Vest.--Same material and color as coat and trousers, piped same as coat, with collar cut to open same height as coat, and five regulation buttons down the front. Vest may be omitted in Summer. During the heated term postmasters may permit letter carriers to wear a neat shirt or loose-fitting blouse, instead of coat and vest, the same to be made of light-gray chambray, gingham, light-gray cheviot, or other light-gray washable material, to be worn with turn-down collar, dark tie, and neat belt, all to be uniform at each office. All garments must be sewed with pure-dye sewing silk, and the garments must be finished in a proper and workmanlike manner and goods thoroughly shrunk. Carriers must be designated by number, and nickel-plated figures nine-sixteenths of an inch in length, surmounted by a metallic wreath, must be worn, on the hat, cap, or helmet, the design and pattern to be uniform at all offices, and to be regarded as a part of the carrier’s uniform. Length of service as letter carriers shall be indicated on the carrier’s uniforms by stars, as follows: Five years’ service, one black silk star. Ten years’ service, two black silk stars. Fifteen years’ service, one red silk star. Twenty years’ service, two red silk stars. Twenty-five years’ service, one silver star. Thirty years’ service, two silver stars. Forty years’ service, two gold stars. All stars will be three-fourths of an inch in diameter and placed one-half inch above black braid on each sleeve, equidistant between seams. Postmasters of free delivery offices will cause a careful inspection of carriers’ uniforms to be made twice a year. A carrier should not be required to buy a new suit or any part thereof, unless the postmaster, after inspection, decides that it is necessary in order to maintain a uniform and neat appearance of the force. Performance of Service. All letter carriers at free delivery offices shall be entitled to leave of absence, not to exceed fifteen days in each year, without loss of pay. The words “each year” mean fiscal year (July 1st to June 30th, inclusive), and carriers in the service on the first day of July are entitled to receive fifteen days’ vacation, inclusive of Sundays and holidays, at any time during the year when the postmaster can best spare them. Carriers entering the service after the first day of July are entitled to a pro rata leave of absence during the remainder of the fiscal year, equal to one and a quarter days for each month. Carriers serving as members of the local Civil Service Boards during examinations, as members of the United States Militia of the District of Columbia, or as witnesses for the Government in the United States courts, shall be given leave with full pay during necessary absence occasioned by such service.