Need suggestions for drawers fabric

[Clark Badgett]

Since I've been writing my wife complaining of the quality of army furnished clothing, especially the undergarments, she has informed me in her latest missive that she is making me a couple of pairs of nice drawers to help ease my suffering......

Ok, now all joking aside, what is a good strong cloth to use for underclothes. I want them to look like they are well made by a lady that knows what she is doing (yes, I can sew that good if I want) but I honestly have no clue what to make them from. I know silk was used, but I want something that will breath a bit easier in the humid Southern summers, and last for a while. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :)

[coffee boiler]

Up north we use canton flannel. Not sure what to recommend for down south.

[markj]

Hi,

Cotton fabrics are a good bet. I've seen "osnaburg" mentioned as being used in undershirts. "Linsey" and "jean" were also used in addition to canton flannel, etc.:

[LITTLE ROCK] ARKANSAS TRUE DEMOCRAT, February 20, 1862, p. 2, c. 3

Record of Industry.

***Miss Amanda M. Wilson, of Pope county, from Sept. 1st to Nov. 30th, wove 104 yards of linsey, which was made into shirts and drawers for the soldiers, and 57 yards of woolen jeans, a yard wide. From the 1st of Dec. to 1st Feb., she has woven 52 yards of jeans and 20 yards of linsey, all a yard wide.***

WEEKLY COLUMBUS [GA] ENQUIRER, January 7, 1862, p. 3, c. 4

Fall and Winter
Stock of
Ready-Made Clothing,
Furnishing Goods,
Cloths, Cassimeres, Vestings,
&c. &c. &c.
J. H. Daniel & co.

Take this method of announcing that they have just opened their

Large and Well Selected
Stock of
Ready-Made Clothing,
Of Their Own Manufacture

and are now prepared to serve all who may favor them with their custom

At as Low Price as Ever!

Despite the great advance in goods.
Every article sold from this stock is warranted to be as represented, and will be

Sold at old prices for Cash!

Their stock of Men's Furnishing Goods will be found to contain a good assortment of
Linen Bosom Shirts;
Merino, Shaker, and Home-made Flannel Undershirts and Drawers;
Cotton, Flannel and Jeans Drawers;
Gloves, Half-Hose, Suspenders, Cravats, Ties, Collars, &c., &c.

***

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[Clark Badgett]

Ah light weight linen, why didn't I think of that. Now to find some.