Subtly Vintage Engineer

[beezaur]

How would you advise a civil engineer to dress and accessorize, so that his appearance conveys "vintage" without it overtly rejecting "modernisms?"

I have always admired the scientists and engineers in old photos (1940s, etc.), but don't have a well defined image of it. I was hoping you all could fill that in some.

Scott

 

[staggerwing]

Well, first thing you'll need is a slide rule.

 

[scotrace]

L L Bean was not just an outfitter for hunters - they also provided just the sort of clothing and gear you're looking for. Some of their products even carried the designation "for engineers."

You migt try finding a Bean catalog from the 1930's and then go about looking for similar stuff. The leather cases, portfolios and bags will make great "carrying stuff."

Here's one of the Bean catalogs I have from that time.

.

 

[Hemingway Jones]

I would go for the "Nasa Look:" short sleeve dress shirts with repp ties, high waisted pants or khakis, and those generic dark framed glasses similar to Ray Ban sunglass frames. Also, a very conservative hair cut. I'm not sure what sort of shoes they wore.

I like this look. Have fun with it.

 

[WH1]

I would go for the "Nasa Look:" short sleeve dress shirts with repp ties, high waisted pants or khakis, and those generic dark framed glasses similar to Ray Ban sunglass frames. Also, a very conservative hair cut. I'm not sure what sort of shoes they wore.

I like this look. Have fun with it.

You forgot the pocket protector and 5 mechanical pencils in the breast pocket of the shirt.lol

 

[Martinis at 8]

As a fellow engineer (BS mechancial & MS petroleum), my first question to you would be what is your work environment? Field location work, remote location work, office building, or a mixture of all?

M8

 

[Paisley]

I would go for the "Nasa Look:" short sleeve dress shirts with repp ties, high waisted pants or khakis, and those generic dark framed glasses similar to Ray Ban sunglass frames. Also, a very conservative hair cut. I'm not sure what sort of shoes they wore.

I like this look. Have fun with it.

With this look, you won't run much risk of making your boss look bad.

I remember the CEs at school tended to wear plaid shirts and jeans. Plaid is good because it can go with a variety of pants and jackets and doesn't show dirt easily.

 

[Fletch]

Cape Leather Blouse

That is a handsome garment. If you wanted something similar today there's the A-1 repro of the original Army flight jacket. Bean clearly copied the design, including the cape leather spec. (The new ones are horsehide.)

IANA engineer, but this seems a natural for wearing to and from the office and on work sites. Rugged and informal enough to remind people of a baseball jacket, yet it looks serious and professional.

Then of course there's always the A-2, G-1 and other such aviation icons.

 

[Fletch]

I would go for the "Nasa Look:" short sleeve dress shirts with repp ties, high waisted pants or khakis, and those generic dark framed glasses similar to Ray Ban sunglass frames. Also, a very conservative hair cut.

Be careful. Be VERY careful. One false move and you're this guy.

 

[Haversack]

My dad was a civil engineer who worked on designing California's first generation of freeways, (i.e. 1950s-1960s). He generaly wore a Harris tweed coat and cavalry twill slacks, and carried several mechanical pencils. Shoes were usually brogues. This worked for the office and was rugged enough when he had to go to a test or job site. One thing to keep in mind is you also have to work at a drafting table from time to time. You will need to have a way to keep your tie from becoming acquainted with the sheet. My father's choice was to use a tie bar or tie tack. Another option would be to tuck into your shirt ala the brown shoe army. According to my father, "Bow ties are for architects" (Meant derisively).

Hope this helps,

Haversack.

 

[Fletch]

One thing to keep in mind is you also have to work at a drafting table from time to time. You will need to have a way to keep your tie from becoming acquainted with the sheet. My father's choice was to use a tie bar or tie tack. Another option would be to tuck into your shirt ala the brown shoe army. According to my father, "Bow ties are for architects" (Meant derisively).

But there's a good reason. Stories exist of long tie wearers facing imminent strangulation after leaning over a blueprinting machine.

 

[Haversack]

Fletch wrote: "But there's a good reason. Stories exist of long tie wearers facing imminent strangulation after leaning over a blueprinting machine."

I can well believe it. Both engineers and architects have the same need to not have their tie dangle.

Haversack (w/the degree in architecture)

 

[beezaur]

Well, first thing you'll need is a slide rule.

Check.

My environment is quite rural. If most of my clients had their way, time would be turned back to the early 20th century by declaration. There are meetings with clients (at their offices or job sites), government officials (in their offices), and the public (grange halls, back rooms at local restaurants, etc.). I do field work as well, like minor surveying and soil exploration. I am about to open my own office, a small one-engineer shop.

