item details
NameFred Dagg's singlet
ProductionMosgiel Woollen Factory Company (Limited); manufacturer(s); 1973; Mosgiel
Classificationvests, underwear, costume, singlets
Materialswool
DimensionsOverall: 498mm (width), 907mm (length)
Registration NumberGH014302
Credit lineGift of John Clarke, 2002
Overview
Heavy woollen black singlets like this one were traditionally worn by New Zealand farmers for their warmth and durability.
Fred Dagg
The black singlet's long-standing association with farming and rural life was exploited by comedian John Clarke, who wore this particular singlet when performing as his popular satirical television character 'Fred Dagg' in the 1970s. By wearing such a garment, with a crumpled hat, ripped shorts, and gumboots, Clarke was instantly recognisable as a classic backblocks New Zealand farmer.