Introduction
One piece for all! In the 1800s men and women wore only one piece of undergarments which afforded them optimum protection. They were able to archive this with union suits. Let us know about ‘Union Suit’.
Union Suit
A union suit is a one-piece undergarment invented in Utica New York initially for women. It covers the legs, arms, and body. It was for a movement to free women from the painful and tight corsets they had to wear at that time. Women wore under skirts with heavy metals weighing up to fifteen (15) pounds. Even though it was a comfortable alternative, not many women welcomed the idea at first. It was mostly worn by only feminists. It was a dress movement that aimed at making women more equal to men.
The feminist suggested that the style of the corset made women need men at every turn. Aside from that, it had an economic advantage over corsets as it requires less material to make. Along the line, it became very customary and popular amongst men. There was not much talk about men wearing women’s underwear as it already had some masculine underpinning. First, union suits were produced with only flannels. Along the line, a health underwater company in New York patented the use of cotton and silk in other to make it suitable for any weather. With this new textile, a person would not get burned in the heat also, when the weather is cool, it would provide a comforting temperature. In recent times, union suits are made with different fabrics for men and women.
Why It Bears The Name Union Suit?
It bears the name union suit because the top and bottom parts are joined together, and it is in one piece. Like the modern pajamas and female jumpsuits, the top and bottom are united in one cloth.
How Union Suit Is Worn?
Union suits in old times were made with buttons from the neck to the rear. In recent times, tailors use zippers too! Some other do not use either buttons or zippers but make use of very stretchy and elastic materials.
Where The Union Suit Is Made With Buttons Or Zippers?
- Unbutton or unzip it as the case may be.
- Through the available large opening, put on it while placing your hands and legs in the right places made available for them.
- Put your right and left legs in the right and left pant legs.
- Put your right and left hand in the right and left sleeves respectively.
- Do your buttons or zip.
Where The Union Suit Is Made With Stretchy Materials?
The opening in this kind of it is usually around the neck. Due to the elastic nature of the fabric, you can expand the neck hole to fit your whole body. These are the steps you should take;
- Stretch the neck of it to expand it.
- Fit your body into the suit by putting your legs in through the neck to the trousers.
- Pull up to your waist and fit your hands into the sleeves.
Why People Wear Union Suit?
The union suit was initially invented to be used as an undergarment, as time went on people started to find other use for it which include;
1. To Stay Warm:
This is the most common reason people purchase and wear union suits in recent times. Union suits are used to keep warm, especially during the winter. People also wear union suits while doing outdoor sports like Rowling, skiing, sky diving e.t.c. due to the extreme chill weather experienced while performing those sports. Other activities putting on a union suit helps to keep warm include farming and hunting. Also, union suits are used as pajamas that are sleep wears to stay warm during the night.
2. It Is Used As A Comic Appeal:
This is usually portrayed in movies where a man putting on a union suit is used to depict a man who has lost all his money let’s say as a result of gambling.
3. It Can Be Used As Costumes:
With the various fabrics employed in making union suits, it can use as a costume, especially for cartoon characters. For example, dinosaurs, bears e.t.c., to entertain the kids.
Types Of Union Suit In Modern Times.
Asides from being an undergarment, union suits over the years have emancipated from being worn under cloth only, worn alone. Some examples of union suits include; the NRS wavellite union suit with Polartec, jockey stretch waffle man suit, Hanes thermal union suit, and many more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Are Union Suits Still on Sale?
Yes! Union suits are in stock and available to sell in several physical and online stores.
- Where can I Buy a Union Suit?
You can buy union suits online on Walmart, Amazon, Jumia, and so on.
