Chinese soldiers will be wearing a new style (Style-04) of winter uniforms from December 1. The previous ones have been worn since 1987.

They have been improved in terms of materials, color, pattern and functionality, said an officer from the General Logistics Department of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The new ones are made of wool rather than poly-cotton and will better retain warmth, shield the wearer from the wind, and have increased permeability, anti-creasing and anti-static. Keeping them clean will also be easier.

Currently, the PLA has 29 varieties of dress uniforms, daily uniforms, battle fatigues and working clothes, said the officer. Compared with that of foreign armies, Chinese military uniforms are advanced in terms of materials, but incomplete in variety, the officer said.

In the future, the design of military uniforms will put more stress on professional characteristics, functionality and bearing to follow international practice, the officer said.

(China.org.cn by Li Jingrong, December 1, 2004)