HISTORY

In 1919, the workwear brand BIG YANK was born under the helm of Milton F. Goodman, founder of the Reliance Manufacturing Company, established in 1897. From the very beginning, BIG YANK introduced practical shirts made of cotton, featuring details like a functional chin strap—designed with the working man in mind. Even back then, the brand demonstrated a discerning eye for quality, sourcing fabrics only from trusted suppliers. The foundation of what would become the iconic BIG YANK standard—rolled seams, triple-needle stitching, and ventilation holes—was already in place. More than clothing, these garments were tools to wear.

In 1929, Reliance filed a patent for an innovative asymmetrical pocket design. Featuring a pouch-style cigarette pocket on the left chest and a vertically aligned pen holder pocket on the right, this now-iconic “Gacha Pocket” configuration was praised for its practical, purpose-driven layout. It offered a smart solution for storing different tools with intention and clarity. The design gained further recognition when it was featured on a commemorative shirt for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, reinforcing BIG YANK’s reputation for combining functionality with bold design. This union of visual identity and clear utility became a signature expression of the brand’s spirit of innovation.

The iconic "Mountain Pocket"—a hallmark of BIG YANK—is defined by its distinctive pentagonal shape and sharply pointed flap, designed for easy one-handed access. Filed for patent in 1942 and trademarked in 1944, the pocket embodies a perfected balance of originality in design and comfort in use. With enhanced visibility, operability, and durability, the Mountain Pocket stands apart from any other work shirt detail—and continues to be faithfully reproduced to this day.

During World War II, BIG YANK supplied garments to the U.S. Navy, earning a reputation for reliability and performance. Its chambray shirts and utility jackets—engineered for demanding worksites—also became trusted staples in everyday life across America’s blue-collar communities. Even in wartime, the brand upheld its standards of quality, solidifying its status as one of the nation’s most respected workwear makers.

With changing times and shifts in manufacturing, BIG YANK gradually disappeared from the market during the 1980s. While brand operations came to a close, its legacy lived on in the vintage market, where pieces like the “Gacha Pocket” and “Mountain Pocket” became highly sought-after collectibles. The brand’s design philosophy and craftsmanship quietly passed into the hands of a new generation.

In 2012, archivist Kinji Teramoto revived BIG YANK under its original name. Drawing from his extensive collection of historical materials, he faithfully reconstructed every detail—from stitching techniques and fabrics to name tags and trims. This was more than a reproduction; it was a thoughtful reimagining through a modern lens. BIG YANK entered a new chapter, gaining renewed support from fans and workwear enthusiasts alike.

Today, BIG YANK continues to build on its legacy of authentic functional beauty—reexamining the essence of workwear through a modern lens. Iconic details like the “Mountain Pocket” and “Gacha Pocket” are faithfully carried forward, while updated materials and construction reflect contemporary lifestyles. Guided by the philosophy of creating “a garment you’d want to wear for 100 years,” BIG YANK is moving steadily into the next century—offering honest, durable clothing made to stand the test of time.