White Aviator shirt-AF Style

[DrJbdm]

Hey everyone, I found a website that sells the white aviator shirt that is cut to AF standards for the Blues. Here's what the webpage says about them. "65% polyester, 35% Cotton Ring Spun Poplin, epaulets, two mitered, pleated pockets and flaps, wing eyelets,  short sleeve white only. Based on the Air Force dress uniform."

  Here's the link to the page: http://www.tallyhouniforms.com/p_shirt.htm

I figure these would look much more professional looking then what Vanguard sells. They are alot cheaper too.  I just ordered one for the TPU.

[DNall]

That really isn't bad. It would look a lot better I think.

[Camas]

I'd be concerned about those wing eyelets, especially for those who don't qualify for wings.  This is another option though it's more money.

[carnold1836]

I wear that shirt and although the eyelets are visable they aren't to terribly noticeable, unless I'm wrong, Dennis saw me in that uniform this weekend at TXWG cadet competion.

[DNall]

I did notice the eyelets, but nothing about the pocket. Let me say two quick things there.

The eyelets themselves aren't very noticable, but the pad of extra backer material is. That's not much of an issue since people tend to wear white cardboard or similiar behind badges anyway. If you don't have some kind of badge there though it looks a little silly. If you'll check with the manufacture though, I believe I heard at one point that they are avail w/o the eyelets for the same price. Don't know for sure.

I said I didn't notice the pockets & that doesn't mean anything about importance. If things look like they are supposed to look in people's mind then it blends into the background & is not noticed. That's a good thng, and it happens on a subconscious level. In CAP circles there is so much varriation in those shirts that it'll all blend in, but if I were in a location where I'd be around AF people &/or facilities on a regular basis & wanted to wear that uniform (especially with the blue pants/slides) I'd go with the AF-style pockets that'll more quickly put them at ease.

I have a little tighter rules in my head for how much junk you should put on an AF-style blues shirt versus the white shirt, particularly for junior officers. I just mention that to say there's som room to work here, but it would be nice if NHQ would standardize the pocket style to the AF shirt in a reasonable phase in/out period.

[Camas]

I have a little tighter rules in my head for how much junk you should put on an AF-style blues shirt versus the white shirt, particularly for junior officers.

Please share your thoughts; I'd be curious.

I have a white shirt by Elbeco that I've saved for wearing with the TPU's but I agree that the pleated pocket is the way to go. I might just consider getting one. The white shirt/blue trousers combo is popular up here in ORWG though I have yet to see anyone in the new corporate service coat.

[DNall]

I have a little tighter rules in my head for how much junk you should put on an AF-style blues shirt versus the white shirt, particularly for junior officers.

Please share your thoughts; I'd be curious.

Okay sure, just don't get sucked off into a tangent... my personal view is fairly simple, & flows from a practical standpoint & common practice in AF officer customs.

The AF standard for badges is simple. Wings & spec badges go over the left (ribbon side) pocket; pick two, if you have wings you must wear those so pick one & you're encouraged to make that your primary specialty. The pocket is for duty badges (which is only NB/NEC in CAP, but CP & AE have the look & must be worn in that position). Name side is only for the CC badge. I stick pretty close to that.

Junior officers in the real military should wear ribbons as rarely as possible. You look stupid with two ribbons on your chest telling an SNCO what to do, it draws attention to your lack of experience & doesn't reinforce confidence in your authority, position, or competence. Real Mil NCOs should wear their ribbons more often for exactly the inverse of those reasons. On the other end of the spectrum, more experienced officers wearing the giant stack give the impression they're holding their experience over your head. Apply this to CAP as you see fit. Consider upper level cadet officers & their egos/attitudes.

I wear only the MO wings & GBD badge with the shirt. Even though CP is my primary specialty, wearing anything on the pocket seems over the top.

