1862 U.S. Sanitary Commission Drawers

From the early months of the American Civil War, donations of wool drawers were requested by the U.S. Sanitary Commission for preserving the health of soldiers. During 1862, a pattern of wool drawers began being distributed by the New England Sanitary Commission in the form of pre-cut sewing kits and paper patterns. Designed to efficiently use fabric with little waste, it is possible that this garment pattern was inspired by, or even closely duplicated, a mass-produced style of drawers associated with the readymade clothing market. In the evolution of U.S. Sanitary Commission drawers patterns, this garment stands out. After tens of thousands of these drawers were produced from pre-cut kits and paper patterns, the specifications for this garment were selected to be shared nationally on May 1, 1864 in the publication: The U.S. Sanitary Commission Bulletin. Not only had the design of Sanitary Commission drawers evolved, but also that of the distribution of patterns. These published instru