Aertex

History

In the late 19th century Lewis Haslam, a Lancashire mill owner and politician, began to link the partnering of holes and warmth and with two medical colleagues, began experimenting with aeration; trapping air within the warp and weft of fabric. The result was a fabric that provided a barrier between the warmth of the skin and the chill of the atmosphere and in 1888 they formed the Aertex Company. During World War II the British Women's Land Army wore Aertex as part of their uniform and all the British and Commonwealth land forces in the Far East and Middle East wore Aertex bush shirts and jackets. These uniforms were designated as Jungle Green for the Far East and Khaki Drill for the Middle East.

Soon after the end of the Second World War, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret were reported to be wearing Aertex shirts.

In 1959 Aertex, together with Ovaltine, sponsored the 'All New Netball Associations' coaching film. By the 1960s Aertex became a sports and school wear manufacturer in the UK, across a range of sports including tennis, cricket, netball and football. The England football squad wore Aertex fabric jerseys manufactured by Umbro during the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.

References

References

1. ''Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary'', published 1913 by C. & G. Merriam Co.
2. Laneri, Raquel. (2021-05-08). "Young Queen Elizabeth's crush on Prince Philip revealed in friend's diaries".
3. (2016-07-26). "1960s-style Aertex polo shirts at Jump The Gun".
4. (2010-02-04). "Aertex Gold range – tops inspired by World Cup shirts of the 60s and 70s".
5. Bennett, Rosemary. "Middle-aged women rediscover netball (minus the Aertex)". [[The Times]].
6. (20 March 2013). "England's Umbro football kits – in pictures". The Guardian.
7. "Our Netball History {{!}} Celebrating England's Netball Heritage".