Now you can apply that standard to the white shirt or not. You have to make your own decisions on what to wear or not & why you're doing it. In all honesty... the people in the white shirt tend to be the least militarized among us, regardless of their background. I don't think less of them or consciously prejudge them, but my expectations on first impression are lower for the uniform, and a lot of times that bleeds to an assessment of their military skills, line leadership abilities, etc. It's not that they can't very quickly establish their credentials & reshape my opinion of them, they very much can, but that takes an effort. Really if you wear that uniform right you can establish that position w/o opening your mouth (not many garters hanging from white shirts), but that's the same situation wear you can wear an AF uniform badly & that's going to shape my impression of you as well.

The service coat is a whole other deal, but it bears on this because it allows me to stick to these standards pretty religiously. I can set the coat up once & leave it for a quarter or more, but have to clean & redo the shirts once or twice a month. I end up wearing it a lot actually. I'm 31 & look even younger then that, but joined CAP 13 years ago as a SM at 18, have a great deal of ES & CP experience, more than the majority of CAP members (not all by far). If I'm in a situation, like say an SLS, where I'm dealing with adults that are older than me but only have a few years in CAP, or same thing with cadet officers, it's very helpful to establish my credentials right there w/o the hassle of consciously making an effort, so that the first words out of my mouth can be about getting the job done.

I know the situation is different with the corporate service coat, cause that thing is freaking expensive & not avail from surplus, used, etc. Plus most people don't like the design/appearance.

Look, in the end you're going to have to do what you think is right & know why you're doing it, and know that you'll be judged for better or worse based on your decisions. You have to apply some balance & self-restraint, but still be proud & back up put together a professional looking foundation to preface your words & actions. I don't want to get jumped on for my view of the corporate uniforms, that's just the nature of the beast & everyone knows that, & they know there are exceptions to the rule as well.

[DrJbdm]

I wear that shirt and although the eyelets are visable they aren't to terribly noticeable, unless I'm wrong, Dennis saw me in that uniform this weekend at TXWG cadet competion.

  Chris, I don't think I've ever noticed the white shirt you wear being any different then the others. But I'll admit that I tend not to look too close at the white shirt when worn with the grey pants. I notice the difference in the white shirt much more when worn with the TPU, I guess because the Vanguard white aviator shirt looks so completely different then the Air Force style cut of the blue AF shirt.

  Thats why I like this shirt that I posted on, It's much closer to the AF style cut. If I'm not mistaken the only difference would be the color and the wing eyelets. I wish I could have it with out the eyelets but seeing how I wear Pilots wings I'm guessing it wouldn't make a difference anyhow.

[Major_Chuck]

You might be able to get a good deal on some surplus JetBlue aviator shirts here in the next week or so...just kidding.

I've found some very similiar white aviator shirts also at a police uniform supply store here in Richmond.  No ones caught the slight differences (velcro'd  tabs on the shirt with a faux button).

[DrJbdm]

I really just hate the cut and the look of the white aviator shirts sold thru vanguard. They are cut large so they look sloppy, then without having pocket pleats they don't quite look the same as the AF shirt. The sleeves are very large as well. Just doesn't look right.

[DNall]

You want a simple fix like getting Vanguard to carry the right shirt, I'm for that 100%, and would also be for 39-1 spelling out the pocket style. DoD spells out Milspec on everything down to the the smallest detail, and that's what they give to manufactures & others can submit to have approved. They should be doing that absolutely.

[Camas]

Okay sure, just don't get sucked off into a tangent

No tangent - just curiousity.  Based on your posts I assumed you've had quite a bit of experience.  Thanks for the input.

[DNall]

sure, hope it helps.

[DrJbdm]

CAP seems to have a problem in correctly stating the exact requirements for uniforms. I think they need to adopt the same DoD Milspec for uniforms...including the white aviator shirt, simply change the color to white. Otherwise have it manufactured to the same DoD milspec as for the AF blues. I'm sure Vanguard could do it, Hell National had the corporate service coat manufactured.

[AlphaSigOU]

CAP seems to have a problem in correctly stating the exact requirements for uniforms. I think they need to adopt the same DoD Milspec for uniforms...including the white aviator shirt, simply change the color to white. Otherwise have it manufactured to the same DoD milspec as for the AF blues. I'm sure Vanguard could do it, Hell National had the corporate service coat manufactured.

