This Week's Belted Back Suit Jacket

[Matt Deckard]

That cynch back jacket!!! That's a lazy tailor right there.

You gain weight, you lose weight, it's terrible!

 

[Brian Sheridan]

Sorry if this question has been answered in another thread...but...where is it proper to wear a belted back jacket? Is it more casual and not meant for the office? The design almost suggests a wearing on a visit "to the country."

Thanks for expanding my knowledge.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Sorry if this question has been answered in another thread...but...where is it proper to wear a belted back jacket? Is it more casual and not meant for the office?

Funny you should ask this ... I recently found the answer in a Los Angeles Times "fashion" article from 1936. It says that belted-back suits were appropriate as businesswear for men who tended to conduct their business on foot and outdoors. In other words, Fuller Brush men, door-to-door insurance agents, etc.


Interesting, huh?

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[Brian Sheridan]

Interesting, huh?

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Interesting indeed. Maybe it is because the action back allowed for more movement if you had to wrestle a dog or a disgruntled person who doesn't like salespeople.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

The article explained that belted back/action back suits were meant for physical activity. Sitting at a desk -- no. Walking around outdoors, carrying samples, etc. -- yes.



.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

To wit, from 1935:

 

[reetpleat]

Funny you should ask this ... I recently found the answer in a Los Angeles Times "fashion" article from 1936. It says that belted-back suits were appropriate as businesswear for men who tended to conduct their business on foot and outdoors. In other words, Fuller Brush men, door-to-door insurance agents, etc.


Interesting, huh?

.

Head of the local savings and loan who might have to work in the field too. Think George bailey.

 

[Fletch]

Why the distinction between indoor and outdoor instead of sedentary and mobile?

I have no pix to show you, but over at NBC in the late 30s, one of their first TV cameramen (a pretty active job) was always seen in a beltback in photos. He was a former Hollywood soundman, which may have given him some freedom in dress.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

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A 1930s belted-back suit worth every penny:

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[Sefton]

Very nice and would have fit me too. Alas...house,spouse and baby girl say save your dough pops!

 

[cookie]

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A 1930s belted-back suit worth every penny:

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That suit has got it all. How do such marvels survive? No moths or did naptha work after all?

Interesting how prominent eBay vintage sellers have no real idea about the era etc of the suit but know a lot of superflous detail of no real importance about zippers.

 

[Fletch]

Easy answer: if you knew your suits, you would likely not sell it.

 

[Benny Holiday]

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A 1930s belted-back suit worth every penny:

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And now mine! Or that is to say, will be when it arrives.
To say I'm extremely pleased with the purchase is an understatement.