Snipes Shirt – OD Cotton Poplin

The pattern of the MF® SNIPES is inspired by the earliest model of US Army full button front uniform shirt.

Besides the full six-button front placket improvement, the characteristics of the early 8-26C shirt included a one-piece unstructured collar (no collar band), a singular style of elbow reinforcement patch, and two large utilitarian chest pockets each with pen compartments.

Available in a crisp mil-specs Olive Drab cotton poplin fabric milled in Japan.

SPECS

* Fabric: Period mil-specs Olive Drab cotton poplin fabric milled in Japan.
* Pattern inspired by a vintage 1930’s US Army wool uniform classic.
* Full 6 button front opening.
* Rounded tails.
* Corozzo wood buttons.
* Two large utilitarian chest pockets with pen compartments.
* Unstructured one-piece collar.
* Elbow reinforcement patches.
* Olive poplin button placket facing.
* Chainstitch construction with narrow folder.
* All cotton stitching.
* Red bartack in lieu of side gussets.
* Original mfsc “Frogsville” woven rayon label, stenciled.
* Made in Japan.

SIZING/FIT

The SNIPES Shirt comes RAW/unwashed. It is cut so that the measurements match the labeling after an initial cold soak/line dry. 
We recommend this usual protocol before wearing:

• Cold soak for about 30-40mn, with occasional hand agitation.
• Spin dry and line dry.
• Hang until fully dry.

CL’S Advice: I personally opted for a MEDIUM for a comfortable fit. I am 5.7’’ approx. 150 Lbs., and although the SMALL did fit with more of a trim uniform silhouette, it was a bit too tight in the chest.

Please refer to sizing chart for approximate raw/soaked measurements.

Soaked = 30mn cold soak, spin dry and line dry.

CARE

Machine wash on DELICATE, cold water, mild eco-friendly detergent. Hang dry. Wash with similarly-colored garments. Do not use the washer’s heavy-duty cycle. Heat dryer is also not recommended and may result in excessive shrinkage.

STORY

The pattern of the MF® SNIPES is inspired by the earliest model of US Army full button front uniform shirt.

Identified as Specs “No. 8-26C Shirt, Flannel, Olive-Drab, Coat Style” by the Quartermaster Corps, it was introduced sometime in 1933 and issued to US Army and Air Corps personnel and FDR’s CCC enrollees alike. This new uniform shirt pattern was deemed “Coat Style”, marking a practical departure from its predecessor, the mustard color pullover wool shirt commonly associated with WW1 Doughboys. The overall design was borrowed from civilian workwear, back when the making of workwear garments bordered on fancy tailoring prowess. This is definitely an intricate pattern by today’s utilitarian clothing standards.

Besides the full six-button front placket improvement, the characteristics of the early 8-26C shirt included a one-piece unstructured collar (no collar band), a singular style of elbow reinforcement patch, and two large utilitarian chest pockets each with pen compartments.

Blending 1930s US Army uniform shirt design with mil-specs fabric, this original MF® shirt needed a new moniker. Because of the strong vintage naval utility work shirt vibe, we went for SNIPES. The term refers to US Navy enlisted personnel working in the engine room, the “sailors that sail below”, also known as “Black Gang” for their grease-covered blues and dixie cup covers. See Machinist’s Mate Jake Holman’s dungarees for a Hollywood rendition.

The MF® SNIPES Shirt is designed in California by Mister Freedom® and manufactured in Japan by Sugar Cane Co.