The Swiss Guard, the military unit of the Vatican, has received a new uniform. They have long been known for their colorful outfits, but now a new attire has been added. In this article, I’ll show you both uniforms and tell you all about them.
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The traditional, colorful uniform of the Swiss Guard
Pope Julius II founded the Swiss Guard in 1506 to protect himself. He handpicked soldiers from Switzerland for their loyalty and skill in battle. In 2025, 135 Swiss men serve in the Guard and protect both the Pope and Vatican City.
The Guard now enjoys worldwide recognition for its colorful uniform, shown in the photo above. For centuries, many credited Michelangelo Buonarroti with the design, but historians have disproved that myth. Commander Jules Repond introduced the current design in 1915 and modeled it on sixteenth-century Renaissance clothing. The uniform includes 154 separate pieces and originally featured blue and yellow to honor Pope Julius II of the Della Rovere family. Later, Repond added red to pay tribute to the Medici family and Pope Leo X.
Swiss Guard receives new uniform at the Vatican
The members of the Swiss Guard have now received an additional uniform. It is intended for non-ceremonial, formal occasions outside the Vatican, such as diplomatic receptions or official dinners.
Unlike the wider, brightly colored uniform worn within Vatican City, the new one looks much more formal. It is a black wool suit with a double row of gold buttons. It features a yellow-and-white belt and a Mao-style collar. This uniform will only be worn by officers during formal receptions or events outside the Vatican.
Before 1976, the Swiss Guard already had a special suit for external occasions. They used it for official visits or receptions outside the Vatican, and for religious ceremonies where the ceremonial uniform was not suitable. During the winter months and indoor duties, this suit was also used regularly. Eventually, the Guard decided to stop using it because it had become outdated, and they wanted to focus on the ceremonial uniform. For the new design, they didn’t have to look far: the current uniform is a reconstruction of the model that disappeared in 1976.
The Vatican’s military unit now has three uniforms
In addition to the ceremonial uniform and the new officers’ uniform, the men have had a daily uniform since 1970. This is a dark blue suit with white details.
The Swiss Guard wears this uniform while performing daily duties, including guarding the Vatican gates and welcoming guests. Made from a blend of wool and polyester, the uniform pairs with a beret for a classic look. Photographers rarely capture it, since the Guard typically poses only during special occasions.
The new uniform features a completely different fit from the daily and ceremonial versions, yet it remains equally elegant. Each black suit costs around two thousand euros, a price that reflects its craftsmanship. The Vatican didn’t pay for it, an anonymous donor funded the entire collection.
Want to know how the Vatican’s clergy dress? Read my article about the Vatican’s tailor.
Best,
Aileen