And I'm still waiting on my TPU service dress coat... 

[NAYBOR]

I emailed Susan Parker at NHQ last year when the TPU was introduced about members being able to wear the AF-style aviator shirt.  She said it was OK.  I bought mine from Talley-Ho, and they're not bad at all.

Camas, I clicked your link, but got a VBScript error.  Could you post the link again (to a place with shirts without the eyelets, I assume)?  Thanks!

[DNall]

And I'm still waiting on my TPU service dress coat... 

I assume you've called & nagged vanguard recently. If that's not working then I'd call HQ. I foget who it is, but there's someone up there tasked with dealing w/ problems related to vanguard (and taking complaints).

[Camas]

Could you post the link again (to a place with shirts without the eyelets, I assume)?  Thanks!

Try this one

http://www.pilotshirts.com/products.asp?dept=12

[DNall]

That doesn't have the AF-style pockets.

[ddelaney103]

OK, let me see if I've got this straight...

For the blue uniform with white shirt, you can wear a shirt with either plain buttoned pockets or buttoned pockets with the AF-style pleat.  For the white shirt with the gray pants you wear the white plain pocketed shirt.

Why?

[Camas]

I assume you've called & nagged vanguard recently. If that's not working then I'd call HQ. I foget who it is, but there's someone up there tasked with dealing w/ problems related to vanguard (and taking complaints).

Rita Labarre is her name

That doesn't have the AF-style pockets.

No, I don't own one of those though I'd like to.  This is the shirt I currently use for my TPU's.  See my earlier post.

For the blue uniform with white shirt, you can wear a shirt with either plain buttoned pockets or buttoned pockets with the AF-style pleat.  For the white shirt with the gray pants you wear the white plain pocketed shirt.

Sounds like you can wear either shirt with either uniform.  However the consensus seems to be in favor in wearing the pleated-pocket shirt with the TPU's.

[AlphaSigOU]

And I'm still waiting on my TPU service dress coat... 

I assume you've called & nagged vanguard recently. If that's not working then I'd call HQ. I foget who it is, but there's someone up there tasked with dealing w/ problems related to vanguard (and taking complaints).

Already did... twice. Giving 'em one more time before I escalate to Rita LaBarre at NHQ CAP.

[DNall]

Rita Labarre is her name

Thank you!

Sounds like you can wear either shirt with either uniform.  However the consensus seems to be in favor in wearing the pleated-pocket shirt with the TPU's.

Consensus is generally that it would be best if the reg spelled out the pleated pocket as required for both blue & gray combos, but with a couple year wear out date on the others so you don't kill anyone on the money. W/ or w/o that, Vanguard should move to selling the right ones. And overall, CAP should spell out MILSPEC on items like this.

[Monty]

Could you post the link again (to a place with shirts without the eyelets, I assume)?  Thanks!

Try this one

http://www.pilotshirts.com/products.asp?dept=12

Well, I ordered one of these shirts (w/o the eyelets) but to my dismay, the epaulets are too small for CAP rank insignia.  (I'm no weird size either.......s/s shirt, 15 1/2 neck....)  There's plenty of room if they'd made the epaulets longer....then it'd have been perfect.

Good shirt though!

Bummer.    Guess it's gotta go back.

[DNall]

huh... I see what you mean in the pix now. looks like they blocked off the end so those standard commercial pilot slides would sit centered. Is it a matter of popping a couple stitches that woudn't tear it up? I mean it'd be covered by the grade slide anyway just as long as it didn't do any stuctural or visual damage. Just curious since you've held on in your hand. Too bad too, cause it looks right.

[Monty]

huh... I see what you mean in the pix now. looks like they blocked off the end so those standard commercial pilot slides would sit centered. Is it a matter of popping a couple stitches that woudn't tear it up? I mean it'd be covered by the grade slide anyway just as long as it didn't do any stuctural or visual damage. Just curious since you've held on in your hand. Too bad too, cause it looks right.

This shirt is a MUCH better quality than the AF-style blue shirt or the CAP typical aviator white shirt, so I hate to hand it back.

