Lot 423 Express Stripe Vest

Striped denim, characterized by its interwoven indigo and white stripes, is one of America’s iconic workwear fabrics. It is closely associated with vintage clothing for railroads, carpenters, and painters, with origins dating back to approximately 1865-1920. Unlike earlier Wabash stripes, these stripes were woven into the fabric and, due to their durability, were ideal for workwear during the steam train era. They effectively protected railroad workers from fly ash and hot cinders. Over time, striped denim gradually replaced Wabash fabric, becoming synonymous with train engineers and railway workers.