Would like feedback on possible new line of uniforms

[SocietyBrandHatCo]

I have been making repop crusher caps for about a year now and I'm seriously considering branching out into other areas of uniforms and gear, especially USAAF. I know USAAF is somewhat of a niche, but I would really appreciate some feedback from fellow reenactors. I believe in reproducing things correctly and accurately, using correct materials and methods, so please reflect on that when considering my proposed costs. This will not be the garbage coming out of Asia and the Middle East. The samples I have seen so far look INCREDIBLE. However, to follow through with producing them is going to require an INCREDIBLE investment on my part, which is why I would like to find out of there is sufficient interest. The items I am considering (followed by estimated retail cost):

 

A-2 jackets (russet horsehide, 100% wool knit cuffs and waistband, ball stud snaps, correct labels and stamps): $500

B-10 jackets: $300

Tanker jackets: $120

A-4 flightsuit: $300

Officer tunics: $300

Officer trousers (pink): $140

Officer shirts (pink and green): $85

Aviator kit bags (US made): $75

US naval aviator ball caps (US made): $60

 

I'm in the very early stages of looking at other items, which I will mention as the negotiations progress. What are your thoughts on the above mentioned uniforms/gear?

[MattS]

There seem to be several vendors of A-2s, but not very many making flight suits or shirts and trousers. No matter what jacket you choose, a guy still needs the correct shirt and trousers. And in the summer, when most of the airshows and events are held, the jacket is usually not something that gets worn for very long. I hope this all works out for you!

[willysmb44]

There seem to be several vendors of A-2s, but not very many making flight suits or shirts and trousers. No matter what jacket you choose, a guy still needs the correct shirt and trousers. And in the summer, when most of the airshows and events are held, the jacket is usually not something that gets worn for very long.

 

I agree fully with this. There are already WAY too many A-2s being made out there, it's just not possible for anyone to come up with something new there.

Personally, I'd like to see some of the stuff you see out of the high-end Asian companies being made for the US market (like 1950s flight jackets and there are plenty of space collectors who'd buy one of the yellow L2-looking NASA jackets - just sayin').

Look at the stuff being made by companies such as Real McCoys or Buzz Rickson.

But here are some items I feel are comically lacking from reproduction sources (in affordable prices and American sizes, that is):

• Historically accurate WW2 PX sweaters and t-shirts.
• USN deck uniforms.
• Light cotton Chinos.
• Affordable A-11 helmet (mostly in L and XL sizes).
• Light flight suits, like the later AN ones in tan cotton or the K series ones.

If I were looking to get into repro stuff like you are, I'd be looking to make the things that nobody else is making right now. Build up a customer base and then start cranking out A2s if you want.

Seems like that model is working for 'What Price Glory' as they seem to be the only repro vendor out there actively looking to fill voids in the repro market right now.

[MattS]

Yes! Look at the stuff that is not being made first. For example, repro flight helmets (cotton or leather) are impossible to find. WPG made some but they have been sold out for a long time. I bet the rubber molded earcups would be a bear to reproduce though.

[doyler]

Also the goggle cushions in two piece and one piece.I know there were runs made/soid by Banaire but havent seen any for quite some time at a reasonable price.

[SocietyBrandHatCo]

 

I agree fully with this. There are already WAY too many A-2s being made out there, it's just not possible for anyone to come up with something new there.

There are a LOT of A-2 vendors out there, the difference in the A-2 I was planning to provide is that it is going to be a 100% accurate jacket that isn't going to cost $1,100. I don't believe an affordable, yet completely accurate, A-2 is available. Maybe I'm wrong. I'm open to constructive comments.

[sigsaye]

I agree fully with this. There are already WAY too many A-2s being made out there, it's just not possible for anyone to come up with something new there.

Personally, I'd like to see some of the stuff you see out of the high-end Asian companies being made for the US market (like 1950s flight jackets and there are plenty of space collectors who'd buy one of the yellow L2-looking NASA jackets - just sayin').

Look at the stuff being made by companies such as Real McCoys or Buzz Rickson.

But here are some items I feel are comically lacking from reproduction sources (in affordable prices and American sizes, that is):

 

• Historically accurate WW2 PX sweaters and t-shirts.
• USN deck uniforms.
• Light cotton Chinos.
• Affordable A-11 helmet (mostly in L and XL sizes).
• Light flight suits, like the later AN ones in tan cotton or the K series ones.

