BDU.com (Propper) BBDU

[Spaceman3750]

Is the Dark Navy BBDU that BDU.com sells the correct color for CAP purposes? I'm making the switch to BBDUs and I want to make sure I've got it right before I order.

[davidsinn]

Is the Dark Navy BBDU that BDU.com sells the correct color for CAP purposes? I'm making the switch to BBDUs and I want to make sure I've got it right before I order.

That's what I wear and it's a heck of a uniform. Holds it's color very well.

[MIKE]

The dark navy ones I saw looked really dark when paired with CAP insignia... You could say they were too dark.  I think it would matter if intend to wear the BDU cap or Field Jacket that is likely just navy blue.  I had a similar problem when I bought some dark navy Under Armour Tactical t-shirts to wear with my ODUs...  they turned out to be too dark, almost black in comparison to the "CG Blue".

[davidsinn]

The dark navy ones I saw looked really dark when paired with CAP insignia... You could say they were too dark.  I think it would matter if intend to wear the BDU cap or Field Jacket that is likely just navy blue.  I had a similar problem when I bought some dark navy Under Armour Tactical t-shirts to wear with my ODUs...  they turned out to be too dark, almost black in comparison to the "CG Blue".

It's actually not a problem. I wear a BDU cap and a field jacket over it and they match just fine although the hat is starting to get faded. Granted the bright blue insignia looks goofy on it but what can you do?

[Eclipse]

The Blue Field Uniform from BDU.com is sharp, holds its color and looks great against nametapes, especially cloth.

The color is a rich blue that looks more professional and crisp than whatever VG is selling, even if you abuse it.

[Spaceman3750]

Thanks for the help guys .

[vento]

I wear the Dark Navy BDU from Propper and I've compared it by standing next to another member wearing the BBDU from VG. The color from Propper is equivalent to the one sold by VG, but it looks better. It is also very close to what The Hock used to sell. (Note the BBDU from the Hock was actually lighter blue than what VG sells)

[SarDragon]

I got my BBDUs from Vanguard. They were the Propper brand. Does that make them different because I got them there? Inferior? Substandard? Just wondering.

[Eclipse]

Not something you could easily tell from photos, but you certainly had less choice of fabrics, and might have paid a few bucks more.

Edit: Changed the BDU.COM shirt from "Genuine" to "Propper" versions and made the images smaller to show them side x side.

[SarDragon]

The upper pic is not Propper brand, which it what the thread, and my question are about.

My shirt is darker than either one shown in your pics, but that could be due to a lot of variables.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

I must say, the top blouse looks much better than the bottom one, though I don't think either one looks very good with ultramarine blue nametapes.

[HGjunkie]

The upper pic is not Propper brand, which it what the thread, and my question are about.

Unless i'm mistaken, the tag sticking up has the Propper logo on it.

[Eclipse]

I fixed the above photos to show "Propper" instead of "Genuine" on BDU.com's site.

Between lighting, potential image editing, and the issue of VG apparently not owning an iron, that isn't even a hint of a good comparison,
and there is no way to tell from the pics if VG is even selling Propper shirts anymore (or they might be but that isn't what is shown, could an old pic).

But I will say that the shade differential is typical between my blue field uniforms and others I have seen, especially when not cared for properly.

Also, the Propper's on BDU.com are actually a bit more expensive than whatever VG is selling, but again, you have about 4-5 different choices
on BDU.com, you have one on VG.

If they are selling the same thing, then it doesn't make much difference where you buy them, and if you're ordering other stuff it might
be more convenient  to get them at VG, but to the original question - yes what BDU.com sells is more than acceptable, and their stuff is
high quality with good customer service.

I own and wear a lot of stuff from them, including daily wear of their TAC pants, shorts, and I wear the TAC.U coat as a light jacket (rocks, love the sleeve pockets) - I have never had a single issue with their sales, service, or quality.

[Dad2-4]

... I don't think either one looks very good with ultramarine blue nametapes.

I don't think ultramarine blue tapes and rank look "good" on any CAP uniform.

[Hawk200]

... I don't think either one looks very good with ultramarine blue nametapes.

I don't think ultramarine blue tapes and rank look "good" on any CAP uniform.

