“For out of door sports like tennis, golf, etc., loose fitting garments which will give free play to all the parts of the body are very necessary. The middy with unconfined waist line makes a very appropriate garment for this purpose. The middy is especially popular at the summer resort, but it is hardly suitable for wear in a business office.”

– School Sewing Based On Home Problems, Robinson, 1916

I never gave too much thought to the middy, but I just picked up a perfectly fitting US Navy-issue middy in a thrift store. It’s a solid dark navy, without any trim – I think it’ll be wearable. Anything made out of a dense, mid-weight wool has my attention, so I can handle the big flappy collar. It’s a great garment for ladies and gents alike.