Back to the 'Jack Tar' bit

Aall of the above are somewhat correct! The old sailors DID 'tar' or 'pitch' their trousers and jackets for use in the wet AND they DID use pitch on their pigtails - The sailor's collar came into being to keep the pitch off of their clothing.

Sailors also have a 'silk' (a sort of scarf) which goes around the back of the neck, down the front of the suit and is held in place by the tapes at the front of the suit - This 'silk' was originally a rag to wipe faces, hands etc whilst working.

Although since aboot 1980 when they changed the uniform the 'silk' became part of the jacket - Not unattached -

A canny book te take yez through some of these traditions is "Just An Old Navy Custom" by A Cecil Hampshire