Want to buy or sell something? Check the classifieds
  • The Fedora Lounge is supported in part by commission earning affiliate links sitewide. Please support us by using them. You may learn more here.

Vintage Workwear

Dinerman

Super Moderator
Bartender
Messages
10,562
Location
Bozeman, MT
Woolrich still makes a version of this, though with a zipper, different fabric, a different cut, different construction and different detailing.

Here is an original, from the early 1940s
 
Ran across this pic of my wife's Great-Grandad taken in 1955. He was a commercial contractor in Springfield, MO. Any info on the jacket would be most appreciated. :)
Great_Grandpa.jpg
 
Last edited:

Dinerman

Super Moderator
Bartender
Messages
10,562
Location
Bozeman, MT
Ran across this pic of my wife's Great-Grandad taken in 1955. He was a commercial contractor in Springfield, MO. Any info on the jacket would be most appreciated. :)
View attachment 14302
Looks like a heavy canvas, probably made late '40s into the early '50s. The detailing running from the pockets to the shoulders is unusual. I would think it was either quilted nylon or sheepskin lined by its apparent bulkiness.

Although the detailing and materials are different, the overall cut is similar to this early '50s Montgomery Ward work coat http://www.ebay.com/itm/121350937726
 

Luxire

Vendor
Messages
98
Location
Edison, NJ
Woolrich still makes a version of this, though with a zipper, different fabric, a different cut, different construction and different detailing.

Here is an original, from the early 1940s

We have a very similar fabric here, 100% wool, and can recreate the above closely, if someone would be interested.
 

frussell

One Too Many
Messages
1,409
Location
California Desert
Dinerman - I've got a modern repro of that vest, made by Woolrich, sold years ago through L.L. Bean. It has the zipper, but most of the details are the same. I've put hard wear on in for nearly 20 years, and the wool is nearly new looking. The zipper is fine, and other than some slight fraying of the edge material, and a pocket re-sew here and there, it's been one of my alltime favorite and hard-wearing garments. The modern Woolrich version is not cut the same, and sits way too short on me in the same chest size. They called it a "Railroad Vest" back then, but I've used mine mostly for horseback work. Wish I had bought three more back then. Frank.
 

sola fide

One of the Regulars
Messages
153
Location
San Fran Bay Area

You've really got the vintage look down, I like it. I have modeled my style after the 30s, 40s, & 50's since i was around 15 year old. The style and quality of the early to mid 20th century cant be beat which is why I bought my 38 Chevrolet and want to live in and own a California Bungalow. Keep it up and I am a bit envious of what I have seen of your collection.
Mike A
 

EmergencyIan

Practically Family
Messages
918
Location
New York, NY
Thanks!

I love that style of coat. Does this style have a name? I've searched them before, but couldn't find them under a specific name.

Anyhow, it's a great coat. Maybe one day I'll find one in my size that's in great condition or a good repro. I think that I wear a size 38 like you do.

- Ian
 

Fastuni

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,277
Location
Germany
They are called ¨Canadienne¨ (in Europe at least).
In France they were big until the 1980s and many good specimen can be found.

In N-America you will probably have best luck with looking for "Mackinaw" (a term used for many quite different types of coat).
 
Last edited:

EmergencyIan

Practically Family
Messages
918
Location
New York, NY
They are called ¨Canadienne¨ (in Europe at least).
In France they were big until the 1980s and many good specimen can be found.

In N-America you will probably have best luck with looking for "Mackinaw" (a term used for many quite different types of coat).

Thank you. I'll try the "Canadienne" search.

- Ian
 

Dinerman

Super Moderator
Bartender
Messages
10,562
Location
Bozeman, MT
Sheeplined coat was the term used when these were originally sold. After the 1940s, people's experience with the WWII Jeep Coat confused the naming and brought the "mackinaw" name onto a design which was not made of mackinaw cloth. These days, you're unlikely to find any by searching for the correct, original name.
 

Edward

Bartender
Messages
25,081
Location
London, UK
A couple of days ago I saw The Book Thief for the first time. The wardrobe is great, but I was particularly taken by a workwear-type waistcoat sported by Geoffrey Rush in several scenes. Unfortunately I can' find a full-length photo of it, as it's one I'd be tempted to have copied:

563600b8101faa2f3ab0f64ed3beef35.jpg


Reminds me of some of the stuff Hepville is producing nowadays.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
109,250
Messages
3,077,296
Members
54,183
Latest member
UrbanGraveDave
Top