Life, 1919-10-09 · page 5 of 48
Life — October 9, 1919 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is **primarily an advertisement**, not political satire. The heading "True Companionship" promotes Superspun silk shirts and Empire Loomcraft brand fabrics. The text argues that quality shirting reflects shared taste and masculine companionship—positioning these products as markers of refined taste suitable for office wear, sports, and social occasions. Empire Loomcraft silks are praised for "quality and beauty of design." The photograph below shows three men in casual discussion, likely modeling or demonstrating the advertised shirtwear in a social context. This visual is meant to reinforce the advertisement's message: that wearing these branded silks signifies belonging to a community of discerning men. The page represents early 20th-century advertising strategy linking consumer products to social identity and masculine belonging.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
True Companionship is founded on a community of tastes. Superspun, the supreme silk shirting, typifies the companionship of + taste and discrimination — those who appreciate the distinctive designs and lasting qualities of Empire Loomcraft Silks. Not only for general wear at the office or club, but for sports, this silk gives greater freedom and comfort than any other material, and its durability is an economy in the long run. In having your shirts made to order look tor the Gmpiew eae iipersput Empire Loomeraft name woven in the selvage. For I RYitii ta ft oa aa women those who prefer ready-to-wear shirts, a full sel nm Ta Formerly called may be found at the better shops. The Empire SILKS Empire Wash Crepe Loomcraft label is sewed in the shirt. REG. U.S. PAY. OFF. Other distinctive Empire Loomcraft silks, remarkable for quality and beauty of design, are Mellowspun*, Shapspun*, Guildcrepe*, Chateau*, Commodore Crepe’, and Kingcloth*. (+Rre. U.S. Por. OF) OLLI LIILOO IT 8 8 NPT fe | xus | comicbooks.com