Second.

[Slim]

I would be skeptical of the "Genuine" line by Propper.  I have a set of the dark navy BBDUs, and they are quite obviously darker.  That dark navy is also called LAPD blue, and is almost black.   I got them through a guy in my squadron who used to own a public safety uniform store, figured they'd fade a little, and not look too bad.  Nope, those things are just as dark navy now as they were the day I got them, thanks to the 65/35 poly/cotton blend.  Compared to the two sets of navy blue Propper BDUs I have, they're still quite a bit darker.  I don't wear them much because I got sick of constantly being questioned about my black BDUs.

I bought my last two sets here.  Propper brand, proper shade, and I have no complaints about the service or quality of them.  Spend a little more and get the 65/35 poly/cotton blend, you won't be disappointed.  My two sets are a year old, and still look brand new.

[davidsinn]

I would be skeptical of the "Genuine" line by Propper.  I have a set of the dark navy BBDUs, and they are quite obviously darker.  That dark navy is also called LAPD blue, and is almost black.   I got them through a guy in my squadron who used to own a public safety uniform store, figured they'd fade a little, and not look too bad.  Nope, those things are just as dark navy now as they were the day I got them, thanks to the 65/35 poly/cotton blend.  Compared to the two sets of navy blue Propper BDUs I have, they're still quite a bit darker.  I don't wear them much because I got sick of constantly being questioned about my black BDUs.

I bought my last two sets here.  Propper brand, proper shade, and I have no complaints about the service or quality of them.  Spend a little more and get the 65/35 poly/cotton blend, you won't be disappointed.  My two sets are a year old, and still look brand new.

BDU.com does differentiate between Dark Navy and LAPD blue. All you have to do is order the correct color.

[arBar]

There are 5 shades of blue made by Propper, and the same color on 2 uniforms can look a bit different from each other depending on the fabric:
Blue, Cobalt Blue, Navy Blue, Dark Navy Blue, and LAPD Navy Blue.

Fortunately not every uniform is available in every color, so its best to pick your fabric then choose the darkblue that's available.  I got Dark Navy Blue in Battle Rip 65/35 PolyCotton (below). 

Noting that 39-1 and the KB used the terms "dark blue" and "navy blue" I contacted them for clarification if "dark navy blue" was ok, but they only told me to read the uniform manual.  I responded again and was then referred to NHQ to talk to the uniform expert who told me that this was fine.

http://bdu.com/propper-poly-cotton-ripstop-bdu-coats?tab=0&sid=1:655:0,5:0:0&sq=1

[Eclipse]

This thread had reminded me that I needed some tac pants for an upcoming trip.
I chose 2 pairs of their new(ish) lightweight tactical pants.

Order placed:  3/9/2011 11:35:13 AM
Order shipped: 03/10/2011 07:07 AM
Order received: 03/11/2011 (late PM, wasn't home)

Standard shipping of $4.99.

This has been my ongoing experience with bdu.com.

[Spaceman3750]

I just got a pair of Dark Navy BDUs. WOW, these are a LOT darker than the traditional CAP color I see. I really like them, but I think I'm going to return them because I don't feel like getting, um, "reminded" about the dark color at every turn.

[Eclipse]

I just got a pair of Dark Navy BDUs. WOW, these are a LOT darker than the traditional CAP color I see. I really like them, but I think I'm going to return them because I don't feel like getting, um, "reminded" about the dark color at every turn.

Anyone with a clue in your wing is wearing the same brand, no one should be giving you any grief.

[Spaceman3750]

I just got a pair of Dark Navy BDUs. WOW, these are a LOT darker than the traditional CAP color I see. I really like them, but I think I'm going to return them because I don't feel like getting, um, "reminded" about the dark color at every turn.

Anyone with a clue in your wing is wearing the same brand, no one should be giving you any grief.

Same brand sure, but same color?

[Eclipse]

Yes.

[cap235629]

BUMP

I was in a hurry and on a budget to get 2 sets of BBDU's for Encampment and went with the genuine gear (mostly because of the zipper fly not saving $3.00) Dark Navy BDU's from BDU.COM.  I also ordered a Propper Dark Navy Patrol Cap.  They just got here and the are very dark.  They are also just a touch darker than the Patrol Cap.  I placed a black T-Shirt next to them for comparison and up close you can see that they are blue but from a distance, no way.  They are now in the washing machine for the first of many washings tonight in hot water to try to fade them just a touch.

