

Vendor:Americana Pipedream Apparel
Vintage WWII USGI Red Cross Sweater Vest
Description
PLEASE NOTE: The size medium option listed here does have one small hole in the knit.
Successful management of the home front during a major conflict is just as crucial as concern for men and material. In late 1941, Life magazine would feature a cover article on why and how citizens could contribute to beleaguered Europeans by hand-knitting sweaters. "Bundles for Britain" was just one of many efforts leading up to America's entry into WWII. Just two weeks after this November issue, the Japanese would attack Pearl Harbor, and the entire country was mobilized.
The USA's War Production Board made the Red Cross the standalone clearing agency for all knit goods during the conflict; the organization would ingeniously manage material shortages and standardization challenges throughout WWII. Ultimately, over sixty million came out of the "knitting for victory" initiative. One of these vests is an essential, if often neglected, piece of WWII history.
Sorted by size. Knit, subtly in design, and of specific origin will vary. All should follow regulations of the era.
Features:
- Authentic USGI
- Follow period regulations
- Vast provenance
Pairs well with
Curious About Sizing?
Given the massive variety of clothing we carry, a standard sizing guide is incredibly helpful for customers seeking the best fit.
Please understand that surplus varies widely in fit and cut and this sizing chart is general advice rather than tailor-level fitting.
Nearly every military has different sizing charts and schemes, which is why we've taken the time to put together this brief tutorial.
Jacket & Shirt Sizing
In absence of an established military size chart, we measure each jacket or shirt from armpit to armpit to get a rough idea of how it fits. If a garment is between sizes, we mark it one size down. For example, if a shirt measures 19.75" from pit to pit, it is marked as a small rather than medium.
To measure pit to pit, close up your shirt or jacket and measure from armpit to armpit.
This is our measurement guide that we use to measure garments without an existing military size chart:
14"-15" PtP = XXS
16-17" PtP = Extra Small
18"-19" PtP = Small
20-21" PtP = Medium
22-23" PtP = Large
24-25" PtP = Extra Large
26-27" PtP = XXL
28-29" PtP = 3XL
Pant Sizing
We typically convert pants to US waist and inseam sizes. If a pair of pants is between sizes, we mark it one size down. For example, if a pair of pants measures as a 33 waist, it is marked as a 32 waist.
To take these measurements we lay a pair of pants flat on the ground. We then measure across the waist and double the measurement. For example, if a pair of pants measures 16" across the waist it will fit a US 32 waist.
To determine inseam we measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of the cuff. For example, it a pair of pants measures 30" from the crotch seam to the bottom of the cuff we will list it as a 30 inseam or 30L.
Surplus Condition Guide
- Unissued
- These items are brand new. They may sometimes exhibit signs of storage. They may be new in their original factory packaging, but most times will not be.
- Issued; Good / Issued
- These items are in issued/used condition but are fully functional. This grade of surplus item may also exhibit signs of use such as stampings, small stains or general dirtiness.
- Issued items will not have missing or broken buttons, zippers or be missing any functional components unless noted as such in the product description. Any items you purchase that are marked as "Issued; Good" but exhibit these defects will be replaced free of charge by Americana Pipedream.
- Grade 2
- These items are in issued/used condition but have defects that impede function. This may include missing buttons, broken zippers, holes and tears. They may also be missing components.
- This is the lowest grade of surplus item that we carry and they are not eligible for returns or exchanges due to condition.
Prop 65 Warning
All products that are NOT INTENDED FOR CONSUMPTION OR NOT FOOD PRODUCTS fall under this warning:
“WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer.” WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including arsenic, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.”
In stock! Ships within 3-5 business days, or we'll refund your shipping cost.
First-class customer service, guaranteed.
Free exchanges & returns.

Vintage WWII USGI Red Cross Sweater Vest
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.
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Shipping Information
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