Retro Little Guys' Healthknit Union Suits 

 Union Suit Fans, thought you'd get a kick out of this Healthknit Thermal King packaging with little union suit wearing cartoon characters printed on it: police officer, army man, fireman, and train conductor...circa 1950's and early 1960's when union suits were still widely worn by lots of men!  Outdoor workers needed "Extra Warmth" thermal underwear.....before global warming.  Anyone remember seeing or purchasing union suits in this package?!  Fun!

As many of you know, if you've been viewing my postings over the years, my grandma bought me my first union suit when I was a boy when shopping at Sears. It was a "close out" sale of men's union suits for only $2.00 per suit. It didn't have these little cartoon dudes on the package that I got. But would have been quite the treasure to have seen these. That early union suit and all I've purchased since, with only two exceptions, have not been the waffle weave as the one pictured herein. Never-the-less, I would have loved to have one like this if only for the package!  

The second union suit I puchased myself and wore exgtensively was a red Healthknit 100% cotton union suit like the one pictured here.  Standard Knitting Mills of Knoxville, Tennessee manufactured both of these union suits and most of the union suits bought and worn by U.S. men and boys in the 20th Century.

  

The white thermal Union Suit packaging with tiny workers above was contributed by Union Suit Fan, Retro Jeff of Illinois

BVD's aka "Summer Underwear"

Founded in 1877, the Joseph W. Bradley, Luther C. Voorhees, and Lyman H. Day Underwear Company of New York City first manufactured and sold summer underwear they named BVD's. The unusual brand named underwear was, as you may know or have guessed, an acronym of the three men's last names. BVD's became widely popular as an alternative to long heavier underwear, particularly union suits. This underwear design was one-piece too...short drawers combined with short sleeves.

After spring thaws and warmups, men and their boys appreciated the opportunity to switch from their ponderous long drawers and sleeved underwear to abbreviated union suits. Those living in the southern U.S. could then wear BVD's year around. Later in the twentieth century, boxer shorts, briefs, athletic shirts and tee shirts were made and the one-piece BVD's and other short versions of "athletic underwear" became less popular. However, modern versions of BVD boxer shorts, briefs, and undershirts can still be purchased today. 

Fortunately for those who like the long version, one-piece underwear, like you and me, a large variety of full body union suits are readily available on line and in some stores. Hurray!!

Below is an iconic photo of, presumably, a dad and his son wearing their BVD underwear in a game of ball. I found no record as to whether the pitcher, first baseman, out fielders, or others were playing ball in just their "summer underwear"....lost to history.  

And, how about these boys wearing Munsingwear Underwear on a float in a 1908 Oklahoma parade. I wonder how they were persuaded to appear before hundreds of folks in just their underwear!

"Don't Say Underwear, Say Munsingwear!"

Like BVD before them, Munsingwear and other underwear companies soon followed, manfacturing abbreviated summer underwear. Here are some early 20th century examples of shortened versions of union suit underwear ads for men and boys. You may recognize some from earlier postings in Union Suit Fan: 

  

  

Short one-piece underwear can still be purchased and worn today including the ones Retro Jeff turns to in Illinois' hot summer weather:

Retro emailed me recently:  It turned a little cool last night so I broke out this Calvin Klein vintage, new in package,  summer union suit I found on eBay a few months ago. From the label it seems to date from the early/mid 80s.  Interesting the way the buttons are done, 5 sets of 2.  It almost reminds me more of an old fashioned 1890s swim suit.  There is no rear flap so when Nature comes a knockin' at the back door there are 10 buttons to undo. Needless to say, one is prudent to respond at the very first knock.  LOL   ....Retro

Thanks, Retro. After I started wearing union suits myself at age 14 and having always lived in northern Idaho, I once asked one of my grandpa's how he could possibly wear union suits year around having grown up in Nebraska. I knew he didn't have boxer shorts back then to wear, and for half of his life, settled for long handled underwear.  He told me about BVD's and called them his "Summer Underwear." I don't know if anyone else called their BVD's "summer underwear" but I am, at least for the title of this posting." 