Even as handy as I am with a sewing machine and alterations, I'm not going to tackle the fix-job.  The epaulet is built into the seam of the shirt and well, for the price of the thing, I'd just as soon have it professionally correct upon order.

BUT...

I did send in a request to see if they'll either offer a custom job on the epaulets or a flat out refund (I'm sure of the latter.)

It's heavier weight, MUCH more sturdy (not "Dickies" utilitarian though), 60/40 cotton/poly, flat-felled seems, tough collar....I was looking forward to this addition.  They sure do mail quickly (if its in stock, it goes out the day you order.)

Hope they'll do customs.

EDIT: here you go; a comparison

[DNall]

Man, that's really too bad, that seems top notch.

[pixelwonk]

Hey, those are spiffy Epaulet slides! 

I bet they even came with free home-made stiffeners too!

[Monty]

Hey, those are spiffy Epaulet slides! 

I bet they even came with free home-made stiffeners too!

I wondered about those!  I thought, "man, these are super duty...too bad I don't use 'em."  I handed them to my wife and she knows IMMEDIATELY what they are.

Being the real brains of the house and all.   

[pixelwonk]

Who said they were for you?

[Monty]

Well, here's a cut 'n paste of the response I got.

Hope it helps everyone!

-Monty

*          *          *

"So sorry for the problem with the epaulet length. Our Pilot House brand shirts do indeed have epaulets that are shorter than some of the other brands. This was to prevent a common complaint of epaulets bowing up or conventional airline length (3") command bars sliding up toward the neck. So unfortunately none of our Pilot House brand shirts will be an improvement.

However, pretty much all the other shirts we carry do have longer epaulets. Of course, none of these shirts are available in the beefy oxford fabric nor are they particularly tapered. You can view a chart with all the shirts here: http://www.pilotshirts.com/1_MenShirts.asp   Click on the CODE to see the shirt, then click on the camera icon for "Alternate view" at the bottom of the list of details... this picture will provide a pretty good idea of the length of the epaulet relative to the collar. (Note that the bars may not be positioned on each shirt at quite the same place on the epaulette in each picture).

We will expect a return of the TOFS shirt. Please let us know if any of the other shirts might be a good exchange possibility for you.  Sorry we could not provide the exact same shirt with longer epaulettes.

Thank you,
Paul
Pilot House Staff

e-mail: phouse@nycap.rr.com
www.pilotshirts.com
Phone: 800-833-3838
Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm ET
Friday 9am-12pm ET
Fax: 518-861-6876

*          *          *

From: M. Montgomery, Maj (CAP) [mailto:mmontgomery@cawg.cap.gov]
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2007 10:24 PM
To: phouse@nycap.rr.com
Subject: Customer Question/Request
Importance: High

Good evening, friends....writing in regards to order #[deleted].  Arrived fine, love the shirt....one small problem, though.

The epaulets on the shirt are too short for my rank insignia.

Do you have this same shirt, exactly as is, but with longer epaulets (e.g., epaulets that extend from the shoulder up to the collar?)  1.5 more inches on both epaulets and this shirt is perfect for our use!

Please advise if there's a product with which to exchange or should I return the shirt for a refund?

V/R,
-Monty

************************************************************
MICHAEL S. MONTGOMERY, JR., Major, CAP
Commander, PCR-CA-334
http://sq36.cawg.cap.gov"

[Monty]

Who said they were for you?

The senior citizen who wrote my name on the package! 

[DrJbdm]

 Hey Monty,

Those grade slides looked pretty good, much better then the ones I'm using. They looked to be tapered much like the AF grade slides are. Where did you get them? or what did you do to make them look pretty decent?
 

[DNall]

The "VH pilot" on there looks like the right pocket, but full-cut versus tapered doesn't sound like it's going to be nearly as nice, nor does the faberic or overall quality, but still an improvement over the standard.

[Monty]

Hey Monty,

Those grade slides looked pretty good, much better then the ones I'm using. They looked to be tapered much like the AF grade slides are. Where did you get them? or what did you do to make them look pretty decent?
 

Actually, though I did recently buy a pair from Tedda, those weren't his.

