No, it isn't. I used to commute across the country, been there done that. Never came home looking homeless because I began the day in clothes that were clean and in good repair when I put them on.

My shirts 1)fit, and 2)are washed after each day of wear. I take my slacks to the cleaners once a month (costs $3.50), and wipe off stains with a damp cloth. They also fit, as hemmed by the Asian lady at the tailor shop for $10. I shine my shoes at home every couple of weeks. I iron my shirts, but that's my personal preference. The dry cleaners will press them and crease the sleeve for you if you ask.

It's pretty simple. I don't store my slacks balled up in the corner of my closet. My shirts go on a hanger after the dryer and ironing board. No matter how "rushed" my departure might be, the clothes are in the same shape every time I put them on.

I'd never give someone a hard time about how they look unless they worked for my airline, and were seriously violating part of my own airline's uniform policy. Everyone has their days, I get that. You know who doesn't? The legacy pilot riding in back, or who is flying your airplane (that you could be networking with). The management type who may be sitting in first class. Any one of the hundreds of attractive women we see at airports and hotels every day. The weary flyer who stares at you walking through the terminal. If you don't see the value in looking presentable every day, then you're beyond help.

I agree, this isn't the navy, but if fast food workers wear their uniform better than you wear yours, that's a problem.