Saturday, January 29, 2011

Yay or nay? The vintage velveteen jacket

If you've been reading this blog for any amount of time at all, you probably know that while I enjoy finding quality traditional clothing items, I also have a bit of a weakness for rather unique pieces as well. This is especially true when they're vintage, as a good portion of the time you simply don't see anything like them being created still today (and if they are, they're by a new designer and priced out of the range of anyone with modest means).

I had just such a find about a week ago. Gliding through the rack at a particularly poorly-lit thrift store, my fingers glanced across some fabric that stood out during the split-second touch. Based on the price ($4) and the tags inside, I knew that it was coming home with my regardless of whether it fit or not, so I paid and left for home without even trying it on.

Black velveteen jacket
It may be hard to tell from the picture, but it's a black cotton velveteen jacket. Based on the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America tag inside the pocket, it's from the mid-60s or so, and it's in absolutely mint condition. The best part is that when I tried it on upon arriving home, it fit me nearly perfectly.

So, I have no idea when the occasion will arise to wear such a jacket, but I was incredibly excited to find it. It's one of those pieces that simply doesn't come around that often, and the fact that it fit me made my day.

4 comments:

  1. Sir, This doesn't belong under the "Yay or Nay" heading... it should be posted under "Hell Yes".

    Every gent should have one of these. While it is a three-season jacket (early spring to early fall is not velvet season), and generally an evening piece, it works with nearly anything... especially in the depths of winter. Bow-tie, ascot, or tie, it will work with any of them. My suggestion is to never treat is as a casual jacket. Wear it with handsome wool pants and shined shoes or velvet slippers, and a tie. Finally, never forget a silk pocket-square.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'd change the buttons and put a button hole in the lapel. The buttons would look nicer if a dark shiny onyx colour.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I must agree with YWP and EOG. I wouldn't go too casual in pairing it with jeans, as has become popular to pair velvet tuxes and such with jeans. The sheen of the jacket should be matched in a thick satiny silk tie that goes with the wide lapels. A loosely tucked silk pocket square is a must. And of course, bold socks to bring it all together.

    PS: I put some ties in the mail for you yesterday.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Second on YWP, velvet with slant pockets and made in the USA?! Without a doubt that is an excellent score. I have velvet jackets in black, red, purple and navy and I wear them all regularly in the older months.

    ReplyDelete