The Jumpsuit makes yet another appearance in Fashion!
Join me in welcoming the Jumpsuit to 2010! It's come a long way....
The jumpsuit was first produced in 1913 as the Lee-Union-All, created by the H.D. Lee Mercantile Company. The one-piece suit would become the official military doughboy uniform, or flightsuit, during WWI, and the revolutionary garment was soon adopted as a work uniform for everyone from farmers to factory workers.
"During World War II, the coverall was borrowed by ‘Rosie the Riveter,' as women entered the factories once the men went to war. Called ‘boiler suits’ in the 40’s, these one-piece pantsuits gave women the freedom to move about in dangerous professions without catching skirts in machines, or dripping sleeves into gears”.
Children of the 1950's played in overalls, which are now called playsuits and were made of durable cotton flannel or corduroy. The one-piece garment made it easy for kids to dress for after school playtime. Simplicity Pattern.
“The comfort and convenience of the coverall helped it maintain a stable position in the children’s and workman’s wardrobe until fashion stole the garment for its own purposes in the 60’s. Re-named the “jumpsuit” after the colorful suits worn by parachute plane jumpers, the one-piece unisex coverall moved from rugged wear to casual and even formal attire. Coveralls were pushed to the title of grubby work wear, and jumpsuits landed as fashion.” Below: Halston jumpsuit circa 1960/70's.
Even the King of Rock and Roll knew the power behind the one-piece wonder. Elvis made his comeback resplendent in bejeweled and studded jumpsuits that will remain in the hearts and minds of fans everywhere. The 80’s jumpsuit took a lesson from the King’s excess, bedazzling the denim and cotton jumpsuits with silver studs and jewels.
Jumpsuits today can easily be labeled s dressy ensembles. They are easy to wear and require just a few simple accessories. Today jumpsuits can even be shorts on the bottom, and strapless. “Romper” is also a common term for that silhouette.
