A one piece long john is a garment typically made from cotton knit, wool, nylon, or other synthetic fabric, and is often used as thermal underwear. It is traditionally cut in a union suit style, with a closed, button-up front and button-down flaps covering the legs.
Long johns were originally used by factory workers and miners as a form of protection against the cold, but today they are generally used as innerwear beneath other clothing in cold weather. Long johns may also be worn separately as sleepwear or exercise clothing.
Who made the first long johns?
The invention of long johns is traditionally credited to Levi Strauss, an American businessman who founded the first company to manufacture blue jeans in 1873. First worn by California miners in the late 19th century, the original long johns, also known as union suits, were usually made of thick and heavy wool or flannel fabric, designed to keep miners warm in the cold mines.
The one-piece garments featured a half-length buttoned placket in the front, and the long pants extended down to the wearer’s ankles. The original designs also featured a long-sleeved shirt with a banded collar, and sometimes had an additional flap across the torso of the garment.
Over the years, long johns have been redesigned to include a variety of fabrics, such as cotton and synthetic fabrics, and often feature zippers instead of buttons for easier access. Today, long johns are still a popular wardrobe item for those seeking extra insulation against cold temperatures.
Why were long johns pink?
Long johns, a type of two-piece underwear consisting of a long-sleeved shirt and full-length pants, were typically made from wool. Historically, long johns were dyed in a pink color because wool was a common material used for this type of underwear and, unfortunately, wool does not dye very easily.
Instead of being dyed all the way through, the color would fade after a few washes. To remedy this issue, wool manufacturers would dye the fabric pink before it was made into clothing, which ensured that the color would stay in the fabric even after multiple washes.
The custom of dyeing long johns in pink has been a long and storied tradition that, while not necessarily color-coordinated, has stayed around and is still made today.
Why are union suits red?
Union suits, popularly known as onesies or long johns, are a type of apparel consisting of a one-piece undergarment that covers the whole body from the neck down to the ankles. Historically, these garments were typically made from red flannel or wool, leading to the association between colors and union suits.
Red is widely considered to be the standard for these garments due to its durability, warmth, and the traditional colors used in their production. Red also offers practical advantages, as it is highly visible and could be used as a warning sign in the event of an emergency (such as a fire) in which lower visibility colors such as black might not be appropriate.
Today, union suits are still manufactured in red, but they are also available in other colors, including blue, green, white, and black.
Can you wear long johns in public?
No, it is typically not advised to wear long johns in public. Long johns are usually worn under other layers of clothing and are meant to serve as an additional layer of warmth and insulation. As such, if worn on their own outside of the home or in a public setting, they can be quite unflattering and make the wearer look as if they’re not dressed appropriately or fashionably.
Furthermore, unless the long johns are part of a costume or a part of a specific dress code, they have no business being worn in a public setting.
Where did Long John donuts originate?
Long John donuts originated in the US in the 1930s. John Gregory, an entrepreneur from Illinois, developed the recipe and started selling Long John donuts in his bakery in 1935. The type of donut is also known as a “long john” or “long john bar”, referring to its length.
The donut is similar to a cream-filled rectangular éclair, so named because of its similarity in shape to the forearm of a sailor. The original in the 1930s was made with a choux pastry, so the dough was a rich, light, and airy dough.
Today, the dough used for Long John donuts is a light yeast dough rolled into an elongated shape and then deep fried until golden. They’re usually filled with custard and topped with icing, colored sprinkles, or a combination of the two.
While other pastries are similar in composition, nothing really compares to the original Long John donut.
Who invented Long John Silver?
Long John Silver is a fictional character in the novel Treasure Island, written by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1883. The novel is a classic of Western literature and is considered one of the most influential books of the 19th century.
Long John Silver is a complex and mysterious character that captivated readers when the book was first published. He is an unscrupulous, cunning sea captain and pirate who lives in the small coastal village of Bristol on the fictional island of Treasure Island.
He is known for his raspy voice, missing limb, and wooden, peg-leg. He is constantly drinking and smoking, particularly a type of tobacco “in a horrible black lump, like a sea coal”.
Although he is a pirate and a criminal, Long John Silver is also considered to be a sympathetic and compassionate character. When Jim Hawkins finds himself in a tough situation, Long John Silver is the one who comes to his aid.
He mainly acts as Jim’s mentor and guide, helping him to understand the strange world of pirates and buccaneers.
Robert Louis Stevenson is credited as the creator of Long John Silver. He combined several different types of pirates for treasure Island, namely Captain Flint, Old Pew, and George Merry as models for the character.
Despite the inspiration from other sources, it was Stevenson who gave the character his one-legged movements and iconic parrot.
What is the difference between long johns and thermals?
Long johns and thermals are both types of thermal underwear. Thermals are a type of lightweight polyester underwear that stores body heat, while long johns are a thicker, looser fitting type of underwear.
Thermals are designed to be worn alone, or as a base layer for other clothing, whereas long johns often require a heavier outerwear layer over them. Many long johns come with traditional wool fabric and snap closures along the outside.
Long johns also offer additional insulation around the groin, which provides additional warmth. Thermals on the other hand, provide a tight fit that helps keep the body warm while allowing freedom of movement.
