My "Simple" AAF Costume: A Cautionary Tale of Obsessive/Compulsive Behavior

[jeep44]

My uniform obsession started with a 1944 BSA M20 motorcycle I acquired to restore. After I completed it to the correct WW2 spec., I decided that a battledress jacket might be nice to wear on it. Things snowballed from there, finally leading to multiple variations of British Despatch Rider uniforms and gear,from head to toe,early war to late war, Royal Signals or Royal Artillery, etc,etc-down to the (live) War Finish Webley .38. It all fits,too.
It got even worse when I started on my '44 MB jeep-it just looks so much better when the driver is in correct uniform,too. I don't get carried away with elite units or rank,though. Depending on the weather, wool shirt and mustard trousers,with leggings, and a '41 Field Jacket or 1st pattern Mackinaw,or HBT coveralls appropriate headgear,too.-no rank or patches on anything. Most people today do not even realize this IS a uniform.

 

[LHR]

jeep44: I have a weird thing about wearing rank insignia. It is silly, maybe. I would have no problem if I put on a Patton getup for some purpose...and what would that be without rank? Anyhow, the USAAF costume I did intentionally had no rank, which was easy wearing only the "U.S." and "prop and wing" collar brass.

 

[kampkatz]

LHR, the uniforms look good in the photo. If you were to add pilot wings you would need rank insignia. No need to feel awkward about displaying a gold or silver bar, which would add to the authentic look.

 

[Mike K.]

QUESTIONS...

1. The Aramark uniform linked to earlier looks great (very much like the Sears work shirt that Wingnut posted awhile back, but this has epaulettes), but what pants would you recommend (that match the shirt) to complete the summer khaki uniform?

2. Has anyone purchased a repro officer's tunic (from WPG or other) that can provide feedback? Specifically, do the repro uniform tunics have high armholes characteristic of the real deal vintage pieces?

 

[Jovan]

Hehe, this is really fun! I can totally recognize myself in your behaviour.

I first started collecting my uniform for a costume-party too, and boy, did that end in an expensive hobby.

I like the outcome!

Women in uniform are underrated. I wish I could see the full picture in your avatar.

 

[Badluck Brody]

It's never good enough!!!

Let's face it!!

Yes! I have been crazy about a good many things... However if we want to portray a character.. it starts with the right look....

A 300lb Confederate from the Civil War???? OK so maybe that's not historically accurate.... But if the fella can bring out some character, he's got it made!

SO often reenactors are worried about things being 100% PC (Period Correct)... and it kills them when it's not. They also come off as snobs if they "offer advice" to those who are not...

Latey I prefer to stay PFC (Pretty Freakin' Close)... and keep the fun in things and still not end up divorsed because of my excessive spending. But the bottom line is we are doing something we love and if we can cross over some of the gear to different eras thats a bonus!

OK Jovon!!! let's see the outfit from Galactica!!! I just started the 1st season and have been trying to catch up!!! I'm hooked!!

 

[Vintage Betty]

--snipped--
SO often reenactors are worried about things being 100% PC (Period Correct)... and it kills them when it's not. They also come off as snobs if they "offer advice" to those who are not...

Latey I prefer to stay PFC (Pretty Freakin' Close)... and keep the fun in things and still not end up divorsed because of my excessive spending. But the bottom line is we are doing something we love and if we can cross over some of the gear to different eras thats a bonus!

Actually, that's why I stopped volunteering at Renaissance Faire, among others. I was in it for a short period of time, and showed up and PAID to be at an event, and one of the regulars came over and told me everything that was wrong with my costume, and looked down her nose at me.

Same with the Art Deco Society of Northern California. And more...

That was the last time I went to either event. I don't go to be criticized, I go to have fun with the available tools at my disposal.

Vintage betty

 

[The Wingnut]

I've had people give me a dressing-down a few times, as well...in some instances it was warranted, in others, it wasn't, and when it's given as criticism instead of constructive advice(hopefully solicited!), it can ruin and otherwise very enjoyable event.

