Hats at 'Merican?

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The second wear test of the new pilot uniform has recently concluded. Thanks to all of the wear testers who volunteered for the program and showcased the uniform around the system. Thanks also go out to the pilots who submitted critical feedback to us after viewing the prototype uniforms. As a result of your involvement in the development process, management was receptive to many of your suggested changes regarding uniform fit, function, quality and design; we made significant changes to items the majority of you identified as being deficient. In doing so, we were able to improve the final product. For example, we have been able to make changes to the jacket and overcoat fit and function, belt design, and the hat. We have secured an optional suit fabric upgrade that will be available for future purchase. We are also working out the details of a shirt upgrade.

Ultimately, configuration of the new uniform is a Flight Department decision. It does not fall within the language of our contract. Given those constraints, we have endeavored to develop a uniform that is a much-improved version of what was originally proposed.

Production has now begun on the new uniforms aimed at meeting the September 2016 rollout deadline. Fit tours for line pilots are scheduled to begin next month and will continue for several months. Any pilot unable to attend a fit tour event can be measured at no cost at any Men's Wearhouse retail store and have their uniform ordered there. The uniforms will then be shipped to each pilot's home. All pilots will receive the following new uniform items:

a. One jacket and two pairs of trousers
b. One hat with emblem
c. One tie
d. Six shirts
e. One set of epaulets
f. One overcoat
g. One set of wings

The company, in effect, "owns" our uniform, its design and all logos associated with it. You can view the new uniform on Jetnet. To date, this is what we know regarding the new uniform:

1. The single-breasted jacket design has been chosen for wear by all pilots.

2. There will be no new leather jacket option. Our current bomber-style jacket will no longer be an authorized uniform item.

3. The suit fabric is 50 percent wool/47 percent poly/3 percent elastane. There will be a higher wool blend suiting option available for purchase eventually, but it won't be available for the September 2016 rollout. There will be another very small wear test in the spring for this high wool blend fabric to test function and durability.

4. Hats will be issued to all pilots. Their use will remain optional, but recommended.

5. The shirts are 100 percent no-iron cotton. Female pilots have a V-neck blouse with scarf option, or the traditional shirt and tie. Work is still being done to allow an "off-the-shelf" shirt option for all pilots from an approved vendor.

6. New-design metal wings will be worn on the shirts and embroidered wings will no longer be authorized.

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From top to bottom: Check Airman, Captain, First Officer

7. Pilots will have the choice of a wool-blend trench or an all-weather overcoat, both with removable liners.

8. The wool blend sweater will be available for purchase. This will be worn as a warmth layer, not as outerwear.

9. A black leather uniform belt will be issued.

10. Ties and scarves will be issued, with replacements available through the flight office.

11. The initial uniform issue will be paid for by the company. Costs for optional uniform items and replacements due to wear and tear will be the responsibility of the individual pilot.

Development of the new uniform has been a lengthy process. Following the initial distribution, that process will continue. We will soon have wear test data from 15,000 pilots — a considerably larger pool than a few dozen wear testers — and we'll make sure that we have an avenue to voice our feedback and make any necessary changes.
 
How come check airmen get special wings? They also get special name tags.

Also the uniform is disappointing should have kept the Franco and kaufmann version.
 
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skyw82 said:
How come check airmen get special wings? They also get special name tags.

Also the uniform is disappointing should have kept the Franco and kaufmann version.
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It's the same as the last one except single breasted. Slightly improved stitching and more room in the pant leg but other than that I couldn't tell a difference between wear test 1 or 2 as far as the pilots go.

Or are you referring to the FA's?

Twinhill (Men's Warehouse) is just manufacturing them, it's still the same design...

Edit: the tie is now darker and slightly skinnier, with a colored logo on it, and the epaulets were darker and not white. That was the major cosmetic change I could see on #2. I don't like it (the tie) as much IMO. Looks like they took out the color part in the final version looking at jetnet now, which makes it a little bit better.
 
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