Generally, thermals may be the best choice for exercise and activities that require a great deal of activity. Additionally, thermals are easier to layer and are great for when temperatures really drop.
Long johns are preferable for colder temperatures and for activities that do not require much movement, such as camping.
Why is Long John Silver named that?
Long John Silver is named after the fictional character that first appeared in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, Treasure Island. Long John Silver is a one-legged pirate and a main antagonist of the novel.
The character is described as having a “lengthy visage” and often wears a “great bell-shaped hat of a sombre colour”. The character was so popular in the book, that he soon became a stock character associated with pirates in later works, and thus he was given the name “Long John Silver”.
Did men wear union suits in summer?
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, before air conditioning, some men did wear union suits in the summer. Union suits, also known as long johns, were a type of one-piece underwear that were very popular in the 1800s and early 1900s.
The one-piece design extended from the neck down to the feet and often included a butt flap or “drop seat. ” The idea of the union suit was to keep the body warm during winter and cool during summer.
The concept was to reduce the amount of clothing a person had to put on and take off. Union suits could be worn in summer as an alternative to separate drawers and undershirt, providing cooling ventilation for the body.
However, due to the evolution of technology, advances in fabrics, and more stylish alternatives to the union suit, men have all but abandoned the style and rarely wear union suits in summer.
Do people still wear union suits?
Yes, people still wear union suits. More commonly known by their colloquial name, “long johns,” union suits are a traditional form of full body underwear that are often made of a blend of cotton and/or wool.
Typically seen as one-piece garments that cover the torso, legs and arms, modern-day union suits come in a variety of styles and materials, from lightweight single layer flannel to heavyweight, quilted cotton union suits insulated with a down filling.
Exposed metal buttons, which are most commonly found along the legs, provide convenient access points for shucking into the suit. Union suits are mostly seen in cold climates, as they provide an extra layer of warmth beneath winter clothing.
This, in turn, helps keeps the body warm and dry by trapping body heat and wicking away moisture. Additionally, union suits have become popular among outdoor enthusiasts, who wear them as a form of base layer or tool for temperature regulation.
What kind of suits do men wear in the summer?
When it comes to summer suits for men, it is important to find a suit that is lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. Generally, suits made from linen, lightweight wool, cotton, and seersucker are the best choice for hot summer months.
Linen is a classic option for a summer suit and is extremely breathable. Lightweight wool can be an excellent choice since it is both durable and allows for cooling airflow. Cotton and seersucker suit fabrics can also provide the breathability needed in the summer.
In addition to the fabric, both pattern and color should also be considered when choosing a summer suit. If you would like to look slightly dressier, you can opt for a solid navy, gray, or charcoal suit.
However, if you would like to look a bit more casual in the summer, opt for a tan or light blue suit. Summer suits should also be fitted correctly since a baggy suit can be uncomfortable and unappealing in hot weather.
Generally, a well-tailored summer suit will be comfortable and look great for any occasion.
How did people wear suits in hot weather?
For those looking to dress in a suit during hot weather, there are a few key strategies to keep in mind. Firstly, look for fabrics that are lightweight and breathable, such as linen, cotton, and seersucker, which are ideal for hot climates.
Linen is especially great for summer suits, as it is light and airy, and helps keep you cool. Additionally, avoid heavy, dark suits, as the fabric will absorb and retain heat. Light blues, grays, and whites tend to be far more suitable for hot temperatures.
Additionally, when wearing summer suits, consider forgoing a tie and roll up the sleeves for a cool and relaxed look. Furthermore, don’t forget to wear lighter shoes, such as loafers or boat shoes, and opt for lighter dress shirts.
Finally, accessorizing with sunglasses or a stylish Panama hat can provide some much-needed protection from the strong sun.
How do you wear a union suit?
To properly wear a union suit, start by putting on one leg of the suit, then slide your arm into the corresponding sleeve. Be sure to evenly pull the fabric of the suit up the leg and onto the body. After sliding your second arm into the other sleeve, pull the fabric up the second leg and onto the body.
Next, zip up the front closure going from the bottom up and pull the fabric on the shoulders and chest up to the neckline. If the union suit has a button flap closure, button each row of buttons all the way up to the neckline.
Once the front of the suit is secured, button the openings of the legs and sleeves. Follow this by buttoning the cuff openings, ensuring that the underarm fits snugly and the arms do not slide out. Lastly, adjust the neckline and lay the collar of the suit flat.
To remove the union suit, first unzip or unbutton the closure of the suit and then move on to unbutton the cuff, sleeve and leg openings. With the help of another person, carefully pull the union suit off the body.
Can you wear union clothing at work?
The answer to this depends on the workplace in question and their particular rules and regulations. In general, most workplaces will allow union clothing to be worn at work, as long as it does not disrupt the intended purpose or environment of the workplace.
Specifically, if the clothing contains any phrases, slogans or other images that express a political or ideological opinion, then it may not be allowed due to the potential disruption they could cause.
Additionally, many workplaces also have specific dress codes that dictate what types of clothing are acceptable, so it is important to be familiar with the dress code of a particular workplace before wearing any type of union clothing.