I have a thing for long-sleeved shirts and hats. (Not sure if I can always get away with a hat though.) I like cotton and leather, but my winter coat is a wool Filson Double Mackinaw in dark green. I am 35, 6'-1", 230#, black hair with a few sprinkles of gray, to give you a rough mental image.

Scott

 

[warbird]

Check.

My environment is quite rural. If most of my clients had their way, time would be turned back to the early 20th century by declaration. There are meetings with clients (at their offices or job sites), government officials (in their offices), and the public (grange halls, back rooms at local restaurants, etc.). I do field work as well, like minor surveying and soil exploration. I am about to open my own office, a small one-engineer shop.

I have a thing for long-sleeved shirts and hats. (Not sure if I can always get away with a hat though.) I like cotton and leather, but my winter coat is a wool Filson Double Mackinaw in dark green. I am 35, 6'-1", 230#, black hair with a few sprinkles of gray, to give you a rough mental image.

Scott

Don't know why you can't get away with a hat. [huh]

 

[dhermann1]

Whenever I hear the term "civil engineer" I think of the Nynex Yellow Pages (I think) ad a few years back, with the "civil" engineers sitting around having a tea party. "Finger sandwiches, gentlemen?"
I think the old plaid shirt with wool tie look is great. Plus a pipe, of course. Makes it look like you've been traipsing around in the mud at the job site. Then any jacket and trousers. And a nice wide brimmed fedora.
I'm also reminded of a High School classmates experience in the 1970's. She went back to school to finish her degree. The teacher was telling them what to expect on the midterm. She asked "Can we use a sliderule?" The other members of the class (little whippersnappers!) all turned to her and asked "What's a slide rule?"

 

[Martinis at 8]

Check.

My environment is quite rural. If most of my clients had their way, time would be turned back to the early 20th century by declaration. There are meetings with clients (at their offices or job sites), government officials (in their offices), and the public (grange halls, back rooms at local restaurants, etc.). I do field work as well, like minor surveying and soil exploration. I am about to open my own office, a small one-engineer shop.

I have a thing for long-sleeved shirts and hats. (Not sure if I can always get away with a hat though.) I like cotton and leather, but my winter coat is a wool Filson Double Mackinaw in dark green. I am 35, 6'-1", 230#, black hair with a few sprinkles of gray, to give you a rough mental image.

Scott

Scott,

First congrats on the decision to go out on your own. I started my 1-man business in '94. It's been great! I'm a licensed P.E. in several States and also in Alberta. Most of my work these days, however, is in West Africa. I market myself out of Houston. I have my dream job, and just love it!

Here's my attire routine:

1. For sales and marketing visits, client presentations, etc., generally here in Houston, I always wear a suit. These are either Canali or MTM Mabro. French cuff shirts, non-flashy ties. Think conservative businessman here.

2. At client office locations, when working there, it's generally casual. Think preppy, yuppie attire like Dockers, polo shirts, etc.

3. For work sites, work camps, in West Africa and other 3rd World, it is usually khaki pants, long sleeved work shirts that are very thin and allow for air circulation. Try the line of shirts from Columbia at your local sporting goods store. They look like button-down Pendletons, but are very thin for tropical weather. Very retro IMO and no need for ironing. Magellan also makes a good line for hot climates, but these are not retro looking. I also have a canvas/cotton fedora-type hat from Stetson. It's kinda Indiana Jones looking but not exactly. The hat is olive green. I also wear two types of fishing hats with neck drapes for outdoor work. One is a broad-brimmed hat, the other is a bill. The neck drapes are a must for being outside in strong sunlight. For shoes at these locations I wear the Pro-Walker suede shoe by Rockport (unless Red Wings are required). A very rugged shoe. Leather belt. Sunglasses are teardrop pilot style. This looks retro enough, I think. My wife calls these ensembles my "Real-Man" clothes

Cheers,

Mike

P.S. Your hair will get grayer, part of the fun in being a business owner lol

 

[tealseal]

According to my father, "Bow ties are for architects"

I was just perusing the forum when I came across this thread. I read it since I'm an engineer as well. Haversack, this quote killed me -- I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.

 

[1961MJS]

Hi Nowdays, engineers need paisley ties to better blend in with the parts of lunch spilled on our ample guts.

Later

 

[John in Covina]

What was the occupation that traditionally wore the Stetson open Road? there was an article posted ages ago.

 

[tealseal]

What was the occupation that traditionally wore the Stetson open Road? there was an article posted ages ago.

As for an actual answer, I'm afraid I cannot help much. However, the occupation that comes immediately to mind is President of the United States [huh]