BRITISH Belt-Back Suits and Sports Jackets

[herringbonekid]

Robert Donat's '39 Steps' jacket in action:

(more shots of this jacket on page 5)

 

[Two Types]

These are from a 1943 British film 'The Silver Fleet' (or as I might refer to it 'The Belt-Back Boys vs the Nazis'):

First we have a short belt-back leisure jacket. I obviously can't be certain it's British but I thought it should be posted here:

The film also includes another belt-back:

(Caption: Nazi looks on in disgust at the decadent pleated pockets of democracy)

 

[herringbonekid]

that short wool one is interesting. i'd like to know where (and by who) it was made !

 

[Two Types]

Looking again at the photos, it appears to be unlined.

 

[simonc]

Going by what we see here its fair to say that most belt-back jackets have notched lapels and not peaked lapels? why do you think this maybe?

 

[Fastuni]

This is certainly a correct assertion... although numerous exceptions existed.
It's due to notch-lapels being the standard for a sport-jacket and being considered the "sporty" lapel, while peaks were "dressy".

That short sports jacket is lovely, by the way!

 

[Two Types]

That short sports jacket is lovely, by the way!

It appears to be unlined and unstructured, being constructed more like a shirt than a jacket. (As an aside - I'm told that, back in the day, tailoring firms used their shirtmakers rather than coatmakers to work on lightweight summer jackets due to the construction methods being similar)

 

[Two Types]

Here is Stanley Holloway in the 1955 film 'The Titfield Thunderbolt', wearing a tweed belt back jacket. It has a very broad skirt and deep vent (all the way up to the belt). Is that a 1920s style for belt-backs?:

 

[herringbonekid]

It has a very broad skirt and deep vent (all the way up to the belt). Is that a 1920s style for belt-backs?:

yes:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/show...orts-Jackets&p=1771049&viewfull=1#post1771049

... though the shoulders in the above suit are obviously late 40s-mid 50s.

 

[Two Types]

So it really is a curious hybrid. To be honest, looking at the front of the jacket I really didn't expect it to be a belt-back.

 

[Two Types]

Here's an unusual one. It looks like a half Norfolk. Worn by Garry Marsh in the 1947 film Freida:

It has bellows pockets, a loose belt, shoulder yoke, no pleats on the back but it appears to be gathered beneath the yoke.

 

[fedoralover]

I just picked up this made in England "Thornproof" Tweed with a half belt. I got it from an Etsy store that has a great selection and fantastic service. It shipped out really fast. I can't praise this Etsy store enough. I had great communication with the owner who said that if the jacket didn't fit I could send it back. Here's a link in case anyone would like to peruse his items.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/RockItAgainVintage?ref=l2-shopheader-name

Here's the jacket.





fedoralover

 

[fedoralover]

Bladen Tweed jacket from the United Kingdom. I love the pockets on this jacket.





fedoralover

 

[Two Types]

For me, the pocket flaps are a little too military looking (especially on a jacket in that colour).

 

[Metatron]

I like it, I think a sober colour like this benefits from detailing on the pockets. Additionally one can be adventurous with the rest of the outfit.

 

[fedoralover]

I saw some jackets with 2 top pockets with flaps and those do look a little too "uniform" like. But with just one it sets it off. I love scalloped pocket flaps and it took me a lot of looking to find one in my size in great shape. I looked through hundreds of Tweeds and only a few had scalloped pocket flaps, so I know they are relatively rare on ebay and etsy. When I did find one it would be the wrong size or have a few defects or cost over $700. I was glad to find this one.

fedoralover

 

[1940sFreddie]

Fingers crossed im picking up another 1930s British Back belted suit next weekend. Watch this space

 

[Two Types]

Great news! I must sort out getting all your belt-backs photographed.

 

[1940sFreddie]

Great news! I must sort out getting all your belt-backs photographed.

Sean yes we must organise something.

Very pleased with my latest purchase, although its one for the collection as its a bit on the small side. When the dealer sent me photos it looked dark brown. To my surprise when I got to see it in the flesh its a pale brown/fawn colour. This suit is really unusual I just love the style having patch pockets with pleated fronts and of course a rear belt. I am considering having it altered to fit, as I really want to wear it.

 

[herringbonekid]

another rare British belt back suit finds it's way into Freddie's collection !

very similar in style to the Burton's 1937 illustration on page 5 of this thread.