The 'E' Type Forum

Good morning guys.

Why did mechanics back in the day wear white overalls just like they do at Goodwood?

Gray shop coat and a pipe.

Brown coats down here in th sticks. Pipe optional.

My guess would be you look more professional and stand out in white and although sounds odd white would be easier to clean useing a bleach wash....anyother colour would fade....Steve

Pit lane mechanics wore white overalls both to make them visible to drivers and also the tight fitting meant there was a greatly reduced chance of the clothing getting caught in moving parts during wheel changes etc. In workshops and Factories the supplied coats (white, brown, blue, grey) often denoted a department or grade (e.g. supervisor, inspector).

In the Jaguar 'Blue' Room (trim shop) the workers wore white aprons. They were issued with two and were expected to take one home and have it washed so they always had a clean one on Monday morning.

Comes from days of boiler suits(hint in the name!) in steam rooms on ships etc. Any steam release into a boiler suit would force the dye , in a coloured boiler suit, into the skin!