https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 22:21:47 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232874 Mon, 18 Oct 2021 22:26:46 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2232874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Darn it, Calida! So close, but yet so far.<br /> <a href="https://www.calida.com/en-WO/p/viktor-amp-rolf-x-calida-jumpsuit-p-60644-533/?adword=calida-shop/Google-en-WO/ARTIKELBOX/CALIDA/60644-533-S" rel="nofollow">https://www.calida.com/en-WO/p.....0644-533-S</a></p> <p>There was one for women too, but shorts &amp; no drop seat. <a href="https://www.viktor-rolf.com/product/body-tempest-blue" rel="nofollow">https://www.viktor-rolf.com/pr.....mpest-blue</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232863 Mon, 18 Oct 2021 21:28:16 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2232863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou, yep, aquamarine found ‘em there, but the sizing sounds funky for me.</p> <p>MB, I’ll check Duluth Trading Company. Thanks for the idea. </p> <p>Angie, LLBeans have wool and aren’t shaped for women, but I’ll check American Eagle, which is new to me. Thanks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232860 Mon, 18 Oct 2021 21:24:38 +0000 rachylou 2232860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Has anyone mentioned the Vermont Country Store yet? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232856 Mon, 18 Oct 2021 21:16:46 +0000 Angie 2232856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I believe I saw these on L.L. Bean and American Eagle.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232853 Mon, 18 Oct 2021 21:12:33 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2232853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always thought of these as "longjohns" or "long underwear".&nbsp; &nbsp;I've seen 'union suit' referenced in books, but very rarely.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>Okay, so I am of no actual help here.&nbsp; &nbsp; I feel like this is something that the Duluth Trading Company or possibly L.L. Bean might sell, but I don't know about their sustainability practices. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232848 Mon, 18 Oct 2021 21:09:25 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2232848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Inge, thanks for applying your Google-fu. Those certainly are novel. I’ll have to have a look when we are over there again. </p> <p>Ginger, thanks for posting. The wiki article did explain that, but I didn’t explain it well above. </p> <p>Watsontocks, thanks! I hadn’t tackled the world of Etsy for this yet. You rock! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232810 Mon, 18 Oct 2021 18:21:54 +0000 Inge 2232810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I'm afraid I'm not going to be any help either The only ones I could find are these, gimmick-y', ones. They are 100% combed cotton but I don't see any info about sustainability etc.</div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.thepajamacompany.com/flapjacks/adult/">https://www.thepajamacompany.com/flapjacks/adult/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe you'll be able to find some in the States in one of the stores that specializes in outdoor/camping stuff?<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232763 Mon, 18 Oct 2021 14:17:35 +0000 Ginger 2232763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think "union" refers to the fact that the two pieces were united, top and bottom. The period advertisement SF linked calls them "Union or Combination suits." "Combinations" was the term for women's underwear (regular cotton, not knitted wool) that combined the top shirt garment ("shift" or "chemise") with the bottom legs garment ("drawers"). Combinations were an innovation that shows up in pattern diagrams given in the early/mid 1860s in women's magazines like Godey's. Combinations or chemise and drawers were the clothing worn next to the skin. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232569 Sun, 17 Oct 2021 18:19:12 +0000 watsonrocks 2232569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t know if I can post links but if you look on Etsy there is a shop that sells organic cotton Union suits that are made in Canada. The shop is called johnwear. Good luck ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232568 Sun, 17 Oct 2021 18:06:34 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2232568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Inge!!</p> <p>Suntiger, that’s a sweet memory! Not sure how much younger you are than me, but I bet your school memory is the same time period as we had the suits like you describe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232567 Sun, 17 Oct 2021 18:03:37 +0000 Inge 2232567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll have a look around tomorrow, Stagiaire Fash </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232470 Sun, 17 Oct 2021 10:57:11 +0000 Anonymous 2232470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok this brings up a memory! When I was a kid, these were trending, in particular the ones that had stripes of white and a second color. For Halloween (I think, or maybe they did PJ day), 3 of the teachers wore them. 1 with blue, 1 green, and 1 red. