What's the first thing that comes to mind when the mailman pulls up to your mailbox? It probably isn't "wow, what a great outfit. I wish I could get my hands on one of those," as mailmen aren't particularly known for their style. So it's rather surprising that on Tuesday, USPS announced plans to launch a new line of all-weather apparel and accessories, 'all-weather' most likely pertaining to its timeless slogan, "neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail shall keep the postmen from their appointed rounds."
The clothing line, expected to hit stores in 2014, will include jackets, headgear, footwear and clothing that will accommodate devices such as phones and iPods, keeping them protected in inclement weather, according to ABC News.
The Postal Service corporate licensing manager, Steven Mills, said that the new line is intended to put the Post Service on the "cutting edge of functional fashion." The licensing agreement has been made with the design and marketing firm Wahconah Group, Inc. in Cleveland. "The goal is to sell this product in premier department and specialty stores," Mills added.
The line will target men, but eventually will cater to women as well. Once released, it will be showcased in the Garment District in New York City, the perfect place to dip its toes into the fashion industry.
USPS suffered a $15.9 billion loss in 2012 and its new "Rain Heat & Snow" line is an attempt to keep the struggling agency afloat in such difficult times.
It's a risky move, as mailmen uniforms are on the complete opposite spectrum of what's trending in the fashion world, but it's certainly going to grab a lot of people's attention. The new line won't necessarily be an exact replica of mailmen outfits either; USPS could take a creative twist and attract a niche market in fashion.
It's hard to tell what will come of this curious new clothing line, but who knows, perhaps the mailman will become this generation's newest fashionista.
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