Military clothing fits all

  • Published
  • By Army Lt. Col. Thomas Shrader
  • Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs
DALLAS, Texas --  Got long legs, a barrel chest or big guns for arms? Having trouble finding an off-the-shelf uniform to fit your body type? Military Clothing Sales Stores, which have now been rebranded as simply Military Clothing, says "No problem!"

Through an agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency, MC can special order any uniform to an Airmen's exact measurements.

"The way the Special Measurements Program works is a lot like visiting a tailor shop," explained Tech. Sgt. Larry McCoy, the Air Force program manager for Military Clothing at the Army and Air Force Exchange Service HQ.

"An associate at the MC will take a series of measurements, depending on the item you are ordering, be it a jacket or pants or boots," McCoy said.

The measurements are then sent off to DLA for production. Typical lead times are six to eight weeks. When the item is complete, it will be available for pick up at the store where you ordered it. Prices are the same for both Special Measurement and off-the-shelf uniforms.

McCoy uses the Special Measurements program himself and encourages other Airmen and Soldiers to do the same. "Because I am muscular -- I have broad shoulders, big arms and chest -- the standard size uniforms feels constricting when I try them on, so I usually have to custom-order a uniform that fits me just right. Along with being a coordinator of the program, I am also a very satisfied customer."

Another key point to remember is that all items sold at the MC meet the service standards for things such as infrared or other specifications. You might not get that guarantee if you buy something off base." said McCoy.