Heads Up: Denim Tank Suit news

[RichardT10829]

Ordered three sets of them today from Irfan, aiming on delivery at the end of Jan.

[Robert Bergeron]

Hey , wait a minute ! We were not supposed to wait for Jim to inspect the prototype and give the go ahead before ordering ?

[RichardT10829]

Contacted off Irfan direct, as I had purchased a number of his pixie suits. I liked what I saw so purchased three.. my understanding is Jim wanted to check before giving the go ahead as he does not want folk to be upset if there are issues.

I am after a period looking light weight suit to climb in and out of carriers and tanks with...

I am not so fussy

If it causes grief I will tell Irfan to wait ?

[Remko]

I'll wait for a comparison verdict.....

Like i compared my Winter Pixie with an original after recieving it from Irfan.
The Winter edition was (almost) spot on with the original.

https://goo.gl/photos/Mp6jHWtehZQaFePt7

Photo 1 Collar inside UK 1945 right, repro left
Photo 2 Collar outside UK 1945 right, repro left
Photo 3 Left front pouch UK 1945 right, repro left
Photo 4 Belt inside UK 1945 right, repro left
Photo 5 Belt outside UK 1945 right, repro left
Photo 6 Fasteners in collar UK 1945 right, repro left
Photo 7 Pouch on leg UK 1945 right, repro left
Photo 8 / 9 Side slith for pouch UK 1945 right, repro left (missing the fastener both sides)
Photo 10 11 Different reinforcements on various places
Photo 12 / 13 Right front pouch UK 1945 left , repro right Fastener different
Photo 14 (original) / 15 repro / 16 repro inside rear pocket different
Photo 17 Missing the Mfg. label (Jim will send me one along with longer straps that cross over the shoulder)

Any indication of final pricing and first deliveries (after the go ahead)??

[Robert Bergeron]

The giant from the Netherlands is a wise man . Waiting for the signal before crossing the start line . That way the God of war ( Jim ) will have time to soften up any imperfections in the suits. A small Canadian ( 6’ 1’’ or 192 cm ) enthousiast . ...

[Jim Burrill]

Don't un-order your suits... But I should have the prototype in Tuesday.

I would feel better having the chance to scrutinize it before people start spending money on my say-so. Well, I would at least do my best to make sure it was made right.

I plan to get three myself.

I really hope Irfan has his shit together about the sizes. I sent him commercial cotton boiler suits/coveralls to try to set a size that you would see if you ordered from the big Aramark clothing company.


There are a couple of people that are trying to sort out replacement suits due to some mix ups. Three were lost in Holland... shipping weight matched three suits, but only one unpacked on arrival. And some that were not a proper fit. So then it got into replacement susits, and who to return the reject to. (ME!)

But it made sense to try to sell those person-to-person and save on postage.

Honestly, I still am not sure everyone is whole yet. Eric's suit is the last one to be mailed. And it was several months past the promised date.

I owe straps and a correct size lable ( That is coming Tuesday with the AFV Suit prototype!!)

It sucks when You can't personally control such things!!

Anyway.... bear with me....

[RichardT10829]

Standing by.. Irfan has been instructed to wait before making mine, he does however have my order.

You can rest easy Rob.

Remko, Irfan is quoting $150USD per suit plus postage.

And here is another image.

They say the devil is in the detail, but Vs the “Cost O Fortune” (SF) ones, they appear to be about 99% better

[shaun]

They look good to me I’m going to get my order in as I need one for the start of the rally season.
I feel it is unfair to rest the “rubber stamp “ on Jim’s shoulders . I have an original set to compare with so I can point out any issues with manufacturer my self.
But going on the images Arfan has sent me they look good to go .

WE WILL SEE !

[Jim Burrill]

Just a heads-up! I got the sample suit in. Love it! A little olive in color than my postwar fabric, but that is being picky.

Stitching is first rate! Size I got was what I consider a Large. I fit but on jeans and t-shirt a very trim fit. No crotch binding and legs and sleeves a good fit, But to be the loose coverall I am looking for I would get an XL.

Irfan is going to send me his proposed size chart tomorrow and I will share that with you all for comments.

I hope you don't think this is too mercenary, but I would encourage you to order sooner rather than later. It will take about 600 yards to do the suits I estimate, but the original order was to be 1,000 meter roll. That got pushed up to double, and then at the last minute to 3,000 yards. Granted, Irfan will probably make the two piece denim jacket and trousers for What Price Glory, but it would help Irfan and my credit card balance if we can get enough orders to cover our fabric buy.

So, if you plan to buy, treat yourself to a fresh suit before the spring MV shows begin.

Pics tomorrow!

Jim

[RichardT10829]

Cheers Jim, I thought so too when i saw the images Irfan sent, I have pulled the trigger for mine.

[Robert Bergeron]

Crossed the start line to the red parachute flare sent flying by Jim : Ordered and paid for a suit today . Cheers . Bob

[horsa]

Hey Jim, does the material appear to be pre-washed/shrunk? Maybe you should wash your sample and then try it on again over the same clothing tomorrow as a test.

