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To Abbott's or not to Abbott's?
- Thread starter Chubby
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The new polywool khakis at the exchange are pretty good. Compared to the Abott's I got way back when, they're just as nice. Permanent creases and all, requires little maintenance.
The exchange SDBs are also nice. "Flying Patriot" or something. They also have a "slim cut" or something, which looks nice.
I will say however, the Abott's chokers are worth the money. I got them tailored a little more after I received them in the mail, and they looked awesome. Then I somehow lost them in a move and bought the exchange ones. They are....crappy. Velcro collar, tough to tailor, etc. Just my personal experience.
BTW, depending on what community/squadron you end up in, how often you wear flightsuits will vary. Be prepared after you finish the FRS to buy a 2nd set of khakis. There was even a VP squadron a few years back that wore aviator greens instead of khakis.
The exchange SDBs are also nice. "Flying Patriot" or something. They also have a "slim cut" or something, which looks nice.
I will say however, the Abott's chokers are worth the money. I got them tailored a little more after I received them in the mail, and they looked awesome. Then I somehow lost them in a move and bought the exchange ones. They are....crappy. Velcro collar, tough to tailor, etc. Just my personal experience.
BTW, depending on what community/squadron you end up in, how often you wear flightsuits will vary. Be prepared after you finish the FRS to buy a 2nd set of khakis. There was even a VP squadron a few years back that wore aviator greens instead of khakis.
I agree with Zab on that one. The exchange chokers I got issued by ROTC are impossible to get the collar right on. I wore them for my precommissioning picture with an alligator clamp behind my neck to make them 'fit!' But I do love my Abbott's dress uniforms. They just look and feel nicer. The SDBs are 100% wool, and the chokers are some different kind of polyester that's all silky and smooth and much nicer to wear when it's hot out. Plus Abbott's has better overall fit and construction.
One other nice thing about Abbott's for us SNA types is that after purchase, all tailoring is free as long as they do it. Most guys have to mail the uniforms back with new measurements, but in P-cola they'll refit you right in the shop. I put on about 7 pounds between commissioning and now, and I just got my uniforms readjusted for free. Beats shelling out $$$ at the tailor. Supposedly the exchange has contracted Brooks Brothers to make a line of "premium" SDBs starting in June, I think. 100% wool, 100% silk ties, etc. Methinks they're losing business to Abbott's.
Zab, do they still wear greens in the VP community? Seemed to me that they were on their way out based on what I've heard. I'd thought about maybe getting a set once I got winged, but I don't want to be "that guy." Just curious.
One other nice thing about Abbott's for us SNA types is that after purchase, all tailoring is free as long as they do it. Most guys have to mail the uniforms back with new measurements, but in P-cola they'll refit you right in the shop. I put on about 7 pounds between commissioning and now, and I just got my uniforms readjusted for free. Beats shelling out $$$ at the tailor. Supposedly the exchange has contracted Brooks Brothers to make a line of "premium" SDBs starting in June, I think. 100% wool, 100% silk ties, etc. Methinks they're losing business to Abbott's.
Zab, do they still wear greens in the VP community? Seemed to me that they were on their way out based on what I've heard. I'd thought about maybe getting a set once I got winged, but I don't want to be "that guy." Just curious.
Don't waste any money on aviation greens. I've seen them worn once, by a LCDR from that VP squadron I mentioned, and he was just doing it for kicks at a safety stand down. I'm buying a set for my Exchange Tour, since I'm gonna stand out in a foreign squadron and will be "that guy" anyway.
I am going against the flow but I have to say a few bad things about Abbott's. I got the full set of uniforms when I graduated and was happy with how they all were made, but I am not happy with how they fit. Ever since I have had them they have not fit quite right, even after several adjustments from Abbott's, especially the SDB's. They do not tailor the uniforms from scratch for you but pull them off the rack and then adjust them. My advice is to get just the whites and SDB's from them (not the khakis) and make sure they fit good before you leave Pensacola. If you are willing to wait, you can get really good tailored uniforms in Korea, Bahrain and several other ports. It is cheaper, better fitting and with great materials (cashmere wool!).
As for Aviator greens, you can still special order them form the Navy Exchange (the 1800 number) but they cost a lot. The bad thing is that they are probably going away in the next year. Whatever the new working uniform is for the Navy will probably replace it. A cheap version would be to get a Marine pair of pants and wear those with a wash khaki shirt, black tie and brown shoes. Put on a leather jacket and viola, you have an official uniform.
As for Aviator greens, you can still special order them form the Navy Exchange (the 1800 number) but they cost a lot. The bad thing is that they are probably going away in the next year. Whatever the new working uniform is for the Navy will probably replace it. A cheap version would be to get a Marine pair of pants and wear those with a wash khaki shirt, black tie and brown shoes. Put on a leather jacket and viola, you have an official uniform.
Don't go with Abbots if you are a girl- some of the extra stuff they offer doesn't apply to female uniforms. If this applies to you and you want specifics, PM me.
And for everyone- the basic ensign package they offer is way overpriced- even the insignia (which is no different) is much cheaper at the exchange.
And for everyone- the basic ensign package they offer is way overpriced- even the insignia (which is no different) is much cheaper at the exchange.
Agreed on the package deal. I got the uniform coats, trousers and cover from Abbott's and all my insignia (except SDB stripes) from the Exchange. Kept my SDB shirt from ROTC. It was cheaper that way. I hate the way Abbott's shoulder boards look anyway. They're too curved; they look like somebody tried to fold them in half.
I would avoid their swords as well. If you're willing to invest in a good one, buy from Wilkinson Sword. Very expensive but you definitely get what you pay for.
I would avoid their swords as well. If you're willing to invest in a good one, buy from Wilkinson Sword. Very expensive but you definitely get what you pay for.
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