If I were looking to get into repro stuff like you are, I'd be looking to make the things that nobody else is making right now. Build up a customer base and then start cranking out A2s if you want.

Seems like that model is working for 'What Price Glory' as they seem to be the only repro vendor out there actively looking to fill voids in the repro market right now.

Just courteous, but what are USN DECK UNIFORMS? I'm not failure with that term.

[willysmb44]

The denim stuff they wore on Navy ship decks. I keep hearing people all the time griping that nobody makes a very good repro.

Not my bag, but I hear it often (and yes, they're apparently taking WW2 impressions' stuff in account).

Navy officer tan uniforms including the visor caps would be great, too, from what I've heard from guys into PTO stuff.

[ww2imp]

The denim stuff they wore on Navy ship decks. I keep hearing people all the time griping that nobody makes a very good repro.

Not my bag, but I hear it often (and yes, they're apparently taking WW2 impressions' stuff in account).

Navy officer tan uniforms including the visor caps would be great, too, from what I've heard from guys into PTO stuff.

 

Hi Lee,

 

Comments even after we introduced our single leg style dungaree pants?

[willysmb44]

 

Hi Lee,

 

Comments even after we introduced our single leg style dungaree pants?

 

Yep. Other people's comments, not mine, and more than once.

[vintageproductions]

WWII Impressions does great denim as does MASH in Japan.

[sigsaye]

"Deck Uniforms". Wow, I wore DUNGAREES most of my life, got my first sets when I was about 10. I could fit the smaller sizes and they were very cheap. Wore them until about '85 when I made Chief. Never heard them called "Deck Uniforms". Where do people come up with these terms?

 

I've never worn WW II Impressions Dungarees, only regulation and "Sea Farer". But looking at the pics on their sight, they look pretty much like what I wore. ( Although I do remember that a new shirt was $.65 and a pair of pants was $1.50, White hat was $.75. But, different times, different situations )

 

I would love to see WW 2 USN CPO uniforms, Blues, Whites, Khakis and Grays, including hats. But that's just me,

[willysmb44]

Where do people come up with these terms?

 

Sheesh, I was in the Army. I had no idea what the term for them was, didn't realize anyone would go nuts over my choice of words...

[MattS]

I assume PTO USN is a small demographic, but I know there are several naval museums that use living historians at events and functions. I suspect they use mostly post-war/modern USN shirts and trousers and visor caps.

[sigsaye]

Sheesh, I was in the Army. I had no idea what the term for them was, didn't realize anyone would go nuts over my choice of words...

. Naw, not nuts Lee, just seeking knowledge. Since I've been on this forum, I have heard several different terms applied to uniforms and gear I wore or used most of my life, that I never heard any one use any where else. Now, I can add "Deck Uniform (Dungarees)", to "Tunic (Uniform coat)", "Visor (Combination Cap for Navy)" and "Deck Jacket ( Foul Weather Jacket)".

 

Not really a big deal, Dungarees stopped officially being "Dungarees" in 1972, being re designated "Utilities ". Even after we went back to dungarees, they were officially Utilities. We still called them dungarees. We had several things that we never used the official actual term for, so, just checking to make sure I'm on the same page

 

Steve

[willysmb44]

"Visor (Combination Cap for Navy)"

 

I never knew the Navy had a different name for one of these than visor cap...

 

 

Then again, I shouldn't be surprised as the Navy has different terms for almost everything else from the rest of the military.

[sigsaye]

The other services actually call those Bisor Caps? We call them Comnination Caps because we can change the covers for which ever uniform we are wearing. The other cap we wore was officially av" Garrison Cap". We called th Pi$$ Cutters on here I see Army ones called "Over Seas Caps".

[willysmb44]

The other services actually call those Bisor Caps? We call them Comnination Caps because we can change the covers for which ever uniform we are wearing. The other cap we wore was officially av" Garrison Cap". We called th Pi$$ Cutters on here I see Army ones called "Over Seas Caps".

 

Every other service calls them either 'Visor caps', 'Service caps' or sometimes, 'Dress caps'. I've heard all three used over the years.

