Union Suits: A Winter Must-Have

The male onesie became all the rage for Spring Summer 2017 – with many designers showing one-piece options for men to wear. Even Zara jumped on the bandwagon and offered a male onesie for everyday wear. The appeal is obvious – there is something incredibly comfortable about a one piece – ask any woman who has been wearing them for years. But if you aren’t fashion brave enough to rock one on the day to day (or even if you are), you should definitely get one for loungewear at home. Enter Union Suits.

The first union suits were invented in the mid-1800s for women to wear as practical alternatives to the constricting Victorian garments of the day. Men soon caught onto the convenience of the suit, however, and adopted it as everyday-wear, especially in the colder months. It was perfect as one piece long underwear to keep you warm into winter months. Over time the union suit or onesie eventually broke up into separate long johns and thermal tops, but perhaps it’s time to bring them back together as one.

Modern-day union suits differ very little from the originals, and still serve as a great winter barrier or pajama. They are perfect for lounging around the house. Many brands now offer union suits in every price point. Of note, I have included some union suits (which have traditional back trap doors) and onesies (which are the same concept without the back flap). Here are a few of my favourites.  

Men’s Essential Cotton Printed Union Suit by 2xist $59. This union suit is great for around the house loungewear or under layers to keep you wear during the colder months. What I like best about this one is that it fits well  – unlike some baggier models, this one is fitted in arms. legs and chest. It looks modern and chic.

Arborist Onesies from the Drake General Store$49.95 . The Drake General Store has been making great onesies that past few years with new prints each go around. Made from 100% cotton, these onesies are a little more loose fitting. The one really great thing – they make matching ones for the whole family.

Waffle Union Suit by Jockey $58. Like traditional union suits this one offers the infamous backdoor/trapdoor in the back. Made from a cotton/ polyblend waffle fabric. this baby will keep you warm.

Midweight Cotton Union Suit by Carhartt, $49 This union suit is made from 8 ounce 100% cotton ring-spun rib knit. It also features a backdoor access but it’s not a flap – so you may struggle at first to figure it out. I appreciate the tagless interior collar adn the classic Santa red colour.

 

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Christian has been a cultural and style junkie since the age of 6; while most kids were swiping cookies, he was swiping his grandfathers' Patek Philippe. Raised to appreciate art, fashion,design and  literature (yeah, this one actually reads) by a single mother fondly called Jackie-O. Christian quickly went from childhood cultural capital thief to academia protégé. Referred to as the cat's meow by some, too clever by half by others, Christian eschewed the academic life and ran away to join the circus -the fashion circus. Several well-appointed positions later and a career on the rise would be most people's dream but it was time to say fuck off and start all over again.

This is Christian Dare Unedited.