3.16 COAT SPECIFICATIONS – HARD AND SOFT COLLAR 3.16.1 GENERAL Due to the unique requirements of a band coat (relative to the number of different wearers, minimum care received, wearing conditions and life expectancy), special patterns, materials, design and construction methods must be applied. These specifications speak directly to the requirements of construction, which allow for professional washing. 3.16.2 PATTERNS A. Coat patterns are special band uniform patterns with additional “ease” to allow for freedom of movement, wearing of clothing underneath and the convenient re-issue from year-to-year. Fashion or standard patterns do not allow enough room. Merely up-grading to oversized patterns will result in an unsightly and cumbersome fit. B. Computer generated patterns will provide proper fit for all male and female band members, with no restrictions or limitations as to chest size. Likewise, sizes will be assigned in needed “lengths” from XXS through XXL. Coats will be patterned for EACH even numbered chest size, rather than just generic S, M, L, etc. C. Patterns are to be marked and graded using a computerized system to insure accuracy and updated patterns. 3.16.3 SIZING A. Measurements will be taken by a factory-trained representative. B. Sizes are analyzed by a sizing computer system assigning the closest standard proportion size to each wearer in order to permit re-issuing in subsequent years and to provide a reasonable fit for the initial wearer. C. In the event the initial wearer cannot wear a standard proportion size, a special pattern will be employed to insure a reasonable fit. 3.16.4 FABRIC A. The shell fabric is Xtreme Dri polyester/synthetic, providing enhanced air permeability that differentiates it from generic polyester fabrics. B. Xtreme Dri lifts moisture away from the wearer, which keeps the body cooler in warm weather and warmer in cold weather. It is stain resistant, tear resistant, odor resistant, quick drying, colorfast, and will not pill. Xtreme Dri is different than the standard polyesters that have been available to the band uniform industry, including, but not limited to 1933 (a.k.a. 4892), 420, 960, 6248, 4030 and 460. Standard polyester fabrics are not acceptable substitutes for Xtreme Dri. C. Since Xtreme Dri is a proprietary exclusive fabric, any vendor may bid on what they consider their best available polyester for the project. However, any and all deviations must be thoroughly documented. 3.16.5 LINING A. Coat linings are cut from a separate set of patterns designed to fit each specific coat size and style. Linings are not cut from coat shell patterns then cut down to try and fit. B. Linings are “FIRST” quality Aerocool lining, woven to absorb and evaporate moisture rapidly by capillary effect. The absorption, diffusion and evaporation system of this lining is designed to maintain cool body temperature and excellent comfort for the wearer. C. In coat styles that do not utilize a back zipper, the coat lining has a vertical pleat running up the center back. This allows fullness, fit and comfort to the overall performance of the coat. D. In the armhole area, the coat lining is machine stitched to an ensemble including the outer coat fabric, shoulder pad and sleeve-head. Hand sewing or felling does not provide the durability required for armhole construction. E. Linings are sewn to the coat bottom edge, and reinforced with pre-shrunk tailoring tape. Straight cut long coats will have an additional ½” lining pleat all around the coat bottom.
