Do you know anything about WWII white undershirts?

• Oct 7, 2020

• #1

B

BigBrother

One of the Regulars

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196

I've seen in many History Channel documentaries, etc., these very short-sleeved undershirts worn by Navy service members:

https://maritime.org/pres/potrack/pots.htm

I'm not sure if these were common to the other services as well.

Do you know much about these? I've been looking for 1950s-style t-shirts (think rolled sleeves or just plain short like here) and these look interesting to me. I know some of the reproduction sites like At the Front have these, but as always would love to learn from you guys!

Thanks.

 

• Oct 7, 2020

• #2

Edward

Bartender

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24,789

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London, UK

I buy my undershirts from a local supermarket; sized right, they are close enough this, at least for civilian-wear. Heck of a lot cheaper than military repop, too!

 

• Oct 8, 2020

• #3

Edward Reed

A-List Customer

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Aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress

Eastman Leather Clothing Co (History preservations is the USA dealer) offer ring spun tube T's (no side seam) with the correct quarter sleeve length but at a VERY hefty price...
-U. S. Navy 1930’s & ’40’s Tee Shirt “Skivvy,” Off-White (The sleeves are of the true shorter, quarter-sleeve length of that era)
https://www.historypreservation.com...hirts/u-s-navy-1930s-40s-tee-shirt-off-white/

 

• Oct 8, 2020

• #4

Edward

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London, UK

Those ELC ones are stunning, though yes.... a touch more than I would be prepared to pay for underwear! Couple of nice alternatives on offer from Bronson - https://bronsonshop.com/collections/t-shirts-undershirts

 

• Nov 2, 2020

• #5

Zeltbahn

One of the Regulars

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192

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Finland

I have few of the ELC US Army t-shirts. They are pricey, but so good. They got a slightly larger neck opening and shorter sleeves compared to modern t-shirts and the overall length is a bit longer. They are a bit off-white shade like the originals. I'm very satisfied with them. The bottle green USMC shirts are also top notch.

 

• Nov 2, 2020

• #6

Pandemic

One Too Many

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In The Flat Field

A few good vintage style options here: https://www.heddels.com/2019/01/great-white-t-shirt-review/