Giro di bitta

The curiosity about the origin of the "giro di bitta" led me to an extensive research. The loop on the top stripe of naval officers' sleeves, known as the "giro di bitta," was introduced by the British Royal Navy on April 11, 1856. However, the exact reason for this practice is unclear.

Contrary to a legend involving Admiral Nelson using it to fasten his empty sleeve, historical iconography shows minimal evidence of such a practice. It is suggested that the loop may have been introduced by the British as a simple ornament, replacing more elaborate existing embellishments. This innovation was soon adopted by many navies, excluding Italy, the Piedmontese and Neapolitan Navies, and the Austro-Hungarian Navy.

The loop did not appear in the Royal Italian Navy until the Royal Decree of April 21, 1878, mandated it for officers of the General Staff. The loop was absent in the Royal Corps of Crew Members (CREMM, later CEMM) but was eventually abolished in December 1938 after Mussolini questioned the inconsistency in officer uniforms during a visit to a warship.

After World War I, the loop became popular, with various shapes adopted by different military branches. However, it was abolished in most post-war uniform changes, surviving only in ceremonial uniforms of the Army and other armed forces. The oval loop persisted in the San Marino Gendarmerie until the late 1950s.

The color-coded underlay surrounding the epaulettes, varying by the corps, is another unique feature in the Italian Navy. This tradition traces back to the 19th century when distinctive uniforms marked officers from different specialties. The evolution of these colors continued through the years, reflecting changes in corps, regulations, and fashion.

In summary, the origin of the loop on naval officers' uniforms is traced back to the British Royal Navy in 1856. Despite legends, its purpose remains somewhat uncertain, and its adoption by other navies, excluding Italy, occurred over time. The loop's presence in the Italian Navy's General Staff was mandated in 1878 and later abolished in 1938. The loop's influence spread to other military branches, leading to various shapes and colors in different forces.

All the information are available on https://www.lavocedelmarinaio.com/2016/09/a-proposito-di-occhielli-di-tessuti-e-di-colori-ma-non-si-tratta-di-cucito/