Set Includes

• 1990s COSCO Guangyuan seafarer summer short-sleeve white tunic
• Matching white uniform trousers

Note: Mannequin and display props shown in photos are for display purposes only and are not included.

Product Overview

This is an authentic vintage original 1990s COSCO Guangzhou Ocean Shipping Company (Guangyuan) seafarer summer white uniform set, not a reproduction piece. Issued to Chinese ocean-going seafarers during the golden age of China's shipping industry, this uniform represents a complete summer work uniform set produced by the official Guangyuan Garment Factory. Featuring the iconic all-white summer specification, original gold nautical buttons, shoulder epaulet bases, and intact factory labels, this is a rare surviving example of 1990s Chinese seafarer attire. Perfect for maritime history collections, museum displays, period film and theater costume departments, vintage nautical styling, historical reenactment, and COSCO memorabilia enthusiasts.

This uniform dates from the late 1980s to mid-1990s — widely recognized as the golden age of the Chinese seafaring profession, when working as an ocean-going seafarer was considered one of the most prestigious "iron rice bowl" careers in state-owned enterprises. Seafarers of that era held official positions at national shipping companies such as COSCO (China Ocean Shipping Company), with full state benefits, public overseas assignments, and high social status. Guangzhou Ocean Shipping Company (Guangyuan), founded in 1961, was New China's first state-owned ocean shipping enterprise, known as the "cradle of China's ocean shipping industry" and the birthplace of the COSCO group.

Under the national unified seafarer uniform system introduced in the early 1980s, Chinese ocean-going seafarers were issued standardized uniforms across all major shipping companies. The summer uniform was specified as all-white short-sleeve attire with shoulder epaulets, designed for tropical and warm-weather voyages. According to historical records from Guangyuan, seafarers received new summer uniforms every two years, autumn uniforms every four years, winter uniforms every five years, and overcoats only once every ten years — making well-preserved original sets increasingly rare as decades pass.

This original uniform faithfully represents the 1990s COSCO summer seafarer uniform specification. The tunic features an open notched collar design — a practical choice for tropical voyages allowing ventilation while maintaining a professional appearance. The single-breasted four-button front placket uses original gold-tone metal buttons embossed with nautical insignia, the standard fastener for Chinese seafarer uniforms of the period. Both shoulders are fitted with epaulet bases secured by buttons, designed to accommodate detachable rank and department shoulder boards — a key feature distinguishing officer and crew uniforms.

The chest features two symmetric patch pockets with U-shaped bottom curves and flap closures — a distinctive design element of 1990s Chinese seafarer summer uniforms, providing convenient storage for work documents, pens, and small tools while maintaining a clean, uniform appearance. The short sleeves are finished with clean hemmed edges, suitable for extended wear in hot and humid maritime environments. The matching white trousers complete the full summer uniform ensemble, following the same fabric and color specification for a coordinated professional look.

The uniform is constructed from white polyester-cotton blend fabric — the standard material specified for 1990s Chinese seafarer summer uniforms. This fabric combination was specifically chosen for maritime work due to its breathability, quick-drying properties, wrinkle resistance, and ease of laundering — all essential qualities for seafarers spending months at sea in tropical and subtropical climates. The bright white color is the official summer uniform specification for Chinese seafarers, designed to reflect sunlight and maintain cooler body temperatures in hot weather conditions.

The original gold-tone metal buttons are embossed with nautical emblems featuring anchor and wheel motifs, the standard insignia for Chinese seafarer uniforms of the era. All buttons are present and intact, retaining their original plating and luster. The inner collar label is fully preserved, printed with "Guangyuan COSCO Garment Factory" and size specifications — an important authentication marker confirming this uniform was produced by the official Guangzhou Ocean Shipping Company uniform factory.

Vintage Original Item Notice

This is a vintage original period uniform, not a reproduction item and not a made-to-order item. It is a single in-stock vintage piece with fixed original sizing. Custom sizing or custom modification is not available.

This item includes only the items listed in the Set Includes section above. Other items shown in photos are for display only unless specifically stated.

This item is sold in its current vintage condition. Age-related wear, storage marks, minor fading, small stains, loose threads, or other signs of previous use may be present. Please review the photos carefully and contact us before ordering if you need more detail photos or condition confirmation.

Because this is a vintage original item, returns or exchanges are not accepted unless the item materially differs from the listing description or confirmed order details.

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