Help With Getting Suit Together

[FinalVestige79]

Hi everyone,

Being rather new here I was hoping to get some suggestions on the basics of what is needed for a 1930s - 1940s era suit. To start, I have a zoot suit I bought from Siegel's up in San Fran through ZootStore.com I am new to this, having worn wool WWII uniforms for awhile. The suit isn't made out of the right material (non wool) . It looks the part and for the time being its what Ill be dressed in. Its a 3 piece tho, that's what I like. Could I have taken another route? I have horrible luck on eBay lol.

I am in the process of making a suit, so I can at least not get chided by Kurt for not being period correct Teabags a stitch nazi. So far I have a Navy wool gab. DB Jacket. and an original tie. I am going to try to get the entire suit to match somehow.

Are there any good reference books? Sites maybe? I am saving up to get a suit from Magnoli's I know that for sure. My goal is to maintain the style, as a life style. If that makes sense. You can fake fashion, but true style you cannot. There's something about suits of the time that screams masculinity, maybe its the fact men wore hats and actually dressed respectably. Its also very respectable looking, almost regal. Sorry for my ramblings. Any suggestions, comments, critiques are welcome. And I'll be posting some pictures of my suit shortly for Mr. Chevalier to scrutinize.

Best regards,
Dylan

 

[reetpleat]

Hi everyone,

Being rather new here I was hoping to get some suggestions on the basics of what is needed for a 1930s - 1940s era suit. To start, I have a zoot suit I bought from Siegel's up in San Fran through ZootStore.com I am new to this, having worn wool WWII uniforms for awhile. The suit isn't made out of the right material (non wool) . It looks the part and for the time being its what Ill be dressed in. Its a 3 piece tho, that's what I like. Could I have taken another route? I have horrible luck on eBay lol.

I am in the process of making a suit, so I can at least not get chided by Kurt for not being period correct Teabags a stitch nazi. So far I have a Navy wool gab. DB Jacket. and an original tie. I am going to try to get the entire suit to match somehow.

Are there any good reference books? Sites maybe? I am saving up to get a suit from Magnoli's I know that for sure. My goal is to maintain the style, as a life style. If that makes sense. You can fake fashion, but true style you cannot. There's something about suits of the time that screams masculinity, maybe its the fact men wore hats and actually dressed respectably. Its also very respectable looking, almost regal. Sorry for my ramblings. Any suggestions, comments, critiques are welcome. And I'll be posting some pictures of my suit shortly for Mr. Chevalier to scrutinize.

Best regards,
Dylan

good on you for making the effort. You look like you are a bigger guy, so it might be a little harder for you. What are your measurements?

Is the blue gab jacket vintage. If so, I have a pile of gab pants. I try to hold onto them and match them up. Perhaps if I had a small sample, I could find az pair that would complete the suit.

 

[FinalVestige79]

Im about 6 foot, 200 lbs.

42-44 Chest, either one fits me fine actually. Jacket size is a 44, but I can fit in a 42 just fine.

Waist is a 38 - 41

Outseam of trousers is a 41

Yeah I know, I found some stuff that would fit me for a good price, I kept getting out bid tho. I used to be the king of ebay...I've lost my mojo!!!

And yes the jacket is vintage.

 

[tonyb]

Quite generous of you to offer your assistance, reetpleat. But I'm kinda scratching my head as to just what our friend GranadaGuy is asking for here. Is this navy gab db an orphan jacket for which he's trying to find the matching trousers? In a size that can be made to fit? That's not an outright impossibility, but we're looking at something close to PowerBall odds, I'd think. Yet your answer kinda suggests that you've had luck in matching up old suit pieces. Is that right? Or am I reading this wrong?

 

[reetpleat]

Quite generous of you to offer your assistance, reetpleat. But I'm kinda scratching my head as to just what our friend GranadaGuy is asking for here. Is this navy gab db an orphan jacket for which he's trying to find the matching trousers? In a size that can be made to fit? That's not an outright impossibility, but we're looking at something close to PowerBall odds, I'd think. Yet your answer kinda suggests that you've had luck in matching up old suit pieces. Is that right? Or am I reading this wrong?

Well, he wasn't really looking for it, but I do match up blue gab. They can vary a lot, but you can often get close enough that it looks okay, or at least all but bright sunlight.

I would say the odds are one in fifty or so, and since I have ten pairs of pants or so, the odds might be one in five.

I have a tan gab suit that is not perfect, but very very close. Close enough for me, and my standards would be high. Interestingly, I saw it in a thrift store and just had a real feeling it would match the slacks, and sure enough, it did.

 

[tonyb]

Okay, I get it. Although I'm thinking that a solid (I assume it's a solid) navy jacket would work just fine with decidedly contrasting pants.

 

[FinalVestige79]

Yeah, its an orphan jacket I bought it from Kurt (Teabag1927). It was made by, Kenbrook Clothes
Goller - Stein Co.
"Uptown's Popular Style Store For Men"
Milwaukee, Wis.

And yes, I never thought that I could be as lucky to even have the possibility to match the suit up! I know the odds are against me. I was just looking for advice. I'm glad I got on this forum!

Its a navy blue with a lighter blue pinstripe.

Thanks and best regards,
Dylan