A friend of mine is the epitome of style and class, and is a paragon of gentlemanly behavior. I take a lot of mental notes when I'm around him. He and I were standing in front of the entrance an event three years ago and he was cracking me up with his running commentary on people's attire; 'No, no, no...a black tie with tails? Who invited the butler? Spectators with a dinner jacket? Make up your mind, man, it's either the polo grounds or a formal ball, but not both!' All of this said out of earshot, but as they approached, he'd greet them graciously and comment on how well they looked. Sure, it might come off to those privy to the mockery as cad-like behavior, but the point I took home was even if you don't approve, you make the person feel welcome and don't insult them to their face.

 

[Vintage Betty]

I've had people give me a dressing-down a few times, as well...in some instances it was warranted, in others, it wasn't, and when it's given as criticism instead of constructive advice(hopefully solicited!), it can ruin and otherwise very enjoyable event.

A friend of mine is the epitome of style and class, and is a paragon of gentlemanly behavior. I take a lot of mental notes when I'm around him. He and I were standing in front of the entrance an event three years ago and he was cracking me up with his running commentary on people's attire; 'No, no, no...a black tie with tails? Who invited the butler? Spectators with a dinner jacket? Make up your mind, man, it's either the polo grounds or a formal ball, but not both!' All of this said out of earshot, but as they approached, he'd greet them graciously and comment on how well they looked. Sure, it might come off to those privy to the mockery as cad-like behavior, but the point I took home was even if you don't approve, you make the person feel welcome and don't insult them to their face.

Exactly. If you can believe this, I wasn't more than 10 feet inside the door of hte Renaissance Faire event when I was asked: "How can you wear THAT to this event?" And than the person went over my outfit piece by piece, telling me what was wrong.

It was a nice proper costume with a proper corset and underpinnings, just accessorized incorrectly, but the best I could accomplish on my budget.

Shame on her for needing to feel important by criticizing other people in public and embarassing me in front of my escort.

VB

 

[A.R. McVintage]

Exactly. If you can believe this, I wasn't more than 10 feet inside the door of hte Renaissance Faire event when I was asked: "How can you wear THAT to this event?" And than the person went over my outfit piece by piece, telling me what was wrong.

It was a nice proper costume with a proper corset and underpinnings, just accessorized incorrectly, but the best I could accomplish on my budget.

Shame on her for needing to feel important by criticizing other people in public and embarassing me in front of my escort.

VB

OT, but you shouldn't give up the ghost because some people are turds.

I just like to see people try at the faire. I roll my eyes at the "fairies" who think nylon wings on top of a hippy frock and Birkenstock's is clever but don't feel the need to say anything. About the only time I get really annoyed is when people treat it like a comic con, though, like the big fat guy dressed as a KISS member walking around.

I didn't say anything, but Beer-gut Gene Simmons is not appropriate.

 

[The Wingnut]

Wow...

...just...

WOW. Talk about being lost in your own little world. I'd have barely restrained myself and verbally fired back with both barrels along the lines of the assailant impersonating the fashion police without a badge, and meanwhile, the herds of t-shirt and jeans attendees are parading past you in the background without a word in their direction as to their manner of dress.

...on top of that, they were camped out at the entrance, it seems. Just waiting for a target...slimy.

This sort of 'lost in their own universe' behavior has chased me away from a number of events, from the Dickens Fair to dance venues. A prolonged exposure to the total perspective vortex is in order for people of that ilk.

 

[Badluck Brody]

Our goal has always been...

The goal of our personal group has always been. "to be inclusive, rather than exclusive." This can also be difficult, when just trying to be decent to people.... However there are always "Thread counters", "Fashion police", "Know it alls"... What ever the situation might be... Often it's a case where someone has never fit in.... A-N-Y-W-H-E-R-E! Only now they have aquired a foot-hold on a subject or situation and have the capability to critique and point the finger at others...