The Army never had different covers to put on them (nor did the USAF that I was ever aware of), I think only the Navy and Marines had that.

[sigsaye]

Cool. I never really paid all that much attention to other service stuff. I don't remember hearing them refered to any other way in the Navy. Pretty sure in regs they are called combination Caps too.

How about Tunic? You guys ever use that term?

[MattS]

I always think non-US when I hear 'tunic'. Maybe Pete could make reproduction covers for the combination caps that aren't available anymore like working grey. There are repro caps being made: http://www.ima-usa.com/u-s-wwii-naval-officer-blue-peaked-visor-cap.html

[sigsaye]

I always think non-US when I hear 'tunic'. Maybe Pete could make reproduction covers for the combination caps that aren't available anymore like working grey. There are repro caps being made: http://www.ima-usa.com/u-s-wwii-naval-officer-blue-peaked-visor-cap.html

kind of maybe, but not right. Looking at the pics, it is made like Army & AF caps. Note the vent grommets. Navy covers did not have these. Just doesn't look right. Cover looks like it's made of cotton.

[SocietyBrandHatCo]

 

The Army never had different covers to put on them (nor did the USAF that I was ever aware of)...

Actually, the US Army did indeed have service cap frames with removable covers as early as at least 1940 (we have several dated examples with US Quartermaster labels) although the original intent was to make the cap cover easy to launder. It didn't take long for soldiers to realize they could have two caps for the price of one, and they would purchase two different color covers for their frame (khaki for summer, OD for winter), and the US Army officially made a combination cap the issued service cap for both officers and enlisted men in 1947. These caps were issued until the new OG Class A uniform was adopted in 1956. As a bit of trivia, the original Society Brand Hat Co. manufactured most of the combination caps for the Army, and also many of the Navy and Marine Corps caps as well.

[redjoshman]

I have been making repop crusher caps for about a year now and I'm seriously considering branching out into other areas of uniforms and gear, especially USAAF. I know USAAF is somewhat of a niche, but I would really appreciate some feedback from fellow reenactors. I believe in reproducing things correctly and accurately, using correct materials and methods, so please reflect on that when considering my proposed costs. This will not be the garbage coming out of Asia and the Middle East. The samples I have seen so far look INCREDIBLE. However, to follow through with producing them is going to require an INCREDIBLE investment on my part, which is why I would like to find out of there is sufficient interest. The items I am considering (followed by estimated retail cost):

 

A-2 jackets (russet horsehide, 100% wool knit cuffs and waistband, ball stud snaps, correct labels and stamps): $500

B-10 jackets: $300

Tanker jackets: $120

A-4 flightsuit: $300

Officer tunics: $300

Officer trousers (pink): $140

Officer shirts (pink and green): $85

Aviator kit bags (US made): $75

US naval aviator ball caps (US made): $60

 

I'm in the very early stages of looking at other items, which I will mention as the negotiations progress. What are your thoughts on the above mentioned uniforms/gear?

Depending on how good the B-10 Jackets, Tanker Jackets, Kit Bags, and Naval Aviator Ball Caps are I know there are numerous people who would be very interested.

 

Can't wait to see what your initial product line is.

 

Additional items it maybe worth considering are skivvies and long johns.

 

-Josh

[SocietyBrandHatCo]

Depending on how good the B-10 Jackets, Tanker Jackets, Kit Bags, and Naval Aviator Ball Caps are I know there are numerous people who would be very interested.

 

Can't wait to see what your initial product line is.

 

Additional items it maybe worth considering are skivvies and long johns.

 

-Josh

The USN aviator ball caps will be ready soon and will be 100% US made with 100% wool, correct metal ventilation grommets, and leather sweatbands.

 

The USAAF aviator kit bags are in development. We have sourced the correct weight cotton canvas in a beautifully authentic shade of OD #3, but we are waiting on zipper samples. We will be using the correct nickel plated Talon zippers with olive drab cotton tape (not nylon!). These bags will also be US made.

[MattS]

I don't know where else to post this, but I got one of Society Brand's crushers today. Top Notch! I ordered a semi-flexible visor and the rest very crushable, and it certainly is! I highly recommend Pete if you are looking for a wearable, comfortable crusher that's half the price of some $300 competitors. Great cap!