Dress No. 5 - Sailor's Working Clothes

Bad Weather? No Problem

There are no iconic sailor's collars in sight here! This workwear is not for show but due to its usefulness across so many work situations it manages to look permanently in style--then, and now.

Issued protective clothing is designed and constructed specifically to help service members do their jobs in cold, damp weather. This duffle coat, owned by John Morrison Grant circa the mid-20th century, is designed for the cold. It is made of heavy wool, and is generously sized--but, not oversized to the point of getting snagged or caught. It is heavily top-stitched and reinforced around stress points.

The wood toggles are the only fasteners; it is not meant to be restrictive around the body during outdoor work.

A piece of thin fabric tape might not stand up to the wear and tear of outerwear--labels on more rugged kit pieces needed to be hardier. On many pieces of outerwear in the Maritime Museum of BC collection, a service member's name is stamped or written directly on the fabric. 

The jersey, owned by Jack Slater around the same time, is listed as regulation kit, but was not required for any dress occasion in the 1951 version of Uniform Instructions for The Royal Canadian Navy. It has fleece on the inside for warmth.

Hard-Wearing Clothes for Hard Work

Sturdy materials like canvas, wool, and denim are often used in uniforms and workwear. The cut of workwear is also important. As with the duffle coat, too much extra material gets in the way and can be dangerous if caught in machinery or on deck. 

Worn for the dirtiest jobs, both of these jean pieces--a working jacket and working trousers--were owned by Jack Slater. His name is stamped on them as well. Interestingly, these stamps are on the outside of the garments, in highly visible spots. No insconspicuous fabric tape here, either! Even the carefully mended tear on the jacket sleeve is sturdily visible.

The trousers are cut in a high-waisted 1940s style, but are otherwise extremely ordinary jeans! The enduring quality of workwear is that, across industries and professions, it gets the job done.

Only the jacket has a maker's label, dating it to 1955. This piece was manufactured specifically for the Royal Canadian Navy and constructed to exact specifications. However, if any kit item was not available, a service member would receive cash to purchase or have such a garment made. They received descriptions for each item for such cases, like the one listed below.

Description of Naval Uniforms (Men)

Article 9.07 Jackets, Working

Blue denim; single-breasted; back yoke; six button fly front with two pleated breast patch pockets; a self faced one piece stand and fall collar; shirt type sleeve with adjustable cuffs. Side adjustment straps shall be fitted on both sides of the waistband.