1941 British Denim Smock - Original
1941 British Denim Smock - Original
This is Batch #2 faithful to the 1941 pattern worn by Polish II Corps in their extraordinary journey from Siberian gulags to victory at Monte Cassino.
We've recreated every detail from the original source garment along with the exact proportions that made this so practical in the field.
The fabric comes from the same mill in Yorkshire that provided cloth for the original garments during the war.
All Original variants are signed and hand numbered by Avre co-founders, James Holland and Al Murray.
Edition: /1805 - honouring the date Polish II Corps took Monte Cassino: 18th day of the 5th month, 1944.

Fabric & Care
A Note on Character
Like the original 1940s smocks, this garment is built to age well. Slight fading, softening, and the development of wear patterns are signs of authentic use. These characteristics will, over time, make each piece unique to its owner.
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Fabric Composition
100% organic cotton
Weight: 350 gsm (grams per square metre)
Mill-washed finish for immediate wearability
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Washing Instructions
Machine wash at 30°C (86°F) or cooler
Wash dark colours separately for the first few washes
Turn inside out before washing to preserve colour and finish
Use a mild detergent - avoid bleach or harsh chemicals
Expect some natural fading over time - this adds to the garment's character
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What to Expect
Initial shrinkage of up to 3% after first wash - this is normal for quality denim.
The fabric will continue to develop character with wear and washing
Some colour transfer may occur, particularly with darker shades when wet
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Drying
Air dry flat or hang to dry
Avoid tumble drying where possible to maintain shape and reduce shrinkage
If tumble drying is necessary, use low heat
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Ironing
Iron on medium heat if needed
Iron inside out to protect the outer finish
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Long-term Care
Wash only when necessary
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
The organic cotton will soften with age while maintaining its strength
Handmade in London
All our garments are handmade in Greenwich, London. This allows us to remain very close to all stages of the production process.