Years ago, I purchased a suit of BVD one-piece, athletic underwear from the J.C. Penney Company.  The strap of the shirt was narrower than that which Vogel wears in "The Reivers." And, I must admit, I wasn't exactly taken with that type of underwear.

 

Then and now I prefer boxers and sleeveless undershirts for summer....Chris          cayersnd@gmail.com

By the way, you should now check out my companion blog for a posting of scenes from the 1969 popular film, The Reivers, starring Steve McQueen and the young, Mitch Vogel.  Just like millions of other boys and men at the time all across America, this eleven year old boy wore BVD's in this movie, providing a good example of the very popular turn-of-the-(twentieth) century underwear. Go to Union Suit Fans in the Limelight.  Thanks to Retro Jeff for recommending this great movie!

 

Suits Suit Some of uS even in the Summertime!  

Even as the summer heat swelters over most of the U.S, as well as up in Canada, a few of us are pleased we're able to survive cool mornings outside in our union suits. And boy does a cup of joe add to the enjoyment.

As an extra bonus, I'm able to sleep in my union suit summer nights each year with the windows wide open! That is, when the dense, dangerous smoke from western wild fires dissipates enough to do so.

So herein are hearty individuals that wear our long johns right through the summer. No need to wait for autumn!  Now that's what you'd call "Union Suit Fans."

Surely it's no Surprise that Union Suits Simply Suit Some of uS for Setting the Summer Scene.

  

 

Enjoy the summer, boys. We'll be scooping snow before you know! 

And thanks, Retro Jeff for encouraging us to take a Summer Break (Union Suit fans send me your outdoor summer union suit break so I can add you to these dudes!)

Patriotic Underwear for Union Suit Fans in Canada and the U.S.A.

After my recent July 4th posting, I heard from my Canadian pal, Peter Kenth. He emailed over Union Suits (or "Combinations" as some old-timer Canadians still prefer to call their long underwear). 

Suitable for fans of Canada and the United States. You could say this guy is Patriotic right down to his Underwear!

 Happy Fourth of July, Freedom Fans! 

Despite the heat and fires across so much of our great nation, here's hoping your celebration of our first 250 years is memorable, safe, and enjoyable. Thank God for the USA and those who serve and love it! 

In Escanaba in Da Moonlight

Reuben Soady (Jeff Daniels) didn't hunt bear in his union suit like Nephew and Uncle did as featured last week in Union Suit Fan. But in his case, to save face as being the only guy in his family who failed to bag a buck, he hunted deer late one snowy night in Michigan's upper peninsula in his button-down long underwear. 

Watch for scenes from this hilarious film in my companion blog, Union Suit Fans in the Limelight, coming in August. 

 

The Bear Hunt

Before venturing out into the dark and dangerous woods, Nephew and Uncle added extra protection against cold and critters. They prepared by wearing union suit "armor" for extra safety. You never know what may be lurking behind the trees.

 

Oops, looks like their wearing long underwear was no help against this brute:

The above, inspired by one of the photos I included in the Union Suit Fan Flag Day posting on June 15th. 

A special shout-out to my favorite union suit illustrator and caricature master, Jerry Walters. Thanks!

You may recall one of the several postings I featured of him and his cast of characters, 'er caricatures, such as this one: 

Calling him a cartoonist, illustrator or draw-er, character-ist, or caricatu-rist just doesn't seem adequate somehow. How does one capture that which Jerry captures? Perhaps “Artist” defines him best. He and I first met by way of the amazing invention we call the “Internet.” That was about five years ago when I found him on www.blurb.com. That site allows very talented folks of all persuasions to publish their books for the world's enjoyment. I'm pleased that Jerry found this outlet for his immense gift. Well, like this one for example,”Coach”... 

Many, if not most of Jerry's creations, feature men and sometimes animals caught in some predicament or another wearing little else but their union suits. So, you know by now how that caught my attention! After all, union suits are my go-to underwear and why I have posted countess union suit photos, articles and stories in two blogs over the years, a very large number contributed by you, the viewer....

 

Go to my posting of February 10, 2024 in Union Suit Fan to see the entire posting, 

including other caractures and a newspaper article about Jerry. 

Hunting in your union suit adds yet another element of adventure.

 

A Modern Day Fashion Statement Out of the Shadows

Who would have thought that union suits would become one of 2025's most surprising fashion trends? 

These humble one-piece garments have come a long way from their Victorian beginnings as practical undergarments.

Read on for a comprehensive look at a Renaissance of Long One-Piece Underwear. This article used with permission from the maker of union suits and other fine underwear, RomperJack.

The classic red flannel design with long arms and legs might seem simple as pieces that were first patented back in 1868.

....These innovative garments appeared in the mid-1800s as a practical solution to the restrictive Victorian clothing that women had to endure. While similar designs existed before, the official 1868 patent marked the beginning of what would become a lasting design. The signature button-up front and rear flap has remained virtually unchanged for over a century and a half.

....Men's union suits are suddenly popping up everywhere from high-end runway shows to social media feeds. You'll also learn about modern interpretations like the RomperJack union suit that's helping drive this resurgence while staying true to the garment's functional roots. Whether you're curious about fashion history or considering adding a union suit to your wardrobe, this story of reinvention and timeless practicality might just change how you think about one-piece fashion!

Why the name 'union suit' still sparks debate

Here's where things get interesting—historians still argue about where the name "Union Suit" actually comes from. Several theories exist, and honestly, each one makes sense:

The most obvious explanation points to the 'union' of top and bottom clothing into one piece. Another theory connects it to the Union Army, since Singer patented his sewing machine in 1851, and factories were producing both Civil War uniforms and union suits around the same time.

A third possibility suggests the name might come from an unknown older brand. The challenge with determining the true origin? People considered undergarments too taboo to discuss openly, so proper records weren't kept for over a century. Sometimes, the most practical innovations get overlooked in history books! 

What we do know is that by the late 19th century, union suits had completely crossed gender lines. Men working in harsh conditions discovered that these garments were essential workwear that actually made their jobs more bearable. Function always finds a way to transcend fashion boundaries.

How union suits evolved through the decades

The 20th century brought incredible changes to the humble union suit. This one-piece wonder adapted to new technologies and shifting social norms while keeping its distinctive character intact. The journey from practical necessity to fashion statement shows just how adaptable great design can be.

The Munsingwear revolution

George D. Munsing changed everything when he arrived in Minnesota in 1886 to produce a new line of woolen union suits. His company, initially called Northwestern Knitting Company and later renamed Munsingwear, quickly became an underwear empire. The growth was remarkable - by 1900, they offered an impressive 80 styles of long underwear, and by 1917, the factory produced a staggering 30,000 garments per day.

Munsingwear's marketing strategy proved especially bold for its time. They made advertising history in 1897 by featuring a young girl wearing a union suit in Ladies' Home Journal—the first time a company had shown underwear on a live model rather than displayed flat or illustrated. This daring approach paid off as sales boomed. By 1920, Munsingwear employed a workforce that was predominantly female, with women making up 85% of the workforce.

From itchy wool to silk-lined comfort

Traditional woolen underwear had one major problem—it was notoriously itchy and uncomfortable. Munsing tackled this persistent complaint head-on by developing an ingenious method for silk-plating wool, essentially knitting a layer of silk over wool fabric. The resulting garment maintained wool's excellent insulating properties while eliminating discomfort against the skin.

Fabric options continued to expand beyond the iconic red flannel as the decades passed. Here's what became available:

·        80% wool/20% nylon blends for easy care with wool's thermal qualities

·        All-cotton union suits that didn't shrink in the laundry

·        "Porosknit" mesh cotton material for breathability in warmer months

The shift from necessity to novelty

World War I brought practical modifications, notably the one-button flap seat replacing the traditional three-button drop seat. Central heating became more common in American homes, gradually reducing the urgent need for heavy thermal underwear.

Munsingwear adapted to these changing circumstances by establishing a design department in 1920 that emphasized their products as the latest fashion. They introduced new products like "Foundettes" girdles in the early 1930s, which proved crucial to the company's survival during the Great Depression.

The classic union suit eventually faced competition from two-piece alternatives like BVDs, which were summer-style, loose-fitting garments developed in the 1920s. Despite this competition, the original design has maintained its distinctive identity through changing times, with the button front and drop seat remaining its visual signatures.  Remember, great design endures because it solves real problems while adapting to new needs!

Why Union Suits Are Trending Again in 2025

Union suits have officially stepped out of the shadows and onto the fashion stage in 2025. Designers, influencers, and everyday consumers are all embracing these heritage pieces, and honestly, it's about time! This isn't just another fleeting trend—there are solid reasons why these one-piece wonders are capturing attention across different style communities.

The Rise of Functional Fashion

Fashion has gotten smarter, and people want clothes that actually work for their lives. Union suits nail this perfectly with their practical design that solves real comfort challenges. Unlike those historical garments you'd only see behind museum glass, union suits offer genuine comfort that speaks to today's lifestyle. The beauty lies in their simplicity—when something works this well, it naturally stays relevant through changing times.

Loungewear Meets Heritage Style

The pandemic changed how we think about comfortable clothing, and union suits found their perfect moment. Companies like DEN Loungewear are crafting modern versions from fabric with smart seam construction that keeps its shape wash after wash. Meanwhile, brands like Timoteo are getting creative with limited edition designs such as the Aspen Union Suit featuring:

·        Plaid prints for visual interest

·        Snap closures for easy wear

·        Thoughtful details like chest and leg pockets

TikTok's Influence on Heritage Fashion

TikTok has become a game-changer for bringing traditional pieces back into the spotlight. The platform's mix of cooking, dancing, art, and fashion content has given heritage garments unexpected visibility. What's particularly powerful is TikTok's focus on authenticity—users love seeing real people show how union suits work as both practical garments and genuine style statements. This authentic approach resonates much more than traditional fashion marketing ever could.

Designer Revivals and Limited Drops and The Role of Nostalgia in Fashion

Billy Reid deserves credit for kickstarting the modern union suit revival back in 2008 when he discovered vintage red union suits in Alabama. Even with per batch, demand kept forcing additional manufacturing cycles. What's fascinating is that New York became his strongest market, showing how this trend had broader cultural appeal.

Today, numerous retailers offer updated interpretations with technical improvements like UV-protective fabrics and moisture-wicking properties. These aren't just nostalgic recreations—they're genuinely improved versions of the original concept.

Union suits tap into something deeper than just practicality. They connect us to American ingenuity and no-nonsense functionality that feels increasingly valuable in our digital world. One retailer perfectly captured this sentiment, noting that union suits have "transcended their historical significance and have become a fashion trend, often worn as loungewear or even styled as outerwear".

This versatility, combined with authentic historical roots, creates the perfect storm for fashion revival. Remember, the best trends aren't just about looking good—they're about feeling connected to something meaningful while staying comfortable and practical.

Where to find the best modern union suits 

Shopping for modern union suits opens up a surprisingly diverse marketplace. Traditional manufacturers and fashion-forward labels have both jumped on this trend, creating updated versions of this classic piece that blend heritage appeal with contemporary comfort.

TOP BRANDS OFFERING sTYLISH oPTIONS

Several established brands currently dominate the union suit market. Carhartt produces durable options and they're particularly popular with workers in cold climates. Patagonia offers thermal versions crafted from organic cotton or merino wool with excellent insulation and moisture-wicking properties. You'll also find quality options from Duluth Trading Company, L.L.Bean, and Woolrich.

For those seeking premium options, David Morgan sells heavyweight underwear knitted from an 80% wool and 20% nylon blend that provides absorbent comfort and warmth in a heavy rib knit. The investment is worth it if you prioritize quality and durability.

RomperJack union suit and other standouts

The modern designer revival kicked off when Billy Reid discovered vintage red union suits in Florence, Alabama. After purchasing the entire lot and incorporating them into his runway collection, demand forced multiple manufacturing cycles despite per batch. As mentioned, New York emerged as his strongest market. 

DEN Loungewear specializes in signature union suits across various fabrics and fits, while Drake General Store produces modern onesies in 100% cotton with family-matching options. REI carries specialized variants, including NRS H2Core Lightweight options and Wild Rye women's designs.

What to look for in a quality men's union suit

A good union suit should help your body retain heat effectively. Look for waffle knits combined with brushed fabric for maximum warmth retention. Avoid options with rough seams—choose styles with flat, no-rub seams that prevent chafing. Fit matters tremendously here. You want a snug but roomy design that allows movement with proper sleeve and pant lengths.

Don't settle for something that feels restrictive. Remember, the whole point of a union suit is comfort and practicality!

Price ranges and material choices

Price points vary widely based on materials and construction. Basic cotton options from Big Feet Pajamas start around $48, while mid-range offerings from brands like Fruit of the Loom cost approximately $27. Premium options from Carhartt ($53) or wool-blend varieties from David Morgan ($140) represent higher-end investments.

Material innovations have transformed modern union suits beyond traditional red flannel. Options now include:

·        Finely woven cotton nainsook for summer variants

·        Vibrant prints and luxurious fabrics

·        Technical improvements like UV-protective fabrics and moisture-wicking properties

Consider your budget and intended use when making your choice. A basic cotton option might be perfect for lounging, while premium wool blends excel in cold weather conditions.

Conclusion

The union suit's journey from Victorian reform wear to today's fashion statement shows just how timeless good design can be. What started as a practical solution for women's clothing restrictions has become a versatile garment that fashion-forward people across generations are embracing. After 160 years, these one-piece wonders have managed to adapt to changing needs while keeping their distinctive character intact.

The real magic of union suits isn't just their historical significance—it's their unmatched practicality. Unlike many heritage pieces that end up in museums, union suits actually solve genuine problems of comfort and convenience that matter just as much today. Their comeback in 2025 fashion makes perfect sense when you consider how they blend nostalgia with functionality—two things today's consumers really value.

Brands like RomperJack, Billy Reid, and DEN Loungewear have done something special by reimagining this classic garment. They've added modern touches while respecting its historical roots, helping introduce union suits to new audiences who appreciate both their comfort and unique style.

Having traced the complete journey of union suits from women's liberation garments to winter essentials and now to fashion statements, this comeback feels like more than just a passing trend. These garments represent something increasingly rare in our fast-fashion world—authentic design with a genuine purpose. Whether you wear them for warmth, comfort, or style, union suits offer a tangible connection to American practicality and innovation that still resonates today.

Remember, when you embrace this unexpected fashion revival, you're not just wearing a piece of clothing—you're participating in a living history that continues to evolve. 

The humble union suit has survived wars, technological revolutions, and countless fashion cycles because it fundamentally works. That staying power, coupled with its distinctive visual appeal, ensures this garment will remain relevant long after other trends have faded.

Don't be surprised if union suits become a permanent fixture in your wardrobe. After all, good design never really goes out of style—it just waits for the right moment to make its comeback!

And, for us Union Suit Fans, aren't we ever glad it has! And thanks to Retro Jeff for pointing out these articles from RomperJack ....Chris