Belted back suits

[WolfeMan]

I was wondering about belted back suits. Would it be ok to have a belted back on a three piece wool suit in dark blue? Most of the people in my family are against it, but i personally like the look. I was just wondering if this is unusual for a belted back, and if so what more normal fabrics and suit styles you see them in. Or if they are generally used more in sport coats.
Thanks,
Wolfe

 

[Nick D]

I've seen blue 3-piece belt-backs, both single and double breasted, quite often in catalogues of the 1930s. I had never cared much for belt backs, but they're starting to grow on me.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

I suspect you're talking about a solid blue. But this one is dark blue pinstripe. This jacket is part of a 3 piece suit, made in Ohio in the late 1930s. It has the 1936 Union label.

I think i'm right in saying that pretty much any fabric would be useable for a belt back. I've seen them in the full range, from very business-y fabric to very sport. Go for it! (And make sure you've got a good tailor. It's not all that straightforward to get it right.)

bk

 

[Sanguis Mortuum]

I think a belted back can look a bit odd on anything other than a norfolk jacket, especially in business-like fabrics, it just seems a bit incongruous to me...

 

[Feraud]

I think i'm right in saying that pretty much any fabric would be useable for a belt back. I've seen them in the full range, from very business-y fabric to very sport. Go for it! (And make sure you've got a good tailor. It's not all that straightforward to get it right.)

Agree. Belt backs were used in sport to conservative styles and can be tricky but not impossible to reproduce.


Wolfeman if you are getting one made please keep us in the loop.

 

[WolfeMan]

Thanks, i'm planning on having a suit made by mycustomtailor.com. Ive seen a jacket of theirs somewhere on here (cant find it at the moment) that had a belted back, so it would seem they can do it. Now it all depends on how much extra it will be on top of the suit price, i asked them in an email and am eagerly awaiting a response. I will keep you posted via this thread.
Wolfe

 

[PADDY]

3 Piece 30's Navy Belt Back.

Just to give you an *idea* of how it can look. Regards, Paddy.

 

[scotrace]

Please be sure and show off the finished product here! We'd love to see it.

 

[Bugsy]

I have two belted back suits, one a Matt Decker, and both are three piece. Go for it.

 

[J.J. Gittes]

I have a belted back suit in a solid dark blue with a woven windowpane from around 1937. It has the belted back and bi-pleated arms. Its fantastic, go for it!

 

[Fletch]

bi-pleated arms

????? Tell us more please. Is it shoulder gussets? Or something in the sleeves?

 

[J.J. Gittes]

????? Tell us more please. Is it shoulder gussets? Or something in the sleeves?

Yea thats what I mean't, Shoulder gussets.. I always forget the correct terminology.

 

[WolfeMan]

Got an email from them the other day saying the belted back will add a charge of 15 dollars, so its a definite go. Don't expect anything too soon, but i'll be ordering it as soon as i can.
Wolfe

 

[HatRak]

Just to give you an *idea* of how it can look. Regards, Paddy.

Paddy, I have to say that I really like this suit! Especially the back details. Of course I like the belt, but what I find especially interesting are the other construction details. The darts at the small of the back and at the shoulder line go a long way toward sculpting the fabric to improve the fit -- something you'd never see on a modern jacket. Also the gusset running down the center to give some expansion room for the shoulders, nice touch. It isn't quite a bi-swing shoulder but should give a bit more comfort. Does it work? I'm not a big fan of the curved yoke, a little too "Nudie" for my taste, but I'll bet it's a good choice for following the curve of the shoulder. Could be one of those things where form should follow funciton. All in all, I'd love to have a copy. Congrats.