Originally Posted by
Fareastdriver
There were two main RAF tailors. Gieves and R E City. Both supplied hats made to Air Ministry specification but they were crap compared with Bates, who made a hat with a heavy crown that with encouragement could be persuaded to touch ones ears Luftwaffe style. Their shoes weren't a patch on Poulsen shoes so the ideal trio was a Bates hat, Poulsen shoes and Gieves gloves. That would set you back £12 or so.
Does anyone know if Bates still do SD hats? Regrettably my current one is on its last legs and is unlikely to see out my remaining years in the Service, and its certainly not fit for any formal events!