Mar 4, 2013

Markwardt's POLKA DOT "Your Daily Bread" Vintage Work Apron

Vintage work apron for the MARKWARDT'S POLKA DOT BREAD. A bit of research reveals Markwardt's did business in the state of Missouri from the 1930's through the 1950's possibly a longer period of time.
This work or bakers apron is constructed of light colored convert or salt & pepper twill. The apron measures 34" in length and utilizes both sides of the the selvedge edge of the 36" width of fabric. One side of the selvedge edge is seen on the lower hem, the other side is located on the backside of the top of the apron. The upper portion of fabric is folded over and stitched horizontally along the selvedge edge which allows the neck tie enclosed inside the tunnel of folded over fabric to move from side to side or be removed if needed.
The apron features single stitch construction and bar-tack reinforcement and includes attached side ties made of salt & pepper twill. The heavy duty upper neck tie is constructed of grey cotton twill with the ends finished in a triangular fold with triangular stitching. A single patch type pocket also utilizes the finished selvedge edge for the pocket opening.


Mar 2, 2013

Vintage BIG YANK Chambray Work Shirt with Sweat Proof Pocket

1950s era BIG YANK Union Made Sanforized Chambray Work Shirt featuring unique pocket sometimes referred to as a cigarette pocket. The BIG YANK sweat proof pocket design is a classic example of form follows function, having been used on various RELIANCE BIG YANK work shirts since the early 20th century. This rare example is deadstock or new old stock having never been tried on or worn let alone unpinned or opened.

Below the same model shirt with character and fade from years of wear and tear is seen for comparison
1950s era collar was significantly less pointed than its predecessor from the 1940's. This shirt also features signature BIG YANK diamond embossed buttons. Their thicker shape and raised detail were much easier for working men to button and unbutton.
Left side squared off sweat proof pocket with flap closure shares the same basic size and shape as the conventional right side pocket, setting this version apart from previous incarnations with their "big pocket and triangular topped little pocket" design.
Lower hem reinforcement gusset with exposed selvedge edge, again form following function
BIG YANK signature arched upper yoke with two layers of fabric.  The dual layers add  additional protection while carrying loads on the shoulder in addition to added life to the garment, another example of form following function.
 About the only pet peeve is that The BIG YANK UNION MADE SANFORIZED neck label found on shirts from this era were attached with glue and have a tendency to become detached after many washings.  Color variation between the deadstock and used versions of the same shirt can be seen in the photo above.