what to wear to PIR

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Permalink Reply by Nicole on November 3, 2008 at 12:58pm

My son PIr'd on 10/17 and the weather was chilly, I just wore black pants, a sweater and flat shoes. You have to consider that you will be sitting on uncomfortable bleachers for some time and there is walking involved so wear comfortable shoes. The drill hall is heated and after it started to fill up it starts to feel warmer than normal. As far as a dress code, I don't believe there is one (maybe no shirts or clothing with suggestive or vulgar writing), I saw people in jeans and t-shirts. Just wear something that you feel comfortable in. Don't forget to bring your camera and have fun. You are in for one of the most amazing sites ever. I had such a great time, I know you will too.

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Permalink Reply by Angie From WA: HM / Pre Buds Mom on November 3, 2008 at 4:55pm

When we went it was the end of June, so cotton/silk dresses were fine then weather wise. I too saw everything from jeans and t-shirts to suits. There were some young ladies who even wore (mostly black) cocktail dresses and high heels! A little over the top I think, but that's my opinion. The key is to be tasteful and respectful. What would your new Sailor expect or want you to wear? You are potentially meeting his/her shipmates, their parents and his/her superior officers, what impression do you want to make? You will probably post pictures from PIR at home, on a Myspace and/or on here, pictures you want to be proud to display. I see no reason now why the girlfriend couldn't wear a stylish dress and (tights?) lower heels/boots, maybe with a removable dressy cardigan or jacket to stay warm, as long as she is comfortable walking a distance, up bleachers stairs and sitting. Overall, general guideline, speaking mostly to moms I guess...what would you wear to a (business?) luncheon, dinner out at a nice mid priced restaurant or an afternoon wedding? :-)

Here's a link to a prior discussion on this topic. Tina was (she rarely visits the site now) quite a gifted and often humorous, insightful writer, I recommend reading any of her blogs (there are many). This one struck a chord:

http://www.navyformoms.com/profiles/blogs/1971797:BlogPost:216813

Here's an edited version of one of my comments there: "Personally, I do think we all need to keep the purpose of the event in mind, conducting ourselves in a dignified manner (and reminding those with us to do the same) worthy of the parent/wife/fiance/gf of a sailor in the United States Navy; we do represent them, our families and our country and we should give them and their very special day the respect /they are/it's due. Considering though that we come from all parts of the country, all walks of life and income brackets, (and especially considering the current state of our economy and how much we spend just to travel to this graduation) we should also focus our energies on celebrating our shared unity as part of the Navy family and our collective hearts full of love and pride for our awesome young men and women and not in judging what is on the outside." I'm excited for all you BC ladies, you're about to have the most amazing, memorable experience! =)

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Permalink Reply by Tracy, Proud Mom of Darryl on November 4, 2008 at 12:31am

My son just PIR on 10/31 and the weather was nice, but I would suggest wearing a pair of slacks and sweater and some comfortable shoes because of the walk to the graduation site.

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Permalink Reply by Ellen R. on November 4, 2008 at 2:53am

My son's PIR was 10/24 and there was a variety of dress there - but overall I would say business casual. Not too grungy but not too dressy. There were people there in dresses but the vast majority were in nice slacks, sweaters etc. Don't stress too much about it. Do wear comfortable shoes for walking to and from the hall and climbing bleachers!

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Permalink Reply by Sue McM. on November 4, 2008 at 6:59am

You will see everything from very casual to sunday best. Go for comfort most of all. You will have to climb bleacher seats so avoid heels. It will be chilly. It was down in the low to mid 40s while we were up there and we definitely felt it. My son't girlfriend had originally planned on a dressy dress but smartly changed her mind and wore a short dress with leggings and boots. She was much more comfortable than she would have been. My son PIRd with Nicole's son so we are still fairly fresh from this. :) I know I wore cords, a sweater, and a wool blazer and was ok.

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Permalink Reply by ♥Kathy♥ on November 4, 2008 at 7:41am

10/24 There were people there who were casual and then there were people who were decked out! I wore jeans and a blouse. Dont forget shoes you can walk in. :) You have to walk to the drill hall and back to the parking lot.

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