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232459 Sun, 17 Oct 2021 10:03:53 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2232459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zaeobi, thanks for the link and "yes!" to the BCI. It did occur to me to diy the flap. Instead of hemming that raw edge I could put bias tape on it. But I still have a problem with not enough fabric, because buttons require the fabric to overlap. So I either have to find different fasteners or find a way to extend the fabric. While we are talking logistics, I don’t understand how bodysuit snaps aren’t helpful in using the bathroom. You are talking about the ones at the crotch, right? You have to be careful about that back tab swinging down, but compared to a bodysuit that doesn't open down there.... no contest! imo, anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232456 Sun, 17 Oct 2021 07:56:59 +0000 Zaeobi 2232456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ahh I see, Union army makes sense for the American usage of the word. I checked the etymology of 'Long Johns' but the jury's still out on John L Sullivan's influence: <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_underwear" rel="nofollow">https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_underwear</a> Anyway I checked John Smedley's website (the British cotton mill &amp; manufacturer) but it seems they don't have them for women, unfortunately They use 'Sea Island Cotton' though, in case you're interested in their other items: <a href="https://www.johnsmedley.com/discover/community/our-commitment-to-sustainability/working-with-our-suppliers/john-smedleys-sea-island-cotton/" rel="nofollow">https://www.johnsmedley.com/di.....nd-cotton/</a> </p> <p>If you can't find all the features together, do you think it would be possible to buy one in the right material &amp; then DIY the back hatch yourself? I guess you'd just need to cut out the flap &amp; attach some buttons, right? </p> <p>I've never owned clothing with a back hatch though, so I don't know if that would work - the closest I've gotten is those crotch hatches in bodysuits. Didn't find them useful for going to the bathroom though, tbh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232324 Sat, 16 Oct 2021 15:52:25 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2232324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nearly got it! This is the closest I’ve found. Viscose is an ok fiber, afaik, and I like the look. Unfortunately, the inseam is about 8% of what I’d like. No drop seat either, so not that close, really. <a href="https://en.zalando.de/lingadore-essentials-pyjamas-black-1ln81b01l-q11.html" rel="nofollow">https://en.zalando.de/lingador.....l-q11.html</a></p> <p>I’ve seen several that are more of a costume than actual clothing, like this one. It has has the flap, but is short &amp; crappy fabric. Arg. <a href="https://m.shein.com/us/Christmas-Elk-And-Geo-Print-Lounge-Romper-p-3290326-cat-2210.html?scici=productDetail~~RecommendList~~RS_own,RJ_NoFaultTolerant~~You%20May%20Also%20Like~~ProductDetailYouMayAlsoLike,NewStyleYouMayAlsoLike,YouMayAlsoLikeMoreGoods,YouMayAlsoLikeWishCart~~0" rel="nofollow">https://m.shein.com/us/Christm.....ishCart~~0</a></p> <p>I hate when it’s only possible to get the desired factors in partial combos, but not everything together </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232310 Sat, 16 Oct 2021 15:06:39 +0000 Aquamarine 2232310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, great retailer. I was sad when my kids outgrew it. Such wonderful quality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232307 Sat, 16 Oct 2021 14:36:53 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2232307@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aquamarine, that was my first thought, because I love the few items I got there when my son was little. They had an item with that name, but it’s sold out now, and comments reveal that it is missing the identifying feature of this garment—a back hatch. I will check back, but am skeptical that they will rework the garment.</p> <p>Another old favorite I checked is Life is Good. I thought they had dabbled in sustainable materials for a while, but none of theirs are currently, and anyway, they don’t have any 1-piecers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232305 Sat, 16 Oct 2021 14:31:34 +0000 Aquamarine 2232305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>They don’t have any now I don’t think, but you might want to check Hanna Andersson occasionally. They used to have adult union suits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232298 Sat, 16 Oct 2021 13:44:32 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2232298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Aquamarine. </p> <p>I’m looking for organic cotton, other sustainably-produced fibers, or cotton grown and processed in ways that use less water than usual. Regular cotton uses a ton of water.</p> <p>Also, they say those are for men and women, but I don’t think it’d fit me well. I’m roughly 35-27-37. (My chest varies from 34 to 35; I’d love to get back to 36. My waist varies from 26 to 28). The M is too small in chest &amp; hips, too big in the waist. Going up a size means an even bigger waist measurement, but the hips stay the same<br /> MEDIUM: Chest: 30"; Sleeve Length: 27"; Relaxed Waist: 30"; Hip Circumference: 34"; Inseam: 34"<br /> MEDIUM TALL: Chest: 32"; Sleeve Length: 27"; Relaxed Waist: 30"; Hips: 34"; Inseam: 36"<br /> LARGE: Chest: 32"; Sleeve Length: 27"; Relaxed Waist: 32"; Hip Circumference: 34"; Inseam: 35"</p> <p>I’m not sure what “relaxed waist” means, but even if it’s a low waist, I don’t expand that quickly from my waist to just a couple inches lower. