ICONS: THERMAL SHIRT

1980's Hanes thermal shirt

John L. Sullivan in 1898

Before it was “thermal,” it was long johns, armor for men who worked in the cold and didn’t have the luxury of central heating. The story goes that the name came from John L. Sullivan, a 19th-century heavyweight boxer who stepped into the ring wearing long underwear and nothing else. The man fought like hell and looked the part, tough, raw, unbothered by convention. His name stuck to the garment.

As the 20th century hit, war and industry rewrote the rules. By WWII Long Johns popularity grew, as the US military perfected the formula and began issuing the waffle-knit thermals as part of the coldweather uniform. It trapped heat, wicked sweat, and kept servicemen alive and cozy. After the war, the design trickled down into everyday life, the same weave, the same grit, just worn under workwear instead of fatigues.

1970's US Army thermal shirt

Then came synthetics, cotton polyester blend, all that space-age stuff that made the thermals softer, stretchier, and easier to dry on a radiator. By the 70's, they weren’t just underwear anymore. They had became a wardrobe staple. From the Deer Hunter to punks and truck-stop wanderers, thermals where here to stay. Layered, ripped, visible. The line between function and fashion blurred.

Today, the thermal’s evolved again, merino wool, organic cotton, smart textiles, what have you, but the soul’s the same. A working man’s relic turned streetwear staple. Now reimagined by the likes of Stussy and ALD. It’s warmth without pretense, comfort born of necessity. From Sullivan’s ring to Helsinki sidewalks, the long johns lived a hundred lives, and they’re still not done.

We've been carrying these cold weather staples for three years now, and they're definetly one of our bestsellers. Thermals now back in stock at your local rag dealer, in all sizes from S to 2XL. Get yours now.