Looks like the decision makers must have been involved with the red beret and skill awards fiasco. That said, I just bought a new shirt and pair of pants this weekend. I'm planning on vacuum sealing this set up in a large plastic bag and auctioning them off on ebay in about 20 years.
Just some quick observations. With the old uniform, I currently wear "classic cut" slacks and don't have an issue with room around the hips. With the new slacks, they seem a little more snug but they still fit. That said, I do like the new heavy fabric as I'm a little tough on my slacks and shorts in the field. Yes, I'm old school and wear a complete uniform while camping. You know, just like all those old Rockwell paintings.
Besides all the comments about the sewing issues that will be involved with the new shirt, the "Boy Scouts of America" in "rubberised" lettering will not stand up to continuous use. The same can be said for the American flag on the shoulder. It appears that cheap manufacturing costs outweighed common sense. I predict that both issues will need to be fixed in the future with sewn-on patches. Add to this mess, the button under the flap for your OA arrow. I honestly don't know how the dangle will really stay on if you move around alot without some modification to the loop on the ribbon.
Finally, to add insult to injury, look at the clothing labels and you find out it's "Made in China." Now I realize most of what BSA sells is made in China but you'd would have thought that maybe the BSA would have turned a new leaf with the Centennial Uniform. Just how serious can they be about "Leave No Trace" when they purchase their gear from one of the world's "greatest polluters."
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!!!!!!
