You will receive the set shown, NOT stock photos. Weintraub Brothers Jacket is 38 Reg and the US Patriot Pants are 29 waist 32 length. NO flaws, NO stains, NO dirty spots.
What is included
- Weintraub Bros. Co Mess Dress Jacket 38 Regular
- Patriot Mess Dress Trousers Waist 29" Length 32"
- Bow Tie and Cummerbund are Sold spearately, let us know if you need one.
Details on the Mess Dress Jacket:
The Air Force Mess Dress jacket is worn with both theMess Dress and Formal Dress uniforms, with the principal differentiation being that a silver chain fastener (linked buttons) is attached when the jacket is worn with the Mess Dress uniform. Mess Dress uniforms are worn at formal social functions and/or at events, ceremonies, or occasion of an official nature; the civilian equivalent would be a black-tie affair where tuxedos are worn.
Officers are required to own Mess Dress uniforms; while it’s technically an optional item for both NCOs and other enlisted Airmen, it’s generally considered a de facto requirement for Senior NCOs—or at least those seeking to project an image that reflects their sincere dedication to the service and an appropriate level of professionalism. The same is true, of course, for enlisted personnel hoping to advance into the NCO ranks, and for both NCOs and enlisted Airmen, there is one other reason to add the Mess Dress uniform to their wardrobe: saluting is not required while wearing it.
The Air Force Mess Dress jacket is a single-breasted with two columns of “wing and star” buttons on the front panels, satin lapels, and a satin shawl collar. Officers wear shoulder boards (shoulder boards NOT included) on the Mess Dress jacket to display their rank.
Details on the Mess Dress Trousers:
Worn with both the male Mess Dress and Formal DressUniforms, Air Force Mess Dress Trousers are “high rise,” which means they are designed for wear at the waist rather than at the hips (a good rule of thumb for men’s formal wear). This positioning also improves the appearance of the cummerbund that is a required component of both uniforms.
The Mess Dress Uniform is worn when attending social functions of an official of formal nature: the civilian equivalent would be called a “black-tie” affair or event. Formal Dress Uniforms, on the other hand, are worn at state ceremonies and functions as well as formal evening occasions, or “white-tie affairs”—the most formal of all types of gatherings. And with the United States Air Force celebrating the 70th anniversary of its establishment throughout the year of 2017, you can rest assured there will be many events that fall into one of these two categories.
Features of Mess Dress Trousers include:
- Premium 55-45% Polyester Wool (Polywool) in Air Force Shade 1583
- 7/8-inch satin striping on each pant leg
- Side pockets, no pleats or cuffs
- Rubberized waistband ensures shirts stay securely tucked in
- Materials and manufacturing processes that are Berry Amendment-compliant—the trousers and all its components have been made in the U.S. from domestically grown or manufactured materials.
About Sleeve Braid:
Air Force Service Dress coats worn by Officers and General Officers have had a distinguishing sleeve braid since the first Air Force-only uniforms were produced in 1949. For over forty years, the dark blue sleeve braid was a half-inch in width and worn three inches from the end of the sleeve by all Officers, from 2nd Lieutenant to General. But a massive uniform overhaul in 1991 resulting in what became known as the “McPeak Uniform” changed not only the color of the braid—it was switched to silver—but also the number worn and their width.
Under the new system—which wasn’t really “new” since it was taken almost directly from the Navy—a single braid indicated the lowest Commissioned rank. Two widths were used in combinations for officers at Colonel and lower; General Officer ranks all started with a massive 2-inch braid embroidered with the “clouds and lightning” design found on Air Force Service Cap visor (O-7) and added a medium-width, unadorned braid for each additional star (O-8 to O-10).
But the new uniform met with much displeasure that was offset by little to no enthusiasm, and in 1995 the Air Force Chief of Staff rescinded the design, replacing the busy braid system of the McPeak Uniform with just two dark blue braids: 1/2-inch for Officers and 1 1/2-inches for General Officers (O-7 to O-10).