They just came like that.  I don't do anything special to them....no "shapers," no nothing.

"Dontcha wish your grade sleeves were Hot...Like....Mine" (Pussycat Dolls, ala CAP style.)

[LTC_Gadget]

In all honesty... the people in the white shirt tend to be the least militarized among us, regardless of their background. I don't think less of them or consciously prejudge them, but my expectations on first impression are lower for the uniform, and a lot of times that bleeds to an assessment of their military skills, line leadership abilities, etc. It's not that they can't very quickly establish their credentials & reshape my opinion of them, they very much can, but that takes an effort. Really if you wear that uniform right you can establish that position w/o opening your mouth (not many garters hanging from white shirts), but that's the same situation wear you can wear an AF uniform badly & that's going to shape my impression of you as well.

Well, here's another small-percentage situation to consider.

I'm as militarized as any, and more than most.  It comes from growing up in the house of a wing, region and national commander. It's an environment where your uniform, your every action and word are constantly examined, analyzed, criticized and noted for future reference. THAT was when I was a cadet, and a young senior member.  I also work full-time for the AF. After being dormant and unassigned for a time, I'm now getting active for a second time.  However, currently, I have a bum knee, and have to use a cane for anything more substantial than short-distance walking. Soooo, not wanting to look odd, out-of-place, attract undue attention, etc., in AF uniforms, I've opted for all the CAP alternate combinations until I complete the pre-surgery rehab (pre-hab?), the surgery, and the rehab on the other side. So, while I may not be in AF blue, my attitude inside is the same.  You either wear it right, or you don't wear it at all. There is no try; do.  My attitude toward my duties and the jobs that I perform is the same.  Do it right the first time. You're a volunteer until you take a job, and then you have a job to do.

So, consider that there may be other, less obvious reasons for folks making the choices that they do which might have nothing to do with their attitude, their approach or their professionalism, etc.  And no, while I am being emphatic, I'm not tryin' to pick a fight, just firmly make a point. Promise...

One question -- TPU??

I've saved the links to the "proper" white shirts. They do look "more correct" to me as well.

Your time and assistance are appreciated.

V/R,

[MIKE]

One question -- TPU??

Tony Pineda Uniform... It's kinda like how everyone calls the Field Uniform Blue BDUs or BBDU.  Someone came up with it when the Corporate Uniform was first coming out, and it stuck.

[AlphaSigOU]

Well, here's another small-percentage situation to consider.

I'm as militarized as any, and more than most.  It comes from growing up in the house of a wing, region and national commander. It's an environment where your uniform, your every action and word are constantly examined, analyzed, criticized and noted for future reference. THAT was when I was a cadet, and a young senior member.  I also work full-time for the AF. After being dormant and unassigned for a time, I'm now getting active for a second time.  However, currently, I have a bum knee, and have to use a cane for anything more substantial than short-distance walking. Soooo, not wanting to look odd, out-of-place, attract undue attention, etc., in AF uniforms, I've opted for all the CAP alternate combinations until I complete the pre-surgery rehab (pre-hab?), the surgery, and the rehab on the other side. So, while I may not be in AF blue, my attitude inside is the same.  You either wear it right, or you don't wear it at all. There is no try; do.  My attitude toward my duties and the jobs that I perform is the same.  Do it right the first time. You're a volunteer until you take a job, and then you have a job to do.

So, consider that there may be other, less obvious reasons for folks making the choices that they do which might have nothing to do with their attitude, their approach or their professionalism, etc.  And no, while I am being emphatic, I'm not tryin' to pick a fight, just firmly make a point. Promise...

One question -- TPU??

I've saved the links to the "proper" white shirts. They do look "more correct" to me as well.

Your time and assistance are appreciated.

Well said, Col. Boyd! And give my regards to your father - his signature graces both my Mitchell and Earhart certificates.

[LTC_Gadget]

give my regards to your father - his signature graces both my Mitchell and Earhart certificates.

Wilco.
I managed to get one senior program certificate that had his sig.  I had him physically undersign the autopen sig just for grinz...

V/R,

[captrncap]

I'm sorry but I remain confused about which shirt is an exact match to the AF-Style blue shirt only in white?

