Those flap shirts that the guys wear in the old westerns?

[Wayne02]

So I've been watching a couple of westerns lately and was wondering about the shirts that many of guys wore back in those days. They have the big flap that goes across the chest and buttons to the other side of the shirt front.

What were those shirts called and did they have a specific practical purpose? Maybe to keep the dust/dirt out better?

 

[Wayne02]

So I've been watching a couple of westerns lately and was wondering about the shirts that many of guys wore back in those days. They have the big flap that goes across the chest and buttons to the other side of the shirt front.

What were those shirts called and did they have a specific practical purpose? Maybe to keep the dust/dirt out better?

 

[Muley Gil]

Bib front shirt is one name.

I've heard that if the front got dirty, you could reverse it.

 

[badguybuster]

I believe they are actually referred to as "Railroad shirts". I have a couple of them. Wahmakers has several different options.

 

[lobosolo]

Its called a calvery shirt

 

[OKFC05]

How many do you want to buy?
http://www.1880westernwear.com...hirt/products_id/216

 

[n4zov]

Here:

http://www.theoldwestgallery.com

http://www.shopwildbills.com

 

[badguybuster]

Here ya go: It is an "Engineer shirt"

http://www.westernemporium.com/store/001083W.php

 

[ditrina]

I always liked the Randolf Scott model..

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

I'd call them "Movie Shirts". Never saw "real" cowboys wear them in old pictures of that period. Sort of pre-Elvis.

 

[Jack Flash]

The Monkees wore them... That was in California, so that qualifies as "western", right?

 

[bettis1]

Originally posted by Jim Webb:
Its called a calvery shirt

 

[cincinnatijim]

My mother made one of those for me in the mid-50s. The pattern she bought had the top of the bib higher than shown on the ones referenced above. It was uncomfortable if you looked down.

 

[Jack Flash]

In the early '50s, my mother put a bib on me too. I think it had more to do with food control / containment than with the cavalry though.

 

[all5x]

Well I wore the flap button pants on bellbottom blues uniform for the Navy and I know why they were flapped but if I ran into a guy that had to unbutton his shirt flap to use the head that would make him a pretty tough hombre in my opinion and for sure someone not to mess with..all5x

 

[Wayne02]

Hmm, these did not look like the ones in the links. There were only buttons down one side (left side if you are looking at the front of the shirt) and this row of buttons was at an angle, not vertical straight up and down. It appeared that maybe one side of the shirt folded over the other side and fastened to the said buttons.

 

[Guest]

Wayne; They are made with the flap attached because it is cheaper and easier. The idea was used by the Army for their "Officers" to help them keep up appearances as the Placket could be turned around and removed and washed without the entire shirt having to be taken off. It was also considered a place for things to be carried - paperwork etc. - because they weren't allowed to have pockets in their shirts. I have also heard that many of the soldiers would add extra layers of cloth to help keep out the cold. Again, appearances.

Even in the very beginning Military Officers were required to purchase their own uniforms and that meant when they left the service these shirts went with them. I've seen a number of old shirts in museums that showed the signs of having been a Placket shirt at some point. It was common to remove the Placket and the button and use the material and buttons for other things, including repairs to the original shirts. After the "War of the Rebellion" many of these shirts became surplus and were sold to the general public. War Surplus has always been big business especially right after a "War to End All Wars" as many of them seem to be looked upon by the Congressional Budget Boys. This just happens to be among one of the many things. If they are made out of the original Wool they were one heavy shirt once they got wet but they also were produced in lighter weight Cotton for more Dress occasions and for Duty in the warmer climates. Some Cavalry Units were equipped with these for the "Indian Wars" rather than Surplussing them. The Cavalry was considered the "Cream of the Crop" within the Army.

 

[therevjay]

It would seem logical that it was intended to help 'windproof' the upper body. Much like modern motorcycle jackets.

And when it got warmer you could unbutton an fold back part to release body heat.

 

[fitz]

OK, this one drives me crazy! Just for the record....

Calvary Cal?va?ry? /?kælv?ri/[kal-vuh-ree]
–noun, plural -ries for 2, 3.
1. Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified. Luke 23:33.
2. (often lowercase) a sculptured representation of the Crucifixion, usually erected in the open air.
3. (lowercase) an experience or occasion of extreme suffering, esp. mental suffering.


Cavalry cav?al?ry?/?kæv?lri/[kav-uhl-ree]
–noun, plural -ries.
1. Military.
a. the part of a military force composed of troops that serve on horseback.
b. mounted soldiers collectively.
c. the motorized, armored units of a military force organized for maximum mobility.

2. horsemen, horses, etc., collectively.

It was even spelled wrong on one of the web sites posted. Geesh!

 

[bettis1]

Originally posted by bettis1:

Originally posted by Jim Webb:
Its called a calvery shirt

Fitz, I was trying to be a little subtle with my smilie face.

Actually, a good thick, stiffly starched bib shirt might be somewhat of a protection against a dull spear point to the side