Pre War AAF Tropical dress uniform, Palm Beach fabric

[dhermann1]

I posted this in the WW II forum as well. This looks like a super opportunity to grab a very rare Army Air Force uniform from just before the war. It's made of Palm Beach fabric. What could be cooler (in more way than one)?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-Vintag...pt=Vintage_Men_s_Clothing&hash=item4abac50eaf

 

[SHOWSOMECLASS]

If this in fact white or ivory it would have been for formal occasions, such as a black tie affair. Downside is it is lacking all insignia. Prior to WWII The Air Corps was a branch of the Army like the Signal or Chemical corps. Therefore it has Army dress buttons but could be from any branch or corps of the army. Still very cool, probably made for a commanding officer.

 

[Fletch]

"U.S. Army, officer, a General's aide, wearing white formal uniform, appropriate for summer and tropical duty." LIFE magazine, 1941.

This was not a evening uniform, such as a mess jacket. Nor was it a service uniform. I have the feeling its uses were very specific, even in the pre-war Army. It probably substituted for the dress blues in tropical postings.

 

[David Conwill]

This was not a evening uniform, such as a mess jacket. Nor was it a service uniform. I have the feeling its uses were very specific, even in the pre-war Army. It probably substituted for the dress blues in tropical postings.

That would mesh with what I've read about the white uniform postwar.

 

[Fletch]

Can't edit here...It may be that the dress whites served a similar function at the time to those of the Navy, ie, the officer's daily duds in a tropical garrison. Pre-WW2, khaki blouse uniforms were limited to branches, notably aviators and submariners.

Lt. Gen. Walter C. Short, Commander, Hawaiian Department, 1941.

 

[Zemke Fan]

If this in fact white or ivory it would have been for formal occasions, such as a black tie affair. Downside is it is lacking all insignia. Prior to WWII The Air Corps was a branch of the Army like the Signal or Chemical corps. Therefore it has Army dress buttons but could be from any branch or corps of the army. Still very cool, probably made for a commanding officer.

FWIW, the US Army Air Forces were part of the Army until 1947.