What's The Flap About Union Suits?

The union suit: the one-piece long underwear suit with the seat flap (usually) have been around since the late 1800s/early 1900s. If you've watched classic cartoons or a Laurel and Hardy picture, chances are that you've seen one in action. Many are familiar with the sight gag of the man who lost everything while gambling, so he's wearing a barrel over his union suit. This gag was used in an old Highland Appliance gemercial on television. Sometimes in clasic cartoons, when a character lost his clothesor his hide (if an animal) then he was left wearinga red union suit as a sign of embarassment.Despite their old-fashioned reputation, these relaxed-fit button-front body-suits continue to be made and sold. Some even attribute sex appeal to the garment. Worn by both genders, the union suit was made first of cotton, wool, or a blend of the two fibres. Both tended to shrink after washing which must have made wearing them something of a challenge. Understandably, a pure wool suit could be rather itchy. Today, union suitscan be found in a variety of cottonfabrics, wool, polyester, polypropylene, silk, and even polar fleece. Most associate the union suit with a square seat flap which drops downward when unfastened from two or more buttons. The seat flap could be square or triangle pattern. To save on production costs, most union suits have a vertical, single-button seat. When it gees to buttons, more is better. You don't want the suit to pucker open when sitting--with embarassing results. Zippers seal out the drafts but may irritate without a storm flap-style feature. Those made especially for women usually button right over left in Victorian tradition. Colors vary. White, cream, or natural being encountered most often, to the familiar fire-engine red, and varying shades of grey. More recently, blue union suits can be found. Also tan, olive drab, green, and even "Realtree" camouflage pattern. Some novelty catalogs offer a tie-dyed union suit. Women's pattern union suits have been offered by Duofold in solid rose pink, and various floral patterns over the years. All made in medium-weight two-ply fabric. The footed sleeper, worn by kids of all ages, is actually a modified union suit. Some credit it's invention to Dr. Denton.
Tips On Experienced Condition Union Suits:

Are all the buttons original?
Any popped seams, popped stitchesor tears?
What sort of seat flap, if any?
Any faded or threadbare areas?
Repairs or patches?
Any stains or discoloration?
Actual size vs. stated size.
Big, tall, or regular size?
Why Own or Wear a Union Suit?

A layer between yourself and rough fabric when working or riding horseback.
Sleepwear at home or camp.
Costumeitem.
Fashion statement.
Exercise wear.
Gag gift.
No elastic waist bands.
The double-takes from passersby as they hang from your clothesline.
Costume Suggestion
You will need a union suit a size or two larger than you normally wear (unless you're among friends). AddAnimal Mask, tail, gloves or mittens, shoe covers/novelty socks or slippers. Flop the tail out the back flap. Tell everyone that you were scared out of you hide or your hide/pelt was sent out for cleaning/stolen/ in hock. A contender for most orginal/most creative/cutest costume. This idea got me into the semi-finals at a local casino. The Native Americans there really appreciate a good-humored moose. Make sure you keep yourself hydrated--no alcohol. A cool vest is a must if you're wearing a set of medium weight, or heavier longies for more than an hour. You could put cold freezer packs in your pants pockets or in an outsized athletic braunderneath, but don't let them touch your bare skin to avoid frostbite. You can even make a muscle suit by stuffing polyester or cotton batting between two union suits.
Famous People WhoWore Union Suits

Sharon Stone
Larry Storch
Stan Laurel
Faye Dunaway
Joan Hackett
Harry Morgan
Loretta Switt
Spike Jones
Michael J. Fox
Walter Mathau
Tim Allen
Jeff Daniels
Don Knotts
John Glenn, Jr.
Dustin Hoffman