Embroidered Uniform shirt ??
 

I'm curious if any airlines, major or regional, either issue or allow pilots to wear uniform shirts with the company wings embroidered above the pocket instead of the metal wings.

I'd like to get my employer to allow them, but want to do a little research first.

Thanks very much,

T

Continental uses them and in turn so does expressjet.

Yep, Continental and ExpressJet uses them. Speaking for XJT, our uniform vendor, Cintas, does the embroidering.

jetBlue also has it.

I've also seen a few American guys with embroidered wings. Maybe some AA guys can chime in about that one.

If you search on xjt forums i remember a thread about a tailor in the IAH area that would embroider the wings for $10 bucks less per shirt then you can find anywhere else. CAL/XJT have the embroidered wings but to be quite honest they look kind of cheap. I dont have a shirt with it but i am not totally against the idea of wearing them. It just strikes me as odd when i see them. They would be kind of convenient and they are apparently bleach-able when you wash them.

I am indifferent but some people can really get their panties in a wad when it comes to what is or is not the "professional" look. While they aren't the norm at xjt there are a few guys with them.

AA has them too as an option. They look really shoddy and cheap, and bleach pink when washed.

Real men wear real metal. ;)

73

I agree. Are embroidered shirts easier to use? Sure, but is that more important than looking nice?

I don't think so, but to each their own.

"They don't pay us to look good/professional." - Illustrious APC users.

I wouldn't be caught dead wearing the wings embroidered, but like the other guy said, to each his own. Is it that hard to poke the wings in the shirt once every four days :) ?

It looks cheesy, wear the wings

Agreed - I think the embroidered wings look like s---.

Metal wings are the way to go. It is much more professional looking!

Even the TSA figured out that embroidered stuff looks gay.

Shouldn't this thread be moved to the thread about the FAA's emphasis on professionalism? Maybe you could also get your epaulettes sewed on, perhaps use a t-shirt too, that way it would save you from putting on wings, epaulettes and a t-shirt. Hell, make it a hoodie with the hat and scrambled eggs as well. Don't hoodies have little pockets? That would be perfect for your ipod.

I'm envisioning a t-shirt with the wings, epaulets, and tie all printed on it. What a time saver, and it would take up less space in the bag (leaving more room for hair gel).

Thanks for the info about CAL.

Also, while I value all the opinions expressed about metal versus embroidered wings, the devil, as always, is in the details.

I've seen both cheap metal wings and embroidered ones and great looking wings of each.

My main objection is not having the option and that the decision is made by pilots who rarely fly anymore, but spend their time in business casual and suits.

Actually, if I was king, I'd be wearing a bright blue cotton flight suit with gold fringe...well maybe just on holidays. :-)

T

Military pilots wear the bag to work. I think they are quite professional. I think we need to get over ourselves on this whole vanity thing. Wear the uniform and wear it well. Don't get your undies in a bunch about how you think embroidered wings look. They never get caught on the belts and are easy to wear. Oh and BTW the FOM says they are OK.

No one is gonna pay us more because we look good.

Just do your job.


The Dude abides.

For the record, not all CAL/XJT pilots have the embroidered wings. I personally prefer the metal wings. I do think they look better. I'd say it is about 50/50 for embroidered vs metal.

In the interest of diversity, I think the hoodie idea is the best one yet, but the above quote just isn't complete without a short story.

I once had a crash pad roommate that could go on a four day trip with a clean shirt and a 20 dollar bill and never have to change either one. He used to exchange burned out lightbulbs from home with good ones at the layover hotels and take the half used rolls of toiletpaper home like most of us save those little bottles of shampoo.