Long Underwear: Another Key to Longevity with Vitality

Bill Boyd Responds to My Long Underwear Story

Some time ago, I wrote about wearing long underwear, Long Johns, for the first time. The story generated many comments, but none better than the clever, spontaneous, and humorous ones I received from Bill Boyd.

First a return to my previous writing.

I never thought that I would wear long underwear. My mother called them Long Johns when she answered my, "What’s that?" question when I saw Grandpa wearing a one-piece, red union suit as he strolled through the kitchen on his way to the bathroom.

He was wearing something that had a buttoned-up flap in the rear. ---- And what's that, Dad? ---- It’s called a . . . well, never mind. How's that for an introduction? Perhaps that’s why I never wore them until recently. Some history.

Long Johns date back to ancient times. People in cold climates wore multiple layers of animal hides. Later, in medieval Europe, wool tunics became insulators as wool retained heat even when wet.

The term Long Johns is believed to have originated from champion boxer John L. Sullivan who wore a one-piece thermal suit when he fought.

I never wore them, even in my days of aggressive skiing in the bitter cold. Underclothing became popular among outdoor enthusiasts who needed protection against extreme cold. Fashionable and functional thermal underwear was born.

Traps heat, manages moisture and contributes to overall comfort in wintry weather. Endorsements from outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. OK, OK, I get it! Testimonials build credibility. Stop. I’m wearing them. No, it's not the classic red union suit with the whaddya call flap, just thermal underwear under a loose pair of pants. Grab a pair. Thank me later. You can whisper it.

William Boyd Writes . . .

I saw a story that said, “I Succumb to Long Underwear” by Dr. Ed Iannuccilli. I thought it would be interesting to speak with you about myself, someone who has been wearing only long underwear daily since the fall of 1966; 58 years!

Before that, I wore T-shirts and briefs that rubbed, scratched, pulled, and scraped my groin area with every step I took. Boxers had everything jumping around down below which wasn’t comfortable.

In my mid-20s, I was cold every day, even in the summer. So I decided to stop dressing from the outside halfway in and switched to dressing from the inside/out in long underwear (the single-piece Unionsuit).

Go Bill!

From November through March, my first long-sleeved heavyweight 100% cotton Unionsuit was a Sears brand. Thereafter, if necessary, it was the Sears Long Sleeve 100% Cotton Lightweight Unionsuit from April through October.

I couldn’t believe the close, full-bodied feeling of total body comfort from wrist to ankle. My body instantly acclimated to the style. It continued daily for the next 45 years and was always comfortable and felt great!

In 2000, I saw an advertisement for the Coldmaster Long Sleeve Medium Weight 100% Cotton Smooth Ribbed Knit Unionsuit in a Vermont Country Store Catalog that came in tall sizes and could be worn comfortably year-round. I bought it.

I loved it so much that I bought more and have been wearing this Unionsuit, as well as other brand-name Unionsuits, for years! I learned long ago when something works, stick with it. Since 1966, when I started wearing nothing but long underwear daily, I have worn only white, natural, or oatmeal colors because I don’t like colored inner layers of clothing.

I am a healthy 84-year-old, rarely sick, and have been running for 68 years! I feel that wearing long underwear, attempting to eat right, taking care of my health, staying busy, and keeping on the move are the sources for a long constructive/productive life🤗

I have many times been told I am “sick in the head” for wearing long underwear all the time but that doesn’t bother me. I am healthy.

I have been told that wearing long underwear is old-fashioned and unconventional. I disagree. It works for me.

I taught physical education for 30 years from K through 12 and coached cross country and indoor and outdoor track at the high school level. I have been practically everywhere in the world. With the Travelers Century Club List of 330 countries, territories, and travel destinations, I am up to 310!

Unfortunately, I doubt I will make it to the final 20.

I thought it would be interesting to communicate with a fellow long-underwear person.

His follow-up note . . .

Dear Ed,

You are intelligent enough to understand the importance of wearing long underwear even if it is only a wintertime adventure for you.

This is the reason why I became a long underwear man dressing from the Inside/Out 24/7 daily year round!

And good Mr. Boyd; a loyal, vibrant, vital long underwear aficionado.

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