The one bright side, in my mind, is that I wouldn't have to see guys wearing 15 year old polyester shirts.

An upside that is understated in a lot of these situations.

Show Me The Money, Wait, Never Mind ...
 

My local board decided to get new jackets with our local logo instead of the IAABO International logo a few years ago. We use a local distributer (the reason for the change, trademark infringement problems). We were given a grace period of a few years, at which time we had to have the new jacket. As guys started buying new jackets (as selected by our executive committee), they started hating them. It wrinkled no matter how carefully one folded it. It had a "shiny" polyester type outer shell (it reminded me of the roller disco era). The pockets weren't deep enough to hold anything (my extra inflation needle kept falling out).

Our executive committee decided to scrap the new jacket and came up with a better new jacket. They also decided that any of us that purchased the old new jacket would be reimbursed for it, and the old new jackets that were turned in would be donated to a charity clothing drive.

Sometimes it not just about the money.

What do you do with your old jackets?
 

I've had an old jacket for many yrs that I simply haven't turned in to charity, like I do with other "slightly used clothes," as I just think it would be too weird to walk down the street and see someone wearing a referee jacket? What do you guys/gals do with them?

From what source? Your dues? I doubt the sell of the jackets gave everyone a refund.

Not A Perfect Solution ...
 

It's not a full reimbursement, just a partial reimbursement. And, yes, it's from our dues. I guess our executive committee decided to spread the "hurt" around for a mistake made a few years ago. Also, the seller, a board member, didn't want to sell us this particular jacket (it wasn't his first choice), but, unfortunately, the executive committee didn't heed is advice.

I give mine away to charity with any other slightly used clothes I'm getting rid of. I mainly do this for the tax deductions, but if someone in need gets the jacket then that's an added bonus.

I am not a tax lawyer, but I think that if you claimed it as an expense when you bought it, you can't also claim a deduction when you donate it.

Interesting ... never thought of that. I tend to just lump officials gear in with other misc. clothes when I drop them off at the donation center. I'll have to look into this if I have to track separately.