Should I sell my old OCP tops to help buy new ones if they fit too large?

2019-06-01T14:25:18-04:00

Good afternoon everyone. I have an issue regarding my current set of OCP tops. I have lost a considerable amount of weight since first being issued my OCP’s 2 years ago and my OCP tops now fit me large, to the point where I can grab all of the extra slack and fold it across my whole torso from one side to the other. The bottoms of the OCP coat also drapes down all the way past the top of the side pockets on the bottoms of the uniforms. It is also noticeable that I have a large amount of arm and shoulder room while in uniform. Overall I believe this presents a somewhat less sharp and less professional of an appearance than if I had a size down. I was considering just buying 4 new OCP tops of a better size and fit and selling/giving away my old tops, all of which are in good condition and two of which I don’t think I have ever worn as I generally alternate between just two tops. I am just curious if there is anything against any regulation which says that I cannot do this or if you all think there is a better plan of action? Thank you all for any advice.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jun 1 at 2019 2:28 PM

2019-06-01T14:28:23-04:00

I would say so.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2019 3:43 PM

2019-06-01T15:43:38-04:00

Wait for your clothing allowance if you need to and buy your new tops. Keep the other ones for field use is what I would do.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jun 1 at 2019 4:46 PM

2019-06-01T16:46:59-04:00

I don't know how color fast the new stuff is, but in the Marines I had pairs labeled so that the same top was always with the same trousers. I didn't like it when one item was more faded than the other.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2019 5:16 PM

2019-06-01T17:16:14-04:00

You're allowed to do anything you like with old uniforms. Give them away, sell them, whatever you want.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2019 5:59 PM

2019-06-01T17:59:30-04:00

I would recommend checking with others in your unit or nearby to see if anyone could do a swap for the size you need

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2019 7:11 PM

2019-06-01T19:11:25-04:00

If you have had them for two years and have been washing them normally I wouldn’t recommend just getting new tops. They will look more dark than your bottoms. You should always get a set when buying new uniforms so that way they fade together when you wash them over time

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Jun 1 at 2019 8:23 PM

2019-06-01T20:23:19-04:00

If you are anything like most of the guys I know, you will once again grow into them as you age

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2019 10:16 PM

2019-06-01T22:16:13-04:00

Can you keep them for cold weather field usage?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2019 1:02 AM

2019-06-02T01:02:29-04:00

If you find a decent tailor you could have them take in the sides. I had a medium size I took in so I could roll the sleeves without it being a tourniquet. They double stitched the seams so it doesnt look altered. Fits like a dream and not a pillow case.

Like the others have said, you could use the bigger ones for field use and have a newer set that fits for a garrison set. Whatever you do dont give away your OCPs. Theres always some airsoft guy on Ebay that'll pay whatever you put up for them.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Jun 3 at 2019 1:08 AM

2019-06-03T01:08:24-04:00

I would suggest you consult with your supply sergeant to make sure. The Army issued you four sets of OCPs so they expect you to have them. The question is - are you held accountable for having the sizes you were issued?

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jun 3 at 2019 2:15 AM

2019-06-03T02:15:52-04:00

No. If you do, the new ones will not be shaded correct to match the bottoms. My advice is to either hang onto them for field use, sell tops and bottoms as a pair or find an alterations shop and have them taken in appropriately.

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2019 12:17 PM

2019-06-03T12:17:09-04:00

If they really are too big for you, once you get your clothing allowance go ahead and sell them, either directly yourself or by pawning them off to a military surplus store (don't forget that online surplus stores are getting increasingly popular for people seeking genuine items). If they're nice enough quality they could fetch a decent dime.