How high the armhole?

[Richard Warren]

Hayakawa cites Thorstein Veblen for the proposition that style elements in clothing are a symbol of the fact that the wearer does not have to work, and that such elements are eventually incorporated into the clothes of the working class which seeks to emulate the rich. Perhaps the ubiquity of high armholes is a manifestation of this phenomenon rather that an artifact of mass production per se.


But then my general impression was that Veblen was a misguided fool or worse.

 

[Feraud]

I see no issue with unbuttoning a DB jacket while driving or sitting. Even in the Golden Era, I Believe it was acceptable to have a DB suit unbuttoned while sitting, but it should always be buttoned while standing.

In any era this would be seen as good common sense.

 

[drummer4hire]

I have read that a DB suit should ALWAYS be buttoned, as the shape and cut complimentany number of positions, whilst a SB is better served buttoned while standing, and unbuttoned while sitting, especially if one is wearing a waistcoat. Just my thought/take on the buttoning argument.

As for the high armholes, it is a bit off-putting at first, but, like it has been prevously stated, is much more comfortable. I own both types, and my high armhole jackets get worn more often than the low armhole counterparts

 

[Matt_the_chap]

My high-armhole vintage suits are my pride and joy. The only modern suit I've got that has them, and even then, not too the degree I'd like, was my Sunday Best for two years, bought as an off-the-rack item in a January sale from a tailor in York. It's a shame that since I got into buying vintage suits, I don't really feel I can wear that suit - it feels like crepe paper when I put it on - it's even too cold to wear in summer, let alone winter.

 

[Philalethes]

it feels like crepe paper when I put it on - it's even too cold to wear in summer, let alone winter.

I find this, too, when I try on new sports coats as compared to my vintage ones. I have actually been thinking about starting a thread on this topic...

 

[Son_of_Atropos]

I believe this is picture represents the problem with low armholes.

 

[Feraud]

..and the ideal.

 

[in/y]

I remember seeing photos of Harry Truman & George W. Bush used as examples someplace on the Lounge but haven't been able to find 'em. They both had an arm raised (probably waving to a crowd) and made for an excellent comparison.

Can anyone point me to those photos again?