Editing Schutzstaffel (section)

==Ranks and uniforms==
{{Main|Uniforms and insignia of the Schutzstaffel}}
{{See also|Runic insignia of the Schutzstaffel}}
The SS established its own symbolism, rituals, customs, ranks, and uniforms to set itself apart from other organisations. Before 1929, the SS wore the same brown uniform as the SA, with the addition of a black tie and a black cap with a ''[[Totenkopf]]'' (death's head) skull and bones symbol, moving to an all-black uniform in 1932.{{sfn|Laqueur|Baumel|2001|p=604}}{{sfn|McNab|2013|p=90}} In 1935, the SS combat formations adopted a service uniform in field grey for everyday wear. The SS also developed its own field uniforms, which included reversible smocks and helmet covers printed with [[camouflage]] patterns.{{sfn|Flaherty|2004|pp=88–92}} Uniforms were manufactured in hundreds of licensed factories, with some workers being prisoners of war performing forced labour. Many were produced in concentration camps.{{sfn|Givhan|1997}}

Hitler and the Nazi Party understood the power of emblems and insignia to influence public opinion.{{sfn|Yenne|2010|p=64}} The stylised lightning bolt logo of the SS was chosen in 1932. The logo is a pair of runes from a set of 18 [[Armanen runes]] created by [[Guido von List]] in 1906. It is similar to the ancient [[Sowilō (rune)|Sowilō]] rune, which symbolises the sun, but was renamed as "Sig" (victory) in List's iconography.{{sfn|Yenne|2010|p=64}} The ''Totenkopf'' symbolised the wearer's willingness to fight unto the death, and also served to frighten the enemy.{{sfn|Yenne|2010|p=69}}