I also placed them next to my Navy Blue Tru-Spec Utility Uniform (non Nomex flight suit) and you can see the difference.

Regardless of the outcome, they are what I will be wearing!

[SarDragon]

Why bother trying to fade them? You're just wearing out the fabric prematurely. If they're dark, so be it.

FWIW, 'real' Navy blue, like my olde uniforms, is almost black. In some cases you need to put the uniform item in sunlight against something truly black to see the difference.

[Майор Хаткевич]

So...I didn't screw up? From the years in CAP that I saw BBDUs, they seemed lighter than what I got from BDU.com.

I was lazy, missed the return window. Guess I'll take a pick with the tapes on the uniform for comparison, but they look DARK!

[SarDragon]

I think they are darker now than they used to be. Mine are Proppers from '95 or so, and they are distinctly blue, in most lighting conditions.

[Eclipse]

You're going to ruin them for no reason.  Blue is blue.

[Майор Хаткевич]

You're going to ruin them for no reason.  Blue is blue.

I'll just print out the page from BDU.com and carry it in the BBDUs when someone questions me on it.

[SoCalMarine]

OK, can I ask...

Why would someone choose the BBDU? I've looked at it, but generally they are much more costly because they are not as readily available used as BDUs. Also, on the topic of navy blue, I've seen navy blue ranks on VG. Are those the sew-ons for the navy blue flight suit?

[SarDragon]

OK, can I ask...

Why would someone choose the BBDU? I've looked at it, but generally they are much more costly because they are not as readily available used as BDUs.

Some folks have no choice. We are not allowed to wear the regular BDUs.

Also, on the topic of navy blue, I've seen navy blue ranks on VG. Are those the sew-ons for the navy blue flight suit?

Yes.

[Eclipse]

OK, can I ask...

Why would someone choose the BBDU? I've looked at it, but generally they are much more costly because they are not as readily available used as BDUs. Also, on the topic of navy blue, I've seen navy blue ranks on VG. Are those the sew-ons for the navy blue flight suit?

Blue fields uniforms are no more, or less "readily available" than Woodland Camo, and there is no price difference.

Some make the choice, some have no choice.

[CAP4117]

I'm really new at this, but I just ordered a pair of BBDUs from BDU.com, and I accidentally bought Propper pants and a Genuine shirt, both dark navy - they just arrived and there is a huge difference! Propper is quite a bit lighter than Genuine. I learned my lesson!

[SoCalMarine]

Blue fields uniforms are no more, or less "readily available" than Woodland Camo, and there is no price difference.

Some make the choice, some have no choice.

Really? Where are you guys finding them used? The only reason I said that they cost more is because I was only finding them new and the BDUs used.

So, there's no real reason other than personal choice? OK. Just wondered a bit at the purpose and so on. Thank you.

p.s. I just sent you a PM.

[davidsinn]

Blue fields uniforms are no more, or less "readily available" than Woodland Camo, and there is no price difference.

Some make the choice, some have no choice.

Really? Where are you guys finding them used? The only reason I said that they cost more is because I was only finding them new and the BDUs used.

So, there's no real reason other than personal choice? OK. Just wondered a bit at the purpose and so on. Thank you.

p.s. I just sent you a PM.

Over weight and bearded members have no choice in the matter. They must wear a BBDU instead of the BDU.

[cap235629]

4 washes later and they are a bit lighter.  you still can't tell until you place a black t-shirt with them but it will do!

[Eclipse]

Blue fields uniforms are no more, or less "readily available" than Woodland Camo, and there is no price difference.

Some make the choice, some have no choice.

Really? Where are you guys finding them used? The only reason I said that they cost more is because I was only finding them new and the BDUs used.

So, there's no real reason other than personal choice? OK. Just wondered a bit at the purpose and so on. Thank you.

p.s. I just sent you a PM.

Got it.

