey; however, paratroops who were assigned to the Feld Divisions usually retained their jump helmets. Helmets were either covered by foliage or with helmet covers -- either the Wehrmacht splinter-pattern, or home-made covers made from burlap.

As with most air forces of World War Two, the Luftwaffe wore uniforms quite distinct from those of the other branches of the military. Three types of jacket were available: the Fliegerbluse, Tuchrock, and the Waffenrock.

The soldier at the left is shown wearing the M.35 Fliegerbluse (M.35 Flyer's Jacket) and Tuchhose 35 (M.35 cloth trousers) both in fliergblau. Along with this uniform, he is wearing the minimal gear worn in quiet areas of the front.

The Fliegerbluse

For most of the war, NCOs and other ranks wore the Fliegerbluse. It was a plain, hip-length blue-grey garment with a fly front and no visible buttons. Developed concurrently for exclusive use as a flying uniform. This short, close-fitting garment was simple and inexpensive to produce and quickly became the favoured tunic of all branches and on all occasions.

The pre-war Fliegerbluse 35 version had no external pockets on NCO's and other ranks' jackets. (Initially, no breast eagle was worn; this was changed as of 1 October 1940, and the national eagle badge was added to the right breast. The special Luftwaffe eagle had "wavy" wings, and was depicted in flight to the right, clutching a swastika in one talon -- there was no wreath round the swastika. It appeared in white for enlisted men and silver for officers.) NCOs wore a strip of silver-grey Tresse around the outer edge of the collar. 

The pre-war officers' version of the Fliegerbluse had flapless "slash" side pockets (the opening of the pocket having a gentle curve), and, as with most items of officers' kit, privately purchased garments showed many subtle variations in detail. This version of the Fliegerbluse was worn throughout the war.

At the beginning of the war, the upper part of the collars of both tunics bore edge piping (Kragenlitze) in the appropriate Waffenfarbe for NCOs and enlisted ranks, silver for officers up to the rank of Oberst. An order of 20 March 1940 discontinued the Waffenfarbe piping for lower ranks, but officers' piping was retained. However, it is likely that tunics with piping would have been seen long after that date.

From 6 May 1940 pockets were added to the skirts of the Fliegerbluse. They were internally hung, but for NCOs and enlisted men, had large external flaps with rounded corners, fastened with exposed alloy buttons. However, the old versions continued to be worn until stocks were worn out; as a result, the old versions can be seen throughout the war. In December 1940, officers began to be issued the same version as other ranks, but with the collar piped in silver (though the version with "slash" pockets continued to be worn).

The Fliegerbluse was generally worn open-necked and without a shirt and tie by all ranks for service dress, and open-necked with a pale blue shirt and black tie for walking out; both were worn with blue-grey trousers. Officers often wore flared breeches and the knee-length boots.

The Tuchrock

The Tuchrock (or Rock, literally "cloth coat") was adopted for everyday wear in 1935. It featured a falling collar with deep lapels, five buttons (only four of which were exposed), turn-back cuffs, two pleated patch breast pockets and two expanding "bellows" pockets on the skirts, all with square flaps and exposed buttons. Officers often wore privately purchased items, some of which featured gently scalloped flaps on the pockets. It was piped silver around the outer edge of the collar. The Tuchrock was initially used for formal occasions, worn by all ranks as a full-dress uniform in the early years of the war. It was primarily worn as service dress by officers during the war years (including in the front line, as seen in photos). It was intended to be replaced by the Waffenrock in November 1938, but the transition was gradual (a new item being issued when the old one wore out), and the Tuchrock was still seen throughout the war years.

On 11 November 1938 a new dual-purpose tunic, the Waffenrock, was introduced . It was the same as the Wehrmacht M1935 tunic, with four pleated patch pockets with pointed flaps; it differed in that it was made of Luftwaffe blue-grey cloth. The edge of the collar was piped silver for officers, and in the appropriate Waffenfarbe for other ranks. Officers' tunics had the deep turned-back cuffs as on the Wehrmacht tunic. It was worn over a white or light blue shirt and black tie. Like the Tuchrock, it was worn by all ranks in the early war years as a full-dress uniform, but was rarely seen in the front lines.

Though intended as a replacement for both the Tuchrock and Fliegerbluse, the idea stood little chance against the popularity of the previous garments (particularly the Fliegerbluse), and manufacture of the Waffenrock was discontinued sometime in 1940. However, privately-tailored officers' examples were seen throughout the war. 

Hosen

Straight blue-grey trousers (Tuchhose 35) were issued to enlisted ranks. They had slightly angled hip pockets, a buttoned slash pocket at the right rear, and a patch-type watch pocket to the right front. A rear V-notch and half-belt allowed adjustment to the waistband, and buttons were positioned at the front and back of the waistband to attach braces (aka suspenders). Officers and some senior NCOs elected to wear breeches (Stiefelhose) instead. Officers' trousers were of superior tailoring, with the pockets tending to be vertically set, buckled waist adjustment and an internal watch pocket. Officers also wore riding breeches (Reithose), which were identical to the Stiefelhose, but with the addition of inner thigh reinforcement panels in matching cloth, or more often, contrasting stone-grey suede or moleskin. 

Footwear

At the beginning of the war, the black marching boots (Schaftsteifel or Marschstiefel) was worn by all ranks. It measured 35-39cm from heel to top, and were heavily hobnailed onthe sole. However, on 9 november 1939 they were ordered shortened to 32-34cm as an economy measure (though both versions were seen throughout the war). 

From 13 March 1941, the marching boot began to be replaced among enlisted ranks by ankle-length laced boots (Schurschuhe). Initially, they were issued when the high boot needed replacing, though they became common issue late in the war. It appears from photos that the short boot was hobnailed in the same pattern as the marching boot. Photos show that most either wore the trousers loose over the boots, or tucked into socks (a practice which was forbidden in August 1944, but widely ignored). Photos also show the trousers bloused over socks for a smarter look.

In place of the marching boot, officers wore soft black leather riding boots with breeches, or low-quarter black shoes with straight trousers. As the war progressed, stocks of Wehrmacht clothing were issued when Luftwaffe clothing was not available. The short ankle boot also began to replace the high boot.

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