I read and re-read this post several times.

Thanks for your help.

[MSgt Van]

Go to this link:

http://www.tallyhouniforms.com/p_shirt.htm

and scroll down to the pilot shirt. 

"Pilot Shirts
65% Polyester 35% Cotton

Ring Spun Poplin, epaulets, two mitered, pleated pockets and flaps, wing eyelets,  short sleeve white only.
Based on the Air Force dress uniform.

Both pockets have a pleat in the center with a rectangular flap
& corners cut on a 45 degree angle.

The left pocket has two holes over the top for
attaching wings & a pen slot as shown."


That will show you what the AF-style shirt looks like.

Also, there's a couple of different vendors for the AF blue shirt.  The issue shirt is not the best.  You can get an upscale (more expensive) version that's made of better fabric, and is tapered.  I don't remember the manufacture's name, but I can check when I get home.  Both are available through military clothing sales.

[JC004]

...
Also, there's a couple of different vendors for the AF blue shirt.  The issue shirt is not the best.  You can get an upscale (more expensive) version that's made of better fabric, and is tapered.  I don't remember the manufacture's name, but I can check when I get home.  Both are available through military clothing sales.

Isn't the commercial AF shirt a darker blue than the issue shirt?

[MSgt Van]

These are both clothing sales items; both are "regulation".  The shade is specified in the mil-spec.  I'll post the manuf. info in a bit.

[captrncap]

Go to this link:

http://www.tallyhouniforms.com/p_shirt.htm

and scroll down to the pilot shirt. 

"Pilot Shirts
65% Polyester 35% Cotton

Ring Spun Poplin, epaulets, two mitered, pleated pockets and flaps, wing eyelets,  short sleeve white only.
Based on the Air Force dress uniform.

The shirt is what I am looking for but the wing eyelets are a problem since I don't have any wings to wear. Any other sugguestions?

[Camas]

Another option are these shirts

[captrncap]

Another option are these shirts

Well, here's a cut 'n paste of the response I got.

Hope it helps everyone!

-Monty

*          *          *

"So sorry for the problem with the epaulet length. Our Pilot House brand shirts do indeed have epaulets that are shorter than some of the other brands. This was to prevent a common complaint of epaulets bowing up or conventional airline length (3") command bars sliding up toward the neck. So unfortunately none of our Pilot House brand shirts will be an improvement.

However, pretty much all the other shirts we carry do have longer epaulets. Of course, none of these shirts are available in the beefy oxford fabric nor are they particularly tapered. You can view a chart with all the shirts here: http://www.pilotshirts.com/1_MenShirts.asp   Click on the CODE to see the shirt, then click on the camera icon for "Alternate view" at the bottom of the list of details... this picture will provide a pretty good idea of the length of the epaulet relative to the collar. (Note that the bars may not be positioned on each shirt at quite the same place on the epaulet in each picture).

We will expect a return of the TOFS shirt. Please let us know if any of the other shirts might be a good exchange possibility for you.  Sorry we could not provide the exact same shirt with longer epaulettes.

Thank you,
Paul
Pilot House Staff

e-mail: phouse@nycap.rr.com
www.pilotshirts.com
Phone: 800-833-3838
Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm ET
Friday 9am-12pm ET
Fax: 518-861-6876

*          *          *

From: M. Montgomery, Maj (CAP) [mailto:mmontgomery@cawg.cap.gov]
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2007 10:24 PM
To: phouse@nycap.rr.com
Subject: Customer Question/Request
Importance: High

Good evening, friends....writing in regards to order #[deleted].  Arrived fine, love the shirt....one small problem, though.

The epaulets on the shirt are too short for my rank insignia.

Do you have this same shirt, exactly as is, but with longer epaulets (e.g., epaulets that extend from the shoulder up to the collar?)  1.5 more inches on both epaulets and this shirt is perfect for our use!

Please advise if there's a product with which to exchange or should I return the shirt for a refund?