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232285 Sat, 16 Oct 2021 13:25:38 +0000 Aquamarine 2232285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Vermont Country Store has 100% cotton ones. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232284 Sat, 16 Oct 2021 13:24:32 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2232284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chewy, that’s what I had thought too!<br /> I didn’t check Wikipedia’s sources. If you do, and find discrepancies, please report back. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232276 Sat, 16 Oct 2021 12:33:32 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2232276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thought they were called union suits because the union army wore them during the civil war. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232264 Sat, 16 Oct 2021 12:08:21 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2232264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kkards, thanks for the suggestion. I don’t think that’s “the one”—the wool is likely to itch at night, and there isn’t a women’s version. I’d like one that’s fairly fitted (but not tight), so I’m going to keep looking</p> <p>Zeb, my sister and I had matching ones, in stretchy striped terry; one red &amp; white, the other green &amp; white, sometime around middle &amp; high school. They are long gone. Mine wore out. Then I have a catsuit from Victoria’s Secret that is comfy with skirts. It is navy ribbed cotton &amp; has a mock T neck. Alas, there is no back flap! I’m fine with using the toilet when I’m wide awake and wearing a sleeveless jumpsuit, but not this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232261 Sat, 16 Oct 2021 11:59:51 +0000 kkards 2232261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well for stuff like this i always go to the basic stores.<br />so LLBean (sorry on ipad so no finds), which is Cotton/wool with 10% nylon<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/47356?page=two-layer-union-suit-mens&amp;bc=514949&amp;feat=514949-GN1&amp;csp=a&amp;pos=3">https://www.llbean.com/llb/sho.....t=514949-G</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232253 Sat, 16 Oct 2021 11:10:17 +0000 Zaeobi 2232253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not sure since I've never worn one, but I know that the children's versions are just referred to as a onesie or a footless bodysuit (very imaginative, lol). My father wore Long Johns but those only referred to the leggings (bottoms). </p> <p>Oh, that's interesting about the origin - I'd always heard the etymology had something to do with a famous boxer. But tbh I never bothered to verify that rumour - bad academic, bad! *Slaps wrist* Haha </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232251 Sat, 16 Oct 2021 10:25:29 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2232251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zaeobi, that’s clearly a US name for them. I don’t know what they’re called in the rest of the world, but they are such great things to wear in the winter, they must exist elsewhere.</p> <p>I’m back to say I just read Wikipedia on this, &amp; I was completely wrong about connotations of the name. They were invented as an alternative to the cranky, binding, complicated women’s undergarments during the Victorian era. Working men somehow took them over. I don’t understand how—that’s not the usual flow. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232248 Sat, 16 Oct 2021 09:58:56 +0000 Zaeobi 2232248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha I had no idea that's what they were called - wonder why Also can't give suggestions unfortunately, living in a climate where owning one would be overkill. But as to what makes them cute, I suspect it has something to do with the fit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-a-union-suit#post-2232239 Sat, 16 Oct 2021 09:29:15 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2232239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Union suits are snuggly one-piecers, like long John jumpsuits, with a trap door. There’s nothing to slide up or down while you sleep, and you can make a middle-of-the-night potty run and not freeze your upper half. I can’t tell you what features distinguish a cute one from Uncle Bob’s (besides a good-looking model who knows how to pose), but I like this one. Unfortunately, it’s 95% polyester. </p> <p>I’ve tried searching the web, but there are two factors that seem to elude the search engines: a one-piece item and sustainable materials/production. The results I get might have one of those, or maybe the other, but generally don’t have either. Add on top that I’d like it to be attractive, and that’s 3 strikes, I’m out. </p> <p>Can anyone help me find a cute one from sustainably sourced materials, available in Europe now or the USA around Christmas? I’d like to keep the price reasonable. The polyester one is $45, so maybe €60 for good materials? Please &amp; thanks.</p> <p>Inge, are you up to the challenge? Cute, gender-specific union suits in sustainably made fabrics for a moderate price? </p> <p>PS searching the web brings up a lot at Amazon. I don’t buy from Amazon </p>