Happy Labor Day America! 

Today is a time to celebrate the strength, achievements, ingenuity, and contributions of those who strive to better themselves, their families and this nation: workers of every stripe and economic background. 

So join me in pausing to celebrate and show an appreciation for the hard work of all of us, you and me, and those who came before us. To those who helped build the infrastructure, the communities and the economy of this great nation for the betterment of all, beginning from the industrial revolution in the late 1800's to this very day.

The first recognition of laborers was with a parade of 10,000 participants marching through the heart of New York City on September 5, 1882.  The official holiday was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland on June 28, 1894. Given those years, I'm thinking the 10,000 as well as the president were wearing union suits, nearly identical to the ones we still enjoy 140+ years later. They were the first to witness, wear and enjoy this new fangled long underwear: Utica, New York's 1868 "Emancipation Union Under Red Flannel!"

Since today marks the unofficial end of summer, I too have donned a union suit. I am a Labor Day to Memorial Day union suit fan. How about you?

Have a great day, Union Suit Fans!  You've worked hard so now relax and enjoy family and friends!

Now, switch over to my companion blog, Union Suit Fans in the Limelight, 

and play another round of Movie Trivia!

See How His Garden Grows 

A cup of morning coffee is the ticket. 

Then, it's off to check the progress on his award-winning garden.....

Ole "Green Thumb" Buckeye is an expert 

on knowing just how to plant, tend and harvest his Ohio plot of veggies:  

And another cup of joe hits the spot as he heads out for the morning paper!  No worries, the neighbors are use to seeing him out and about in his long handled underwear!  

Another day calls for additional outdoor work and another suit.

 

Buckeye Mike, Union Suit Fan

Salutations depuis la France.

Jérôme in his Longue Caleçon

Earlier this month, my favorite Frenchman, Jérôme, was one of those featured in the Union Suit Fan posting for National Underwear Day, August 5th. He happily joined us Americans in celebrating this recognized holiday. France is the United States oldest ally. And these days, the French are still joining us in their long, buttoned-down underwear.

Jérôme has a large collection of union suits. He surpasses the dozen or so one-piece combinaisons that I own and wear. He emailed me recently of venturing outside on a hot day in France in just a favorite union suit of his:  

"That day, I took advantage of my wife being away to get dressed and go out like that; she doesn't understand why I’d wear long underwear in warm weather—plus, that purple union suit is a bit too thick for the heat. It was 28°C (82°F) that day; I do sometimes wear them in temperatures up to 30–32°C (86–90°F), but lighter ones. Jérôme"

Thanks Jérôme Union Suit fraternity!  

    

Wash day:

 

  

Stanfield's Fit Much Better After Washing

So many of you have purchased and swear by the quality, warmth and fit of Canadian Union Suit Manufacturer, Stanfield's, that I continue to feature photos, articles and ads over the past ten years in this blog. I have recommended them to those of you who have emailed asking what kind of union suits you should buy. 

One blog follower who contacted me over the past year in this regard was Artie up in Maine. Upon my suggestion, he ordered Stanfield's on-line and eagerly anticipated their arrival. He had been unhappy with his other union suits.

When the Stanfield's combinations arrived, his package exhibited a white premium union suit (which is no longer offered by the company). But inside, the underwear he ordered was red. 

So soon, I imagine, he opened the new package and pulled them on! But, hmmm....

The fit was, well, look for your self:

Well, the quality was good, the underwear was warm but the length of arms and legs were too long, the crotch extended too far down, and he ended up with a really baggy seat. Ole Artie didn't want to be known as "droopy drawers" and could not help being disappointed!  He sent me the above photos of him modeling the new union suit and commented:

"The Stanfield union suit is much better quality than the Indera, buttons well attached and an overall nice feel. The sizing on the Stanfield’s is different, the torso is extremely long giving them a “droopy drawers” feeling. Maybe the fit will be better after a wash and dry.  My Indera’s fit better.  I’ll definitely wear the Stanfield's to work but I probably won’t wear them to bed with my wife. She would find them more humorous than sexy....Artie"

Not overly discouraged, Artie wore his bulky long handles, washed them, wore them, washed them and before too long, they fit him very well. He emailed:

 "I’ve always been a white long johns guy.  I did get a wash and dry on the Stanfield’s. They fit so much better. Feel really good....Artie"

After I inquired again last week how the suit was working out, he emailed me this updated photo... 

"Chris I love my Stanfield’s ! After a few washing’s they fit much better. I put them on this morning and took a photo for USF. Last winter was the coldest in 30 years and the Stan’s were my go to union suit. Wish I could get them in white. Hope all is well. Artie"

So, my New England Union Suit buddy, is satisfied with his long underwear purchase: I supposed I'll be able to continue advising "new-bees" to our union suit fraternity that they can have confidence in ordering and wearing Stanfield's....Chris

National Underwear Day - Recognized in Canada too

Opening up my email today, I had been sent an ad which this company does from time to time, 

published last week, from Stanfield's....the major Canadian manufacturer of quality underwear: 

National Underwear Day Starts with Better Basics - Stanfield's

On National Underwear Day, we're celebrating the pieces that work the hardest in your wardrobe—the ones that keep you comfortable through every season, every routine, and every adventure. ​ Quality underwear isn't just another purchase. It's something you'll appreciate every time you get dressed. I've added some favorite ads of my favorite underwear, union suits, that I've received over the years.  Many of you have purchased, wear and sworn by Stanfield's combinations. So email photos of you in your Stanfield's (yes, I know it's still hot most places but it won't kill you) and I'll post you in them here.