Reddy Kilowatt was a cartoon character designed in the 1920s to help demystify electrical power and promote its adoption among a public that was still becoming comfortable with the relatively new technology. Reddy’s debut came in a newspaper advertisement on March 14, 1926, and soon became a trademarked symbol of power utility marketing.
During the 1930s and 1940s, Reddy Kilowatt’s presence expanded widely across the utility industry. After trademark registration in 1933, Collins licensed the character to investor-owned electric companies seeking effective branding and promotional tools. At its peak, more than 300 utilities in the United States and abroad used Reddy in advertisements, bill inserts, company publications, signage, and promotional materials. The Reddy Kilowatt graphic on this shirt is directly from one of these promotional materials and nothing has been added or changed.
By the 1970s and 1980s, Reddy Kilowatt’s prominence began to decline. As the energy industry’s focus shifted (driven by environmental concerns, fuel shortages, conservation messaging, and the rise of individual corporate branding strategies) many utilities phased out the use of a shared mascot in favor of unique identities.
How it's made
Made with ethically grown and harvested ring-spun US cotton, this is a lightweight fabric (4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)) in a modern unisex cut. The classic fit with the crew neckline deliver a clean, versatile style that can match any occasion, whether formal or semi-formal.
Shoulders are reinforced with twill tape, there are no side seams for a smoother fit, and the ribbed-knit collar helps prevent curling. All shirts feature a pearlized, tear-away label for total wearing comfort.
Solid colors are 100% cotton, while heathers and sport grey use polyester blends for added durability. Note that due to the fabric properties, the White color variant may appear slightly off-white rather than bright white.
Size guide
| XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL | 4XL | 5XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Width, in | 16.00 | 18.00 | 20.00 | 22.00 | 24.00 | 26.00 | 28.00 | 30.00 | 32.00 |
| Length, in | 27.00 | 28.00 | 29.00 | 30.00 | 31.00 | 32.00 | 33.00 | 34.00 | 35.00 |
| Sleeve length, in | 7.99 | 8.23 | 8.50 | 8.74 | 9.02 | 9.25 | 9.49 | 9.72 | 9.96 |
| Size tolerance, in | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 |
EU representative: HONSON VENTURES LIMITED, gpsr@honsonventures.com, 3, Gnaftis House flat 102, Limassol, Mesa Geitonia, 4003, CY
Product information: Comfort Colors® 1717, 2 year warranty in EU and Northern Ireland as per Directive 1999/44/EC
Warnings, Hazard: For adults, Made in Honduras
Care instructions: Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F), Do not bleach, Tumble dry: low heat, Iron, steam or dry: low heat, Do not dryclean
| Weight | N/A |
|---|
