Pilot Uniforms

Airline Pilot Questions & Answers
1

I have a few questions about pilot uniforms.

  1. How many pilot uniforms do you get when you get hired by an airline?
  2. What happens if your shirt or pant turns a different color while in the laundry? Does the airline provide a replacement uniform or do you have to buy a new one yourself?
  3. How long does it usually take to get changed into a full uniform at the beginning of the workday?

Thanks

2

Imran,

  1. It varies from airline to airline, and it’s been a while since I was a newhire but I believe most give you 4 shirts, 2 pants, 1 set epaulets, 1 tie and 1 blazer. Depending there are usually other cold weather costs and sweaters you can purchase.

  2. I’ve been wearing a pilot’s uniform for 15yrs now and I’ve never had any of my uniform turn a different color in the wash? However most airlines provide their pilots with a yearly uniform budget to replace items so you always look sharp.

  3. How long does it take you to get dressed in the morning? Putting on a uniform is really no different and if you struggle making a tie there are clip-on or zipper options (I’ve always been a fan of the zipper tie).

Adam

3

Imran,

Uniform policies vary by airline and pilot contracts. I have worked at three different airlines, at the first two we had to purchase the uniforms, at the third one they purchased it for us.

  1. We received four shirts, two pants, one jacket, an overcoat, hat, epaulettes, a belt and two ties with our most recent uniform change.

  2. Uniforms should be dry-cleaned, not laundered. If something happens to the uniform, it is your responsibility to get new ones.

  3. It takes about 45 minuted from when I wake up to be dressed and down stairs. Putting on a uniform is about the same as putting on a suit.

Chris

4

Thank you very much.

5

Adam,

Thanks, great info, one question for you please.

If we so choose (and at the pilots expense of course), is a completely tailored suit permissible to the airlines or is it only standard issue garments commercial pilots can wear?

Thanks again.
Jason

6

Jason,

I have known pilots to have their uniforms tailored, I did so myself. One must wear the uniform though, if pilots were allowed to wear suits, then it wouldn’t be a “uniform”.

Uniform: the distinctive clothing worn by members of the same organization or body

Part of the purpose of the uniform is to easily identify the pilots in case of an emergency, this is generally by means of the stripes on the jackets, the epaulettes, and the hat.

Chris

1 Like
7

Jason,

If you’re asking if you can wear a suit that’s different or even close to the issued uniform the answer is no. And it can’t kinda match or the color be close. It must be exact or you’re “not in uniform” which is a violation and can result in termination. The airlines uniform suppliers often use fabrics that are not easy to come by so having an exact copy made is difficult as well. Most order standard issue and if need be get them tailored after.

If this is a bigger concern to you than you might want to fly corporate where there’s more flexibility.

Adam

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8

Jason,

I had my suit altered. I think that’s very different than having it tailored because the suit is already made. Only minor alterations can be made like taking the jacked in and hemming the pants at that point.

Tory

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9

Tory,

You are correct, my uniform was altered, not tailored.

Chris

10

Are taking the jacket in and hemming the only alterations possible? Can you get the pants tapered? I’m on the leaner side and I usually get my suits slim fit and then get get my pants tapered between 7-7.5 inches (with no break) depending on the original cut of the pants and the jacket taken in slightly.

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11

Adam,

Thanks for the response and thorough details, very much appreciated.
The uniform already looks great in my view and alterations to the existing garments is more than fine for me. Uniform options would never affect my career but I do love a good fit. :slight_smile:

Also thanks to Chris and Tory for your replies too. I’ve been reading each of you for a few months now are you all awesome and I admire your dedication to this forum for us students.

Jason

2 Likes
12

Al,

My company doesn’t have a problem with tapering the pants, long as it’s done professionally. Technically they want you to use an approved vendor for that, but yes.

I should add, the trending look these days is slim fit so my new uniform pants were already slim enough for me. I, too, am on the slim side. 6’2” 160lbs.

Tory

1 Like
13

Jason,

Thank you for your kind words, it is nice to know that what we do here is appreciated. Please let us know any way we can help you in your journey.

Chris

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