Originally Posted by
BlueSkies
This 100%! The blazers look almost identical and no passengers will know or care. The easiest way to tell the new double-breasted from the old is usually the old fits the pilot and the new blazer is billowy and ill fitting. But let's 'look sharp and take pride in our appearance' (which I know might illicit and eye roll from some but I actually take seriously and try to do).
It's basically visible at 10 yards to a CP/ACP or Uniform Sherrif but passengers don't notice.
Back in the jurassic era (2018) they were making new hires buy HPI uniforms. Including EDV guys who had Abbotts or Crew Outfitters change the buttons, or ex Navy guys like me that had Abbotts convert an SDB jacket.
They actually came in, for my NH class, the afternoon before we went to the ALPA dinner, and basically told us to show proof we have purchased HPI or face termination.
Just like the current boondoggle, HPI had NOTHING that fit me properly. Jacket "fit" but the arm holes were so low compared to the shoulders, that if I raised my arms straight to the side, the jacket would come up to my ears. Pants? I took at the time 40/36s. But neeed large legs. I left HPI with 52/34s and was told to get them tailored.
We told the ALPA crew that night at the hotel.
Next day, same indoc person came in very sheepishly and told us HPI was the only "authorized supplier" and they wouldn't be responsible if we were hit later on for uniform violations, but would not terminate us.
I got jacket checked once by an LCA once I was off probation. Because I took it off upon arrival at plane, and he saw the tag. I was removed from the flight.
They are out there.