Uniform (NATO Jumper)

[th3legend]

Hello,
I just got a letter from Clyde Marine stating what uniform is required during college and sea phases. It mentioned that all uniform items are for the cadet's own account, with the exception of the NATO jumper. It states that the jumper will be provided during the 1st phase. Does this mean that it will be given to me on the first day? Or should I buy one in advance anyway?

Thanks

[BMcGrath]

Yeah the letter reads that we'll be provided with one as you mentioned, so I'm gonna go by that and not buy one. If we get there and turns out we don't get one provided then i'll just order one, I don't think it will be a big deal to be honest mate.

[KeiranNewberry]

If you need to buy one, you might find one cheaper at an Army/Navy surplus store

[th3legend]

Ok yeah that's grand cheers mate

[endure]

If you're going to buy your own spend a little extra and buy a wool one rather than polyester. They're warmer, more comfortable and will last longer too.

[All At Sea]

I bought one off Clyde Uniforms before joining, I was then sent a further 3 from Clyde at various points during phase 1. However I started in January and it was a bit chilly then (the poor lads who didn't have one looked absolutely freezing during morning musters!)and I didn't get a uniform package until 2 weeks in so I don't regret coming over-prepared!

Also if you're going to get uniform from Clyde and you're one of their cadets you are entitled to a 10% discount (and if you're going to be spending 3 years on those wages every bit helps!) so give them a ring before you order and they'll give you a discount code.

finally BMcGrath is right about it not being a big deal. Lots of brand new cadets rocked up without full uniform still waiting for kit to be issued from their company, so there were lots of 'pirate-rigs' walking around in the first few weeks. I don't know if it's the same for every college but mine aren't exactly strict on uniform at the best of times. not saying it isn't worth make an effort, but nobody is going to give you a grilling if you turn up on the first day without any epaulets for example.

[Midge]

If you're going to buy your own spend a little extra and buy a wool one rather than polyester. They're warmer, more comfortable and will last longer too.

For those who are leaving home for the first time and who don't often use the washing machine, or normally wash their own woollies.

Can I just add a little bit of info from my years of being a mother and operator of washing machines etc

Just be careful how you wash a pure wool jumper, if you stick it in a washing machine with shirts etc on a hot wash it will not come out the size it went in.
It will need to be washed on a wool setting and preferably with a detergent that's suitable for wool. Follow the care instructions on the label.
In fact have a good look at the labels on your clothes when you wash them for the first time. When you are using a machine that's new to you not all do the same thing on the same setting as the one you may have at home.
Even us experienced mums have had disasters!
Make sure you wash the dark colours separately from the light ones, you don't want those dark red new boxers ( the ones your mum said you had to buy because you can't go away with those old favourites ones someone might see them) or t shirt to dye your new white shirts pink! Or maybe you don't mind

[Steve]

My advice: don't get it dirty, don't wash it.

If you only wear it when you genuinely need to it shouldn't get sweaty, and if you wear it with an appropriate garment of outerwear it shouldn't get dirty. If you wear it to hide your unironed shirt, or instead of an appropriate coat, jacket or overall: tough ****, take the risk.

OTOH if you fail to keep it clean, follow the advice in the previous post. ;-)

[HolyNougat]

yes - I accidentally nuked a nato jumper a few weeks ago. Came out of the wash like a nato jumper, only much, much smaller....

[All At Sea]

Did the same thing with my boiler suit...

my only boiler suit...

the day before STCW week...

Fortunatley my waistline had also shrunk a lot lot since my boiler suit was issued to me so it wasn't too unflattering. I was showing off a bit more ankle and forearm than was strictly nessecary however!

[Midge]

I haven't tried this, but might be worth a go, there are lots of similar ones if you google it, but basically make sure you leave the hair conditioner in as you do the stretching and drying and try not to wring it as it will break the fibres. Not sure how it will work on something that is very very shrunk!

http://m.wikihow.com/Unshrink-Clothes

[endure]

I haven't tried this, but might be worth a go, there are lots of similar ones if you google it, but basically make sure you leave the hair conditioner in as you do the stretching and drying and try not to wring it as it will break the fibres. Not sure how it will work on something that is very very shrunk!
http://m.wikihow.com/Unshrink-Clothes

When I were a lad we used to buy a pair of Levis and sit in a bath full of hot water with them on all afternoon to make them shrink. What's all this 'unshrinking' business?

[Midge]

When I were a lad we used to buy a pair of Levis and sit in a bath full of hot water with them on all afternoon to make them shrink. What's all this 'unshrinking' business?

I remember that probably around mid to late 70's, good old Levi's, none of that stretch fabric! It they were really tight you needed the hook on a coat hanger to be able to pull the zip, and in the case of my friend had to try and get someone to push the fabric together as even the coat hangar technique was a problem.

[Dannyboy14]

Have they got to be v neck or can we use normal round collar?

[th3legend]

I think its round neck