V/R,
-Monty

************************************************************
MICHAEL S. MONTGOMERY, JR., Major, CAP
Commander, PCR-CA-334
http://sq36.cawg.cap.gov"

It looks likt those shirts don't have long enought epaulets.

[AlphaSigOU]

...
Also, there's a couple of different vendors for the AF blue shirt.  The issue shirt is not the best.  You can get an upscale (more expensive) version that's made of better fabric, and is tapered.  I don't remember the manufacture's name, but I can check when I get home.  Both are available through military clothing sales.

Isn't the commercial AF shirt a darker blue than the issue shirt?

DSCP issue shirt is AF shade 1550 light blue. The commercial shirt (made by Propper International to AF spec) is AF shade 1581 light blue (slightly darker than 1550s).

[MSgt Van]

I stand corrected.  I've got Citadel and Propper; both the same shade. Guess all my issue items went by the wayside many years ago...

[AlphaSigOU]

I stand corrected.  I've got Citadel and Propper; both the same shade. Guess all my issue items went by the wayside many years ago...

Not a problem MSgt Van... I didn't know there was another commercial manufacturer of AF-style light blue shirts. I stand corrected as well.

[JC004]

   Why is it allowed for the colors to be different?  I have considered getting the commercial shirt, but it looks so different than most everyone else.   

[mikeylikey]

  Why is it allowed for the colors to be different?  I have considered getting the commercial shirt, but it looks so different than most everyone else.   

Just buy it! 

[JC004]

  Why is it allowed for the colors to be different?  I have considered getting the commercial shirt, but it looks so different than most everyone else.   

Just buy it! 

Log into your account here www.aafes.com and send me one.

[AlphaSigOU]

  Why is it allowed for the colors to be different?  I have considered getting the commercial shirt, but it looks so different than most everyone else.   

Both shades are approved by the AF; as long as they have a certification tag on the shirt tail you're good to go.

[jb512]

Go to this link:

http://www.tallyhouniforms.com/p_shirt.htm

and scroll down to the pilot shirt. 

"Pilot Shirts
65% Polyester 35% Cotton

Ring Spun Poplin, epaulets, two mitered, pleated pockets and flaps, wing eyelets,  short sleeve white only.
Based on the Air Force dress uniform.

The shirt is what I am looking for but the wing eyelets are a problem since I don't have any wings to wear. Any other sugguestions?

For everyone with the eyelet issue, take a seam ripper and remove them.  They're just sewn into the shirt.  After you pull all the stitches out the backing will come off and after a trip to the cleaners, or a wash and iron, you'll never know they were there.

[SarDragon]

For everyone with the eyelet issue, take a seam ripper and remove them.  They're just sewn into the shirt.  After you pull all the stitches out the backing will come off and after a trip to the cleaners, or a wash and iron, you'll never know they were there.

I have some serious doubts about that. I've left permanent holes in a shirt just pinning things on when I used a device with a malformed pin that broke a few threads on the in and then back out. Sewing an eyelet into that fabric almost guarantees some thread damage.

[jb512]

For everyone with the eyelet issue, take a seam ripper and remove them.  They're just sewn into the shirt.  After you pull all the stitches out the backing will come off and after a trip to the cleaners, or a wash and iron, you'll never know they were there.

I have some serious doubts about that. I've left permanent holes in a shirt just pinning things on when I used a device with a malformed pin that broke a few threads on the in and then back out. Sewing an eyelet into that fabric almost guarantees some thread damage.

Guess it didn't guarantee any on mine.  You can't tell that the eyelets were ever there.

[arajca]

There's still the option of...wearing ribbons to cover the eyelet holes.

[WT]

Best advice I've gotten since I joined CAP...

Buy the Van Huesen "Commander" shirts.  They look much better than the ones from Vanguard, and they hold up MUCH longer, and don't get the silly yellow rings around the collar!

[JC004]

Best advice I've gotten since I joined CAP...

Buy the Van Huesen "Commander" shirts.  They look much better than the ones from Vanguard, and they hold up MUCH longer, and don't get the silly yellow rings around the collar!

?!  All of my awesome advice is inferior?   

Although I endorse basically anything that involves NOT purchasing from Vanguard.   :clap: