Re: MtMan-List: Union suits and elastic

[NaugaMok@aol.com]

In a message dated 98-10-26 12:12:15 EST, you write:

<< has anyone seen reference to the availability of union suits (thermal
 underwear) during the fur trade era?  Also, if they were available, what
 about the elastic around the wrists ankles?  What about elastic, in
 general? >>


Did some checking on this subject a few years ago.  The wife had a book on
under garments -- which, by the way, during our selected time frame included
everything except the top coat -- even trousers were considered "under
garments".  "Union suits" used to be called "all-in-ones".  The book was REAL
vague about when they were introduced.  It broke history up into 15 - 20 year
segments & in the 1880 - 1895 segment it made the comment "All-in-ones
continue their popularity." but no where does it state when they came into
being.  The elastic properties of the cuffs were due to the type of knitting
done in that area & didn't have any rubber in it like in modern elastic.
According to that book, elastic was introduced in clothing between 1910 &
1920.  Earlier women's clothing that looked like it had elastic in it was made
with simple draw strings & lacing (called "stroked").  Intresting book.  Wish
I could lay hands on it & pass along the title & author.  For us Rocky
Mountain fur trade types, it isn't too much help, but for F&I, Rev War, &
settlement types it's a wealth of info in dealing what style chemese or vest
was used when.

NM