As our darling Betty mentioned, she was trashed by a "Master Rennie"... However anywhere else in the "real world" or even at such events as a historical reenactment or living history event, the cinematic or fantasy level of most "Rennies" are often trashed... At a fair, I once saw a group tear apart a group of Vikings, Knights, and Highlanders...Stating they were either in the wrong time or their garb was incorrect..... Later the group I was with was having drinks with all of them!!! We had a blast!!!! And the reason was, we were able to enjoy the folks for who they were, rather than what they were wearing...

Last year in Chicago I atended RF2 (Reenactor Fest 2)... The night of the ball, there were RAF pilots from WWII, Ladies from the USO, Romans legionares, Civil War Generals, Pirates, Privateers, Highwaymen, Native American pathfinders, Highlanders, Marines and GIs from WWI and WWII, Vikings, Rev War soldiers...... At one point there were over twenty plus reenactors dancing to "the Time Warp".... but everyone had an excellent time!!!

I'm really sorry to hear some of you have had to deal with such behavior. It hurts, and I have always tried to build up a person rather than tear them down. Besides.. life is way too short to be mean or to let those kind of people get us down.

 

[A.R. McVintage]

The goal of our personal group has always been. "to be inclusive, rather than exclusive." This can also be difficult, when just trying to be decent to people.... However there are always "Thread counters", "Fashion police", "Know it alls"... What ever the situation might be... Often it's a case where someone has never fit in.... A-N-Y-W-H-E-R-E! Only now they have aquired a foot-hold on a subject or situation and have the capability to critique and point the finger at others...

You hit it on the head. Those who are awkward everywhere else will cling to the one bit where they're not.

 

[Badluck Brody]

In a way....

It's really kind of sad, so I try not to be too critical when folks come off like that.... In my line of work, I deal with the worst of society... So I cling to the hope that folks are really good at heart and sometimes just don't know any better... Were talking about a hobby here... Right?

OK thanks for letting me blow off some steam and vent.... As you can tell I care (almost too much) about people and hope for the best in everyone. Probably because once we start giving up on other people, we kind of give up on ourselves....?


Besides, who really wants to help continue a "Cycle of Snobbery" anyway??

 

[LHR]

LHR, the uniforms look good in the photo. If you were to add pilot wings you would need rank insignia. No need to feel awkward about displaying a gold or silver bar, which would add to the authentic look.

When I was thinking about adding rank, I figured I would sew leather/bullion captain bars onto the jacket epaulets. But I ran out of time and energy. I did wear shirt sized pilot wings and well as the correct collar brass.

1. The Aramark uniform linked to earlier looks great (very much like the Sears work shirt that Wingnut posted awhile back, but this has epaulettes), but what pants would you recommend (that match the shirt) to complete the summer khaki uniform?

I bought some Aramark "tan" flat front pants on clearance also. Very old-style cut and finish. Color is okay. The pockets are wrong, though. You would do better with another type, I think, if you were serious. The shirt is awfully good for the price and works great. I have seen uniform shirts of the era before and I could not spot much difference. It is one of those "from three feet away" kind of things which is probably fine for a minor piece like a shirt. Of course, they are poly/cotton so they'll feel different.

Then again, if this is your hobby, I would say go for the real thing! I bought a few USAAF items for our costumes and they are really, really neat. I can't imagine that a suitable modern substitute would exist for them, save the super-expensive repro stuff. I bet if I had a real shirt, pants, etc. I would feel the same. The flight suit and crusher are especially nice.

On a derailing note, I think my getup was better overall than the costumes from "30 Seconds Over Tokyo", which I saw las night. They must've had a hard time getting real A-2s for that movie, even though it was made in 1944. I can imagine that issued jackets were not in the surplus circuit by then but there were reproductions manufactured for civilians by the mfrs. once the original contract ended, right? Weird.