Look forward to your intel tomorrow along with sizing options and procedures for placing an order. Knowing if they will shrink significantly or not will play big into what sizes people will need to order.

[Jim Burrill]

Irfan said he had the whole 3,000 yards washed at the mill and then ironed.

This was all done before the pattern cutting.

I would take it like most bluejeans and cold wash and air-dry. And err on ordering a larger size if you are snug in your usual size.

I will try a wash test tomorrow. I will use a sharpie and mark some dots across a few inches warp and weft, and was it hot and dry hot and see what happens when I measure the dots again.

[Robert Bergeron]

Jim , you are very thorough. Anyone that has ever been in any military outfit for more than two days knows for a fact that uniforms come in two sizes : Either too small or too large. We are reenacting or displaying WW2 Commonwealth troops are we not ? Stop worrying Jim , we want combat overalls not a tuxuedo... This is pretend war not a wedding ... You have done us all a great service plus you fronted a pile of money. You are awesome man. Here is a crown to add to your chevrons on your sleeve .

[Jim Burrill]

[Jim Burrill]

Here are pics of Irfan's suit I took today. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...1&l=7017d79e2d


I will try posting the link you all can use to see the album.

First pic is of the colors I have for his denim, original 50s denim, and a very washed and an unwashed Das Adler denim.

I find our production of the denim slightly olive compared to the 50s fabric which has been washed quite a bit. While it is different to the eye, I think it is still in keeping with wartime production. I had an original 44 dated denim jacket that was more olive/brown than the 50s stuff I also had at the time.

I would say it is good to go.

The two size labels are both from Das Adler's repros, but shown as datapoints. Irfan is currently working on a size chart that I haven't yet seen.

WIll post as soon as we have that finalized.

[horsa]

The attached document should have the size and order details.

Jim is doing a shrink test with a finished garment but this is what Irfan posted back in answer to the question: "It will not more shrink because I already washed all denim before making suits".

I've ordered but will refrain from anything but cold water washing and air drying until we hear real world results on hot water affecting them. Unless I end up needing it smaller but won't know that for a few more months I guess.

[RichardT10829]

Have to hand it to him, his quality is rather good, and a competitive price no less !

So when is he doing a good repro Dennison smock Jim ?

[Lew Skelton]

Just wondering if anyone else was thinking of getting a pair from down under?

[Jordan Baker]

Jim. Anymore on your wash test?

I'd like to order a couple to have for this upcoming season but want to make sure the sizing is all down

[Jim Burrill]

"Sorry for the delay in posting this...

I did a hot water wash and hot dryer run on the sample suit.

Like I suspected, there is shrinkage, like with bluejeans.

I measured several points, like the sleeve length, inseam, crotch to waist, shoulder to shoulder. Collar.

Worse shrinkage was in the length of 2" in the inseam. collar had no shrinkage and the sleeve length was about 1.5".

I discussed it with Irfan. He asked me to do a good iron and measure, which I did with no noticeable change.

The solution we worked out is in two parts - Irfan is recalculating the patterns to add more fabric to the pattern pieces so when you get it, it should fit looser than you expect, and after a good hot wash and hot dryer, it comes down to the size that is on the label.

You the buyer, will plan on the shrinkage in the first hot wash. Subsequent washing should be cold and probably close-line dry.

Next sizing thing is the inseam.... we have to keep it simple on the inseam because each single chest and waist could have 4-5 different inseam lengths.

If you think yourself on the tall side, ask for a Tall for your size. Irfan will send a suit that is about 2" longer int he inseam for the same chest and waist.

Some people may find they have a good general fit, but the legs are too long. In that case a local dry cleaner or tailor shop can take up the pants cuff and restitch the tab and buttons.

I just drafted a new size chart for the order form and I am sending it to Irfan now to review and confirm.

Personally, I am ordering a size 5/XL

I am 5"11. chest is 42-44 and a waist of 38". However age and occupation and a general loathing for gym workouts has me a bit larger around the belly button than I am at my belt-line. SO the XL should give me ease over summer clothes.

Irfan sent me a Large and over t-shirt and jeans it was "Snug" across the belly but the other areas fit closely. So I would order next size up.

Trying to sort out the fake size labels is a challenge. An Army Size 4 for one garment will not fit a soldier like any other Size 4 for a different garment.

You would think on induction, a soldier would be measured and told " Remember this! You are a Size 5! always ask for a size 5 from the quartermaster for everything!"

I swear, I could make a doctoral thesis on clothing sizes in WW2!

[Eric R.]

So the sizing based on modern dickey coveralls is not how it is going to be sized? That is what I thought you had originally planned on? That is a shame since I can go about anywhere and make sure the size fits.

After the size screw up I had with the bespoke pixie suit I am leery of his sizing applications.

Originally Posted by Jim Burrill

"Sorry for the delay in posting this...

I did a hot water wash and hot dryer run on the sample suit.

Like I suspected, there is shrinkage, like with bluejeans.

I measured several points, like the sleeve length, inseam, crotch to waist, shoulder to shoulder. Collar.

Worse shrinkage was in the length of 2" in the inseam. collar had no shrinkage and the sleeve length was about 1.5".

