i found this image in a galvanized tub of old photographs at my favorite local vintage shop. this picture stood out to me as i usually see servicemen in their uniforms when they have their portrait taken, not their work denim. i've seen snapshots of army men working in their denim jumpers & pants but never a studio portrait.
military garments don't really appeal to me as i detest guns and i don't cotton to the idea of taking orders. that's all i think about when i see field or dress uniforms. that being said, i can't deny the impact that the military has had on men's clothing. my favorite pattern maker, harry simons, used the measurements of enlisted men to create average dimensions from which production patterns could be drafted. this set of standards in conjunction with the production pattern drafting techniques he learned from daniel edward ryan revolutionized the way mens garments were drafted and sewn.
as an aside, a few weeks ago i met kevin charles newcomb while he was fishing through that galvanized tub i mentioned. he has a nice blog of found photos called shark dust, check it out if you have the time.
