Sorta kinda true.

NWA had a optional hat and leather jacket. The "offical" leather jacket was a really nice Gibson and Banres black jacket, with NO stupid patches for name tags or wings or anything else that makes you look like a twink. It looked like just a plain jacket, and the epaulettes velcroed on the tabs. It took about 5 seconds to go from work to street, and it was awesomely warm and could be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Folded up, it also make a tolerable pillow for that commute home. It did come with some pretty complex embroidery on the INSIDE (company logo on the back, and your name), so it was kind of unique.

Of course, it was expensive (~$450) and no rule is so lax that it can't be abused and so the Indian knock-offs soon appeared, and they looked, IMHO, awful.

Anyway, in comparison, the Delta double breasted thing takes two hands to button, so you have to put down whatever it is your carrying. Some guys did the "Velcro trick". Depending on the vendor it can be really hot, but worthless in the cold, if that's possible. For cold climates, you need an overcoat.

The only good news is the "mandatory" jacket wear is actually a very small part of the year. Hats are mandatory year round, and you always have to wear your "flair" (wings & name tag), either on your jacket or shirt.

FWIW, the company bought back all of the "official" leather jackets at the street price since we couldn't wear them any longer. Lots of people kept theirs. The guys with the knock offs were stuck with theirs.

Nu