Genuine Question here so no abuse please.
We have to Kit out a new young lad and I need No2 Trousers at the rather large end of the scale bigger than 108 cm waist anyone have any ideas… Sensible ones only please as I do not want this post to become a debate over the poor individuals issues.
At least he has got off his backside and attempted to do something useful so lets respect that…
You used to be able to make a special request through stores, but handily it took so long that by the time they arrived the cadet has usually left!
Have you tried any of the online retailers?
Yup have tried the usual suspects online
Most dont go far enough up the size range and the ones that do a larger waist seen to stop at 108cm waist…
Cant see the RAF shelling out for a Special measure for a cadet, as from my own time in the RAF I am aware of the timescales and cost implications.
So ask the parents to shell out for it instead - the question is whether the RAF’s tailors can turn the request around in sensible timescale.
Are there any private outfitters out there who would do a suitable pair or two?
(I could do with this myself - mine are inexplicably too large!)
It may be worth trying to ask Sam Badger.
You could ask them to try their local Army Surplus store if they have one, there are some unusual sizes in my local one.
Size 108 are the biggest at the moment the stores provide (HQAC has requested bigger, MTP goes to 112 as did the RAF at one point).
Stores will provide a special measure IF the cadet has more than a years service left and on the understanding it is a one off (get bigger your goosed)
I knew a cadet who required a special measure and got it on the above conditions, he out grew them in 6 months and wanted more but was told where to go.
the cadet in question only wanted to turn up at the squadron (not mine) and shoot, and go on shooting weekends, no other involvement with the cadets, Daddy ended up getting a tailor (Snaithes I think) to do him SEVERAL pairs of trousers over the 2 years he was in.
he was a member of his sqn shooting team so got “special” treatment :ohmy:
Edit: meant to say this cadet HAD to be taken to parent station for a tailors parade, the station would not the sizes to be supplied over the phone.
[quote=“thetopcat69” post=23389]Yup have tried the usual suspects online
Most dont go far enough up the size range and the ones that do a larger waist seen to stop at 108cm waist…
Cant see the RAF shelling out for a Special measure for a cadet, as from my own time in the RAF I am aware of the timescales and cost implications.[/quote]
This is correct - the largest size is 85/108/124.
How much larger do you need to go exactly?
We’ve experienced the same as big g. It means taking a morning off work as they won’t be able to get on the station unescorted, and in our experience it’s so slow that in practice one of our staff who was handy with a sewing machine just took 2 pairs and put them together.
I think creative tailoring is the way forward. many of the bigger hospitals have a sewing room . They cater for the larger uniformed staff.
If you have a connection, or just ask nicely …
Our local hospital does private work for a fiver…
As for the official route , we had a cadet with 34" inside leg and 28" waist… we’re still waiting
You could also try a dry cleaner in the local area. They usually offer an alterations service and will usually be cheaper than going to a proper tailor.
It’s always worth checking, but generally most dry cleaners I’ve seen (certainly around here) offer only fairly basic alterations of mixed quality.
Just remember that knowing someone who can sew isn’t going to give you a magic fix.
The only way to enlarge a pair of trousers beyond their limit is by adding in panels. This means having additional seams in odd places, like down the back of each buttock.
You’ll also need to start with a pair as close as possible to the required size because as you go bigger the entire cut of the garment changes. It’s not just the circumference of the waist… The rise, thigh width, seat angle, fork, all alter.
Trying to take 2 pairs of 30" waist and turn them into one pair of 46" is a lot of work and the final result probably wouldn’t be worth it.
If we had access to a supply of the approved fabric we’d have a lot more options.
Are you atc if not and are part of the ccf why don’t you try asking the technicians at your school we had our entire section fitted and altered for Cranwell
Has anyone had any luck in this department? I’ve got a young lady who is outside the sizes in pretty much everything and we are trying to find a way forward.
Have you phoned your parent stores?
We’ve spoken to the WExO who was less than useful
hmmmm. possibility of a tailor?
Shouldn’t have to be at the Sqn’s expense.
It shouldn’t have to be at the squadron’s expense but realistically it’s the best option. It will be quickest option. By the time you get some the cadet will normally have left.
That’s ironic as ours would sort for us, taking the cadet to a tailors parade if needed so we aren’t taking time off work.
Yeah I was thinking of that. If WExO wasn’t useful have you tried going up the chain of command?