Work Clothing

This cultural icon of the United States, represents American women who worked in factories during World War II. These gals wearing denim bib overalls replaced the male workers who were in the military. This character is considered a feminist icon in the US.

The films and posters she appeared in were used to encourage women to go to work in support of the war effort.

Conditions were often rough and pay was not always equal-the average man working in a wartime plant was paid $54.65 per week, while women were paid about $31.50. Even so…….. women quickly responded to Rosie the Riveter, who convinced them they had a patriotic duty to go to work.

Some claim that she forever opened up the work force for women, but others dispute that point, noting that many women were discharged after the war and their jobs given to returning servicemen. In either case I applaud working women who step up and work “like a man” and do it well!! Way to go Ladies!

Carhatt has become synonymous with practical, blue-collared apparel. And while many of us may think that the company is relatively new, they have, in fact, been producing quality workwear for over 120 years. The company was originally founded by Hamilton Carhatt as a furnishing business, but he quickly realized the lucrative market in work clothing.

Carhatt has grown into a flourishing company with over 17 plants and 3,500 employees across the US, Canada and Europe. The company remains family owned and true to the mission of its founder. Although they offer a variety of products, the company is best known for their line of Carhatt bib overalls insulated and non insulated.

Rosie the Riveter was most closely associated with a real woman, Rose Will Monroe, who was born in Kentucky in 1920 and moved to Michigan during World War II. She worked as a riveter at the Willow Run Aircraft Factory in Michigan building B-29 and B-24 bombers for the U.S. Army Air Forces. At the age of 50 Monroe achieved her dream of piloting a plane. Rosie went on to become perhaps the most widely recognized icon of that era. The films and posters she appeared in were used to encourage women to go to work in support of the war effort.

 It all fits! A local woman just celebrated her 90th birthday and she was a “Rosie” She too was born in 1920…  These ladies were in their early 20′s when they worked in factories. The bib overalls have been and always will be popular!

When looking at the photo you quickly realize the workers from 100 years ago are wearing bib overalls just like many workers do today. Think of the changes in how we do our jobs, the tools and the technology behind all of it and then you just have to laugh at how this piece of work clothing,the men’s denim bib overalls, has not become outdated.

Overalls date back to the 18th century and were first called “slops,” according to costume historian Sandra Ros Altman.
Overalls have clothed Americans at work and play since the 1700s, becoming a national icon in the process.

Farmers, carpenters, railroad and factory workers adopted bib overalls as their uniform praising its deep and numerous pockets designed to hold tools of all shapes and sizes. The design allowed for freedom of movement in almost any work situation. It was this uniform that became a symbol of America’s fighting spirit as the country struggled to rebuild itself after the devastating stock market crash of 1929.

early 1900s. Railroad workers sit on a handcar

This cultural icon of the United States, represents American women who worked in factories during World War II. These gals clad in denim overalls replaced the male workers who were in the military. This character is considered a feminist icon in the US.

The term “Rosie the Riveter” was first popularized in 1942 by a song written by Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb. The song was recorded by numerous artists and became a national hit. The song portrays “Rosie” as a tireless assembly line worker, doing her part to help the American war effort.

Rosie the Riveter
All the day long,
Whether rain or shine
She’s a part of the assembly line.
She’s making history,
Working for victory
Rosie the Riveter

No matter what your job entails chances are what you are wearing will play a role at the end of the day. Are you in a high traffic situation and staying visible means staying safe? Are you working in rugged or frigid conditions or need Fire retardant garments to stay in compliance… whatever your occupation …”Dressing for Success” can simply mean that at the end of the day..”You clock out … Safe & Sound!” ” Your shift is done.” This can be accomplished by wearing hardworking, long lasting Carhartt Clothing. Carhartt offers FR clothing and plain overalls and everything in between.

Work clothes manufactured to very high standards are an investment… and you are worth it! When you think of what a day can bring, it doesn’t take long to want to “Dress for Safety Successfully” and not regret later that you had the choice.

Hamilton Carhartt was born in 1855 in Macedon Lock, New York. He grew up in Southern Michigan and his entrepreneurial style was reflected in the modifying of his last name by adding an extra “t” to ensure he would stand out from other businessmen.

With some helpful advice from his first potential buyer, he realized his products had to be different. After talking with a railroad engineer, he created an overall garment specifically for the railroad worker which had never been made before. Hamilton Carhartt founded his namesake company in 1889 and began making work wear with a single goal in mind: Set a standard of excellence to which all others would aspire.

Today mens insulated bib overalls are the most popular brand for workers who have to brave the elements.

Hello to my Great, Great Granddaddy! He built the house where I grew up in 1887. If I were to guess, Hamilton Carhartt who makes Carhartt clothing, who founded his business in 1889, I bet the two were born around the same time. Somewhere in the 1850′s. Now that sounds like so long ago…doesn’t it? Hamilton makes the famous lined overalls.

I got to laughing the other day while driving down the road with my daughters… I am a 40 something mom with two girls, ages 11 &13… The humorous thoughts of their children thinking of them as “OLD”  struck me as funny because the girls were born… way back in 1996 & 1998!  Now that we are in the 21st century the 1900′s sounds ancient!!! They laughed with me and saw the humor!

When my children talk about age, I tell them what my Mama always told me..” I was your age for a whole year! Just like you’re gonna be!”

I  can only hope and pray I get to live as long as my great, great, granddaddy!

“Hello, Rosie”… the recent article read ! That sure caught my eye! In Wheeling WV a woman just celebrated her 90th birthday! She was honored with a celebration, surrounded by family and friends. How wonderful. The article describes how she and other women went to work in factories in the early 1940′s. The positions had to be filled because the men and boys had gone to fight in World War 2.

This famous poster is familiar to many. The female worker, wearing bibs, possibly Carhartt unlined bib overalls, with a man sized tool in her lap. These gals had to get tough and do the job.

This was a delightful article about Sylvia , the birthday girl and her sister Eleanor who both have vivid memories of their factory days.

It must be summer by the looks of the green grass, but there’s snow in the mountains. This beautiful ranch is in grand Tetons nation park in Wyoming.

According to some news agency, there is talk of it being for sale. Get out your millions if you have it ! otherwise, plan a visit here and take in the breath taking beauty. Pack your insulated bib overalls and a sweatshirt or three! I am sure the nights are chilly.