80/20 Wool Underwear

Along with Suspenders and Hickory Shirts, the old loggers in the Pacific Northwest wore knitted wool underwear. These were made from lambswool in a natural mix, including wool from the black sheep. The color, a gray mix, gave rise to the name “Black Underwear”. The best of this was, and still is, made in Nova Scotia, and remains basic to the clothing worn by outdoorsmen in the cold Canadian winters. It is suggested when extra warmth is needed, or whenever the reliability of wool is essential for survival in the cold or wet. It is durable, keeps out the cold even when damp, and is much longer than ordinary sweaters, giving good protection over the hips. Loggers and fishermen in British Columbia find this a reliable garment all along the cold, wet coast.

The underwear we carry is  made in Canada by Stanfield’s Ltd., who have taken this product over from Nova Scotia Textiles. Stanfield’s is a long established woolen mill, founded in 1856 on Prince Edward Island and later moved to Nova Scotia. They specialized in underwear, and obtained a large boost in sales with the Yukon gold rush and the Trail of ’98.

The Heavy Weight 80/20 Underwear is knitted in a heavy rib knit from a blend of 80% lambswool and 20% nylon for easy care, absorbent comfort, warmth and longer wear. All garments are generously sized and seams are flatlocked for extra wear. The top has a button placket front. The drawers have a fly front, elastic waistband and are ankle length with ribbed cuffs. The union suit has a button front with crew neck and a single button flap over the seat. In recent years, the top has come into use as a work sweater.

Care of 80/20 Wool Underwear

For best results machine wash in cold water (no bleach) and lay flat to dry. If tumble dried (low heat) expect about 5% shrinkage. The garments are generously sized to accommodate this shrinkage and will soften with each washing.