Looking for a shirt

[us1863]

I am looking for an authentic "Farmer John" long sleeve undershirt. They are a pullover shirt made of wool, have no collar and have 3 buttons down the front. Today they might also be called a "Henley" shirt. Need one in white or red wool. Have found the union suit version but just need the shirt.

Thanks,

Tom Waddell

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Looking for authentic "Farmer John" shirt

Hmmm... Not sure if I understand the question. Are you looking for a documented shirt? I do not believe that the "union suit" you refer to is of the period.

Have a look at a period undershirt on display at the Gettysburg museum:

http://www.nps.gov/history/museum/exhibits/gettex/exb/existing_DaytoDay/GETT28256A_28256B_28257.html

[Soup Bone]

Re: Looking for authentic "Farmer John" shirt

Seems to me that he's looking for the undershirts that Jersey Skillet Licker sells. Both double and single layered.

[us1863]

Re: Looking for authentic "Farmer John" shirt

Thanks,

That's the shirt I was looking for. Didn't know they were made of cotton. Thought I read in a soldiers account that these shirts were wool, but maybe not.

Would prefer wool so if someone knows of a documented wool shirt could you let me know?

Thanks,

Tom Waddell

[Charles Heath]

Re: Looking for authentic "Farmer John" shirt

Tom,

Take the time to read a really fine book before making any shirt purchase decisions:

Thoughts on Men's Shirts in America, 1750-1900 by William L. Brown III

You can get this via interlibrary loan, new, or even gently used from secondary sources, such as Amazon. Once you read it, you'll probably want your own copy. This should quash more than a few campfire myths about shirts.