Home Made To Measure Pilot Uniforms
Made to Measure Pilot Uniforms

Frequently Asked Questions

E-mail Print PDF

Here are some questions that people ask about our Made-To-Measure Uniforms:

Where are your uniforms made?

Just as they have been for over 75 years, Tarpy's Made-To-Measure uniforms are all hand-sewn right here in the USA, by our master tailors.  We have tailors on-staff who have been working for Tarpy for as much as 35 years.  We do not send your order overseas to be made.

Where is your fabric from?

We purchase our fabric from the same suppliers we have worked with for several decades.  Unfortunately, most of the textile mills in the U.S. have closed over the years, so many of our fabrics have to come from overseas mills.  Our suppliers work very hard to continue to provide us with only the highest-quality uniform fabrics. 

What is the fabric made of?

Typically, we use 55% Wool / 45% Polyester.  In our experience, this provides the best balance between comfort, durability and looks.  Of course, we will be happy to make your uniform with whatever fabric you choose, as long as you understand the trade-offs.

How long will it take to get my uniform?

That is a difficult question to answer.  Because our capacity is limited, it depends on how busy we are.  The typical range is 4-6 weeks, but it could be more or less, depending on our backlog.  Please call us and we can give you a better estimate.

Do I need to come in and get measured?

Preferably, yes.  If we take your measurements, then we can take full responsibility for the proper fit.  When we work from measurements taken by others, then we guarantee that your uniform will match the measurements provided, but that still may not provide the proper fit if the measurements were off.

You made a uniform for me previously.  Do you still have my measurements on file?

Yes!  Just let us know who you were flying for at the time, and we will pull your measurements.  If your previous uniform still fits properly, and has not been altered since it was made, then we can use the measurements on file.  If you have grown an inch or two here and there, then we can compensate for that, but if the fit is significantly off, or your uniform has been altered, then please come in and get measured. 

I don't get to L.A. very often.  What can I do?

We prefer it if you can arrange a trip to L.A. to get measured, but if that is impossible, then we will work with you.  Keep in mind that if the uniform doesn't fit, and you have provided the measurements, then we can only guarantee that the uniform matches the measurements provided.  If it needs alterations, then that will be at your expense.

I'm going to be in L.A., but I am not ready to order yet.

Please come in and get measured.  We will keep your measurements on file until you are ready to order.

What happens when my uniform is ready?

We prefer that you come in for a final fitting.  It is not unusual for a made-to-measure uniform to require some adjustments.  If you come in and try it on, then we can ensure that the fit is perfect, and will provide you with years of comfortable service.  If that is not possible, then we will ship your uniform to you.  If the uniform requires only minor work like a hem, then we can often have our tailor complete it while you wait.

I like my uniform to stand out from the crowd?  Can I get a custom lining?

Absolutely.  While your employer probably specifies the color and style of your uniform, you can still choose a lining that will allow you to tell your uniform apart from everyone else's.  Just give us a call and tell us what you are looking for.  Custom linings may incur additional charges.

 

Why Made-To-Measure?

E-mail Print PDF

Why Made-to-Measure?

Many people wonder why a made-to-measure uniform is so much more expensive than a stock uniform from a major supplier, and why they should pay more for the same thing.

There is a big difference between a made-to-measure uniform, and a stock uniform.

With a stock uniform, you get whatever is available.  With a Made to Measure uniform from Tarpy Tailors, you can design your uniform to your own needs.  Would you like your coat to stand out in the cockpit?  Order a special lining color, so you'll always know which one is yours.  Would you like an extra pocket for your cell phone?  Special buttons?  Fully lined trousers?  Not a problem. 

With a stock uniform, you choose the closest size that fits.  This can work well if your body's shape and size matches the pattern that the manufacturer used.  Most of us don't have that kind of body.  Here at Tarpy Tailors, we will take several measurements of your body.  This allows us to produce a uniform that matches your body's shape and size much more accurately than a stock uniform. 

Once you provide your measurements, and place an order, our experienced tailors will take your measurements, and create a custom pattern for your garments, then use that pattern to make your uniform.  This is a time-consuming and expensive process, but the results are worth it. 

While it may seem expensive at first, the value of a Made-to-Measure uniform is much greater than that of a stock uniform, for several reasons.

A Tarpy Tailors made-to-measure uniform is made with higher quality fabric, that will hold up under everyday use.

Since a Made-to-Measure uniform is made specifically for your body, it will fit better than a stock uniform. A better fit means a more comfortable uniform, which will wear out more slowly, providing many years of service.  In addition, Tarpy Tailors makes every uniform with extra seam allowances, which gives you the opportunity to let out your uniform in the unlikely event that you put on some weight.  Most stock uniforms or suits have much smaller seam allowances.  So a Made to Measure uniform from Tarpy Tailors will last much longer than a regular suit or stock uniform.

What is the difference between a Made to Measure Pilot Uniform, and a custom suit?

Not much.  The process and the workmanship are exactly the same as a custom made-to-measure suit.  The primary difference is that we use uniform fabrics designed to hold up under everyday use. Also, our uniforms are all made in the USA, unlike most custom suits.

What is the downside?

Well, there is the higher cost, but we feel that the many years of service that you will get from your uniform will actually result in a lower cost overall.

Made-to-Measure uniforms will take longer to make. While we try very hard to ship quickly, it generally will take 4-6 weeks from the time of order. Our tailors hand-make your uniform the "old fashioned" way, in order to produce a superior uniform, and this process takes time.

Made-to-Measure uniforms may take multiple fittings to "get it right". While we strive to get the fit right the first time, this is not always possible.  To provide the best service, we recommend that you come in to our store to be measured, and return for a final fitting, so that we can make any necessary adjustments.  Of course, if this is not possible, then we will do our best to ensure that you receive the finest uniform, and we will work with you to make sure that you are completely satisfied with your purchase. 

Tarpy Tailors will also keep your measurements on file, so that you can re-order later without having to get measured again - provided you have not gained or lost a substantial amount of weight.  We suggest that even if you are not ready to purchase, you should come and visit us the next time you are in Los Angeles.  We will be happy to take your measurements, and keep them on file for when you are ready.

In summary, while you might pay more, and wait longer, we know that your Tarpy Tailors made-to-measure uniform will look better, last longer, and provide you with many years of comfort and value.