I've never bought anything used - all my field uniforms, whatever flavor, have come from BDU.com or the local Propper retail store (I have bought a few
factory seconds from there).  When you have 37-inch arms and a 36-inch inseam, you're not finding much in the DRMO pile.

[Майор Хаткевич]

Some make the choice, some have no choice.

So, there's no real reason other than personal choice? OK. Just wondered a bit at the purpose and so on. Thank you.

Emphasis Mine.

Some members are outside of the Air Force based CAP weight limits, therefore are not allowed to wear Blues or BDUs. This is why we have options like the Greys and the BBDU.

[SoCalMarine]

Some members are outside of the Air Force based CAP weight limits, therefore are not allowed to wear Blues or BDUs. This is why we have options like the Greys and the BBDU.

Yeah didn't dawn on me at first, but I got that from you and one or two of the other posts. Let me tell you, after having lived in GA for eight months I've put on nearly 30lbs. Its either too freaking hot to PT, or they fry EVERYTHING here. Good God I'm going to have an heart attack!

I have a question while we're at it... does CAP have the semi-formal dress blues like the AF? Essentially the dress coat with no cover?

[Eclipse]

I have a question while we're at it... does CAP have the semi-formal dress blues like the AF? Essentially the dress coat with no cover?

Only for cadets, with a bow tie and no nameplate.

The senior semi-formal is the blue blazer with a dress shirt, bow tie, no nameplate, and your highest medal, it actually looks pretty sharp.

[SoCalMarine]

The senior semi-formal is the blue blazer with a dress shirt, bow tie, no nameplate, and your highest medal, it actually looks pretty sharp.

OK, I've seen that, but I gotta tell ya I am NOT a fan of bow ties! When I joined the GA Guard I got the ASUs rather than the Greens so when I went to that type of event I could wear a tie rather than the bow tie! That, and they are phasing out the Greens anyway.

[Майор Хаткевич]

So...my stuff is actually Genuine Gear. I think it's just WAY too dark:

[SarDragon]

Without taking any external factors into account, the stuff in your pic appears uniformly lighter than my several times washed, 6 yo set.

What was your lighting - indoor, outside, or flash. I'll take a pic of mine and post for a comparison.

Direct Sun




Outdoors in Shade



Flash Indoors



The biggest difference I see, aside from the cat hair, is that yours are a redder blue than mine. Darkness is relative, depending on the lighting, but I still say yours are lighter.

[Майор Хаткевич]

Indoor, under a kitchen light, with flash. Dark outside.

[SarDragon]

Given your response prior to my edit, use the third pic for comparison.

[Eclipse]

Darkness is relative, depending on the lighting...

That is so deep I fell in!

[Eclipse]

So...my stuff is actually Genuine Gear. I think it's just WAY too dark:

Genuine gear is their generic line, and in that pic I'd agree they look like the wrong color.
Everything I have bought from there is Propper, and unmistakably the correct color with no
mistake for black.

Also, "LAPD Blue", is, for all intents and purposes, black, so if that is what you bought, that would explain it.
Propper Navy Blue should be fine.

[Майор Хаткевич]

I've decided to partake in CAP this summer, so I'll need a field uniform "just in case". Guess I'll order another set *never hurts* of the Navy Blue, and then compare what I got the first time, as I don't remember anymore!

[cap235629]

So...my stuff is actually Genuine Gear. I think it's just WAY too dark:

Genuine gear is their generic line, and in that pic I'd agree they look like the wrong color.
Everything I have bought from there is Propper, and unmistakably the correct color with no
mistake for black.

Also, "LAPD Blue", is, for all intents and purposes, black, so if that is what you bought, that would explain it.
Propper Navy Blue should be fine.

The Genuine Gear comes in Dark Navy, LAPD Blue and Black.  I ordered Dark Navy and they are the same shade as his.  I took them to the uniform shop for emblem application today and laid them next to a black set and you can definitely tell they are blue in comparison. however they are VERY DARK!

But as the reg says Blue, and we all know that Blue is a broad spectrum as is grey, I am not going to worry about it....

[SarDragon]

IMHO, that still isn't really Dark Navy. But that's just an olde sailor talking.

[SoCalMarine]

I say you guys just buy the LAPD Blue and become Civil Air Patrol Security Forces!