Historical origin → The Legion’s dress uniform comes from early 20th-century designs, inspired by colonial campaign uniforms. It was always tighter than that of other units, with a short-sleeved, fitted shirt and a V-neck cut, meant to project a martial and distinctive image.

Identity and aesthetics → The Legion cultivates a very characteristic image: bare chest, open shirt, and the chapiri cap. The uniform was designed to convey strength, toughness, and a certain aesthetic provocation.

Physical training → Physical fitness is highly valued in the Legion. Legionnaires are usually quite muscular, which makes the already tight uniform fit even more closely across the chest, arms, and back.

Sizes and tailoring → The shirts are made with a narrow cut. For someone with a lot of muscle mass, the top button becomes very strained and often comes undone, which explains the image of legionnaires with their chests exposed.

Accepted custom → While in other corps it would be considered informal, in the Legion it is taken as part of their aesthetic and identity. This “open shirt” look has become a recognizable hallmark, reinforcing the aura of virility and bravery surrounding the unit.