Question on using old dress clothing as work clothing

[DougCooper]

Folks I was corresponding with a tailor on appropriate work clothes for a 1860-80's farmer and was told something I had not heard before. He stated that it was a common thing to use "last year's suit" as this year's work clothing. thoughts?

[Elaine Kessinger]

Re: Question on using old dress clothing as work clothing

Much would depend on the style of garment bought. A nicer garment from "last year's suit" might be sold second-hand instead of worn to rags. A nice sturdy work garment might be worn for work from the beginning.

[DougCooper]

Re: Question on using old dress clothing as work clothing

Elaine - thanks, I agree. Can't imagine why anyone would wear a suit into the fields the next year. If wealthy, you would not be in the fields, and if middle class or lower, you would wear work clothes it would seem.

[LeftCoastYank]

Re: Question on using old dress clothing as work clothing

The historical context of the term "suit" is important here. In mid-nineteenth century American vernacular, the term "suit" referred to "a suit of clothes" that consisted of trousers, a jacket, and (sometimes) a waistcoat. These garments were not necessarily made of matching material or even made/acquired at the same time. Rather, they were individual garments that collectively made up a man's outer clothing. There was no level of formality implied by the term "suit." Thus, the concept of wearing "last year's suit as this year's working clothing" makes more sense.

The forerunner of the modern formal suit, the "lounge suit," -- a jacket, trousers, and (sometimes) a waistcoat all made from matched fabric -- came about much later in the nineteenth century.

[Adjutant]

Re: Question on using old dress clothing as work clothing

Just saw thing and thought I would give some context to the post as I was the tailor in question. I guess this is a case of same conversation, different contexts. The majority of work I do anymore is 1870s or '80s suits, primarily for the "Old West" market. Mr. Cooper inquired about duck or denim working pants and I did indeed reply that "most working clothes would be last seasons suit worn in the field, but I could do denim or duck trousers. They wouldn't be Levis styling, because of copyright issues, but similar." That's where the conversation ended. While I am not advocating wearing a three piece sack suit in 1860 in the farm field, I do think in 1870 or '80 you would be more likely to see a farmer working in pieces of last year's sack suit than in Levi's or duck trousers. I saw this today and thought I would at least answer my original line of thought and why I answered the way I had. Thanks!

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Question on using old dress clothing as work clothing

Hallo!

I would see a larger issue with socio-economic class issues first, and then how many working class. and lower class folks were well enough off to have a discardable "last year's" set of non-work/everyday clothes.
And as mentioned the second-hand clothing market and to use the 18th century concept, the "slop chests."
I understand the comment about the post CW "ditto suits" as well.

It may also be a strange thing to we Moderns at times. but it is not unusual in paintings and photographs of farmers and workers in.. to use the term... "suits" or clothing that would seem more appropriate for more non-work wear. Especially photographs of men in factories or later in the early 20th century men on assembly lines wearing coats, white shirts, vests, and ties, etc.

Curt

[Adjutant]

Re: Question on using old dress clothing as work clothing

I think part of the concern is that in 1860-1880 a sack suit would not generally be considered dress clothing, even though it might be best clothing.

[Ryan Thornton]

Re: Question on using old dress clothing as work clothing

This is an older post and I am a little late in commenting but I will give my opinion. Growing up on a working ranch in the 1960's and 70's I know my own family, and in fact all my friends families, did the same thing. Growing up we had "work clothes" and "good clothes". This tradition was handed down to our parents by our grand parents and I'm sure it goes back even before the mid nineteenth century. We wore our "good clothes" to school or when we went to town. When we got home to do our chores we changed out of our good clothes and put on our work clothes. They were the same clothes. A new pair of cowboy boots, a new pair of jeans with a belt and a button up shirt and a new cowboy hat (stored in the same box it came in when it was new). When one of those items became stained our worn they became your work clothes and they were replaced with a brand new article. I realize I'm comparing wrangler blue jeans to a suit but remember a coat and vest were daily wear for our great grand fathers. I do a civilian impression and the same hols true. The only part of my wardrobe that changes is I lose the cravat and change the polished shoes for muddy work boots.

Ryan Thornton