I discussed it with Irfan. He asked me to do a good iron and measure, which I did with no noticeable change.

The solution we worked out is in two parts - Irfan is recalculating the patterns to add more fabric to the pattern pieces so when you get it, it should fit looser than you expect, and after a good hot wash and hot dryer, it comes down to the size that is on the label.

You the buyer, will plan on the shrinkage in the first hot wash. Subsequent washing should be cold and probably close-line dry.

Next sizing thing is the inseam.... we have to keep it simple on the inseam because each single chest and waist could have 4-5 different inseam lengths.

If you think yourself on the tall side, ask for a Tall for your size. Irfan will send a suit that is about 2" longer int he inseam for the same chest and waist.

Some people may find they have a good general fit, but the legs are too long. In that case a local dry cleaner or tailor shop can take up the pants cuff and restitch the tab and buttons.

I just drafted a new size chart for the order form and I am sending it to Irfan now to review and confirm.

Personally, I am ordering a size 5/XL

I am 5"11. chest is 42-44 and a waist of 38". However age and occupation and a general loathing for gym workouts has me a bit larger around the belly button than I am at my belt-line. SO the XL should give me ease over summer clothes.

Irfan sent me a Large and over t-shirt and jeans it was "Snug" across the belly but the other areas fit closely. So I would order next size up.

Trying to sort out the fake size labels is a challenge. An Army Size 4 for one garment will not fit a soldier like any other Size 4 for a different garment.

You would think on induction, a soldier would be measured and told " Remember this! You are a Size 5! always ask for a size 5 from the quartermaster for everything!"

I swear, I could make a doctoral thesis on clothing sizes in WW2!

[Jim Burrill]

I have gone back to him about that. That is why I haven't published a fresh order form until I can get Irfan to use my sizes.

I expect to hear back from him today about this and will update the thread when I know more.

I mean, I bought six diffeent sized coveralls from Aramark and sent to Irfan so he could measure the main parts so he could see what amount of fabric was needed in , say, the waist, to have the suit be called an "Extra Large".

So.. the saga continues.....

[Irfan Ali]

Hello Everyone.
Now I am also available here for answering your questions.
Me and jim will complete sizes details today and jim will send details later today here about size chart etc....

[Jim Burrill]

Irfan and I have decided to use the commercial sizes from the Aramark Uniform Company that they post for their workman's coveralls. We are converting their sizes to try to resemble the WW2 era size lable. We are putting the Army Size Number together with the modern sizes of L or XXL to let you know how to fit if you go to a store and try on coveralls, find one that you like the fit, and then note the modern size.

Have to tinker with the formatting. It will be easy to read when I redo the order form. for this post, you can just work your way over to match up the size to the measurement.

I will have a check box for having Irfan add 2" to the torso - This is your size +Tall.

If you want a longer inseam, click the box for your size + Long.

size 2/S 3/M 4/L 5/Xl 6/2XL 7/3XL Size 8/4XL


Height 5'5" to 5'6"/ 5'7" to 5'8"/ 5'9" to 5'10"/ 5'11" to 8'0"/ 6'1" to 6'2"/ 6'3" to 6'4"/ 6'4" to 6'5"

Breast 34" to 36"/ 38" to 40"/ 42" to 44"/ 46" to 48"/ 50" to 52"/ 54" to 56/ 58" to 60"

Waist 28" to 34"/ 32" to 34"/ 36" to 38"/ 40" to 42"/ 44" to 46"/ 48" to 50"

Leg Seam 30/ 30/ 30/ 31/ 31/ 34/ 35

[Eric R.]

Ok have you or Irfan procured the coveralls to use for sizing the patterns or are you all just using their sizing charts.

[Jim Burrill]

I bought 5 suits of the same pattern (although different colors) and sent on to Irfan to measure against. The size is what Aramark uses for them.

[Jim Burrill]

Hi Folks,
Attached is a pdf to use to place your order directly with Irfan for the suits.

In a nutshell - all suits US$ 150.00 plus postage.
Price break to order three.

Sizes - we settled on using the current size chart from a major uniform supply company. If you are unsure what to order, visit a shop that sells workers coveralls/boiler suits and try them on to find a good fit over whatever clothes you think you would wear underneath. Note the size. Compare to the chart in the order form and Bob's your uncle!

If in doubt, order a size larger.
If you need a longer torso, ask for a Tall. If your measurements are otherwise good, but you need longer legs, ask for a Tall to get an extra 2 inches.

If the right fit is too long int he inseam, you can take up the cuff seam or have a local dry cleaner/alteration shop do it.


Or, you can order a completely bespoke suit by filling out the attached measurements drawing.

Email your order to Irfan with your postal address. Get a verification of shipping costs and address any last questions. Use Paypal or Bank Wire to pay for it.

TIMELINE!!!! We plan to start cutting and sewing next month with deliveries by end of April. First order in is first order out.

[Jim Burrill]

Sorry... I screwed up the leg lengths in the PDF for the very large sizes. Irfan sent me a correction. Please use this PDF instead.

[Robert Bergeron]

Hey Jim , i had already ordered . Are there any notable changes in the size chart ? Thanks and cheers . Bob