The OshKosh B'gosh Timeline, 1895–Now
Original by design. Iconic by reputation.
Read the Oshkosh B'gosh story.
Hickory stripes become America's work uniform
Long before playgrounds and bandana print denim, OshKosh B'gosh began as Grove Manufacturing Company in 1895, built on a single promise: clothing tough enough for the hardest work. Crafting durable workwear with the iconic hickory stripes for railroad workers and farmers, the brand was forged in function from day one.
Setting down roots in OshKosh...
Changing its name to OshKosh Clothing Manufacturing Company, the operation moved to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It was there that durability became the company's hallmark.
As lore has it...
William Pollock, the company's president at the time, heard the phrase "OshKosh B'gosh" during a vaudeville show — and knew it was unforgettable. Before long, "OshKosh B'gosh" was traveling by rail, wagon, automobile, and mule, stitched into the fabric of working America, a name synonymous with gear you could count on.
Leading the industry with 8 oz. denim
By 1911, OshKosh B'gosh was leading with innovation — introducing 8 oz. denim and redefining what durability meant with a 4-way guarantee that promised a longer and stronger wear compared to other workwear brands. With just 24 employees, the company stood firmly by its craft promoting the brand's innovation across every ad as "Sta-Blu Tuffest" denim.
The first Vestbak™
In 1924, the first Vestbak™ overall debuted, swapping the standard H-back for a vest-like design with adjustable straps — engineered for a superior fit and built to outlast the workday.
The ultimate test: when overalls save a man's life
In 1929, the OshKosh strength claim was put to the ultimate test when the overalls were credited with saving a man's life! "If my OshKosh B'gosh overalls had not held me, I would have met sudden death."
OshKosh joins the war effort in the U.S.
In 1942, wartime demands created fabric shortages as OshKosh shifted production to help clothe soldiers overseas, a testament to the brand's ability to deliver reliable, purpose-built clothing even under the most demanding conditions.
OshKosh goes Western
In 1949, OshKosh introduced Bronx Western for men and Bronketts for women, bringing frontier style to the brand's legendary durability with Western wear built for work and play.
Post-war icons
Despite the fabric shortages due to wartime, OshKosh B'gosh didn't falter and held true to it's denim heritage and reliability by introducing versatile workwear that could be worn for both work and leisure.
Denim takes center stage in American style
After WWII, denim becomes a closet staple for the first time. OshKosh continues to be a leader in denim production and expands into men's sportswear. Americans begin weaving denim into their every day wardrobe. Check out the video below to see how OshKosh B'gosh continued to remain steeped in its commitment to durability and how it remains iconic still today.
For the changing era
In the 1950s, the brand continued to push beyond traditional workwear while remaining true to its famous quality. With the introduction of slim-fit slacks and the chore coat, the same trusted utility wear was now available for a new kind of workforce.
"Big colorful bandana free! Yours for just looking!"
OshKosh B'gosh launches bandana promotion. The bandana is an iconic piece of the brand and continues to inspire our clothes today.
Iconic overalls, now for kids
In 1962, OshKosh Play-O-alls debuted for kids bringing the same durable construction parents trusted for themselves to the next generation. They quickly became a must-have after appearing in the Miles Kimball Co. mail-order catalog.
Bellbottoms and bold prints
The launch of "The Guys" gave men (and women!) a fresh, bold take: bellbottoms, bright colors, and prints that set a new standard for OshKosh fashion without sacrificing the quality the brand was built on.
Built for recess & beyond
In 1973, OshKosh B'gosh expanded its children's wear catalog to feature not only overalls but also coveralls, painter's pants, and caps. The same rugged construction tested over generations, now built for the playground.
By 1979, children's apparel made up 15% of annual sales.
The B’gosh baby boom
With its entrance into baby apparel, OshKosh B’gosh reshaped its future. Children's and baby wear climbed from under 50% of sales in 1980 to 80% by 1984. Today, the brand is driven by fashion and play, combining vibrant colors and prints, while delivering the same durability families have trusted for decades.
The picture perfect photo contest
In 1986, Oshkosh B'gosh launches the first Picture Perfect Photo Contest, asking parents to send photos of their kids outfitted in OshKosh B'gosh. With 50,000 entries anticipated, more than 130,000 families answered the call! Now that's iconic.
Buzz-worthy TV moments
As television commercials gained popularity for iconic cultural moments, OshKosh B'gosh seized the opportunity with dozens of unforgettable TV spots during the 80s and early 90s.
The Baby B'Gosh era begins
With children's apparel soaring to 95% of annual sales by 1993, OshKosh B'gosh builds on its reach with the launch of Baby B'gosh: giving the signature mini overalls that swept the nation their very own line. The launch began a whole new era of heritage and nostalgia for a new generation.
"B'Gosh you don't look a day over 100"
1995, a monumental year as OshKosh B'gosh turns 100, celebrating a century of clothing that holds up, and a brand that has too.
Meet Josh B'gosh
In 1998, OshKosh B'gosh launched a children's book series starring Josh B'gosh the bear, a playful new face for a generation growing up with the brand. A few years later, Tosh B'gosh, Josh's companion joins the family sporting the iconic hickory stripe skirtall.
Momentum within the new millennia
By the new millennium, OshKosh B'gosh spanned 137 retail stores across 39 states and was sold in over 70 countries worldwide. With the launch of its first website, OshKosh B'gosh begins its digital era making the brand accessible with just one click.
The Genuine Article in the Big Apple
With a new design office in New York City, OshKosh B'gosh entered a fresh era in 2003. That same year, Genuine Kids from OshKosh launched exclusively at Target, making the trusted brand available to even more families.
Carter's & OshKosh B'gosh start a family (of brands)
OshKosh B'gosh joined the Carter's family in 2005. Two brands parents rely on, now under one roof.
Turning compassion into action
In 2011, OshKosh B'gosh launched the Cranes for Kids initiative, inviting children to fold origami cranes for peers in Japan after the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami. What began as a goal of 50,000 grew to nearly 2 million donations of warm clothes to kids who were impacted by the natural disaster.
Denim that does more
B'gosh Jeanius, introduced in 2014 and still running today, invites families to donate new jeans in-store or contribute funds while shopping for back-to-school. Denim donations go directly to local children, while 100% of cash contributions support classroom projects through DonorsChoose.
125 years in the making
In 2020, OshKosh B'gosh celebrated its 125th anniversary with a limited-edition collection featuring time-honored heritage favorites: overalls, chore coat, and tees.
OshKosh turns someday into today
The "Today Is Someday" campaign celebrated childhood potential, depicting legendary figures like Muhammad Ali, Outkast, and Mariah Carey (played by her daughter Monroe) as children dressed in OshKosh B'gosh. The message: every icon starts somewhere. Watch here.
Icon meets Icon
In 2021, OshKosh B'gosh partnered with Kith to launch Kith Kids for OshKosh B'gosh, a 28-piece capsule celebrating the brand's timeless childrenswear heritage.
Two years later, a collaboration with Gucci brought OshKosh heritage to the luxury fashion stage.
Now, in 2026, we're teaming up with pro-basketball player and Oshkosh's hometown hero, Tyrese Haliburton, "The Oshkosh Kid", to help kids build their confidence to dream big.