Congress Sportswear
Masland Sportman’s Clothes
On a November run up to The Rain Shed for closed cell foam and cordage, Tom picked up this 1946 Field & Stream from a thrift shop. In a future post, I’ll showcase F & S advertisements from familiar “living” US brands like Pendleton, Gokey, Filson and Eddie Bauer. Today, I want to highlight a few forgotten outdoor clothing companies like Congress and Masland Sportman’s Clothes. US-made outdoor clothing has been reduced to a few well-known, premium priced brands (and aggravatingly, Japan-only reissues). But, the 1946 Field & Stream offers a robust selection of outdoor clothing with an emphasis on quality components, sturdy fabrics, tailored fit, good value and regional (not national) manufacturing. And of course, I love the generous selection of apparel for women (stream jacket, please).
A few more examples via flickr.
R.C. Nichols Corp.
Dryback
Red Head Brand Co.
Archer Rubber Co.
Scotty Kote
Bancroft Cap Co.
Ripon Knitting Works
Dave Cook Sporting Goods Co.
Bone Dry Shoe Mfg Co.
Archival dress code for your next canoe trip:
I like the Scotty Kote form-fitting cardigan. Nowadays, you can get such a garment in capilene or other manmade material, but not in knitted wool—at least as far as I know, and if I’m wrong, please let me know!
that cap is crazy! not to mention the graphics that emphasize how wild it really is. great find.
I’m not too far off the mark when I head to the BWCA. Knee high Bean boots work great, though I do have nylon portage packs.
Archer fishing Shirt = Snuggie…hmmm…
This is a great post, and a keen observation about the loss of regional manufacturers. Is the model in the Congress advertisement wearing a tie under his Maine Guide Shirt? Those were the days…