New guy question about later 3pc suits

[Brownie]

Hey guys,
I'm new to the vintage suit thing so don't beat me up too bad on this question. Looking at 3 piece suits, I notice that there are a lot of wool suits for sale online and at thrift stores, etc. that would have to be from the late 80s-early 90s, but to me they look a lot like the 1930s two button 3 pieces. I'm keeping my eye out for a nice 30s or 40s 2 button 3 piece, but even when I acquire one I wouldn't want to put a lot of wear and tear on it. How out of place would one of the 3 piece suits that a lot of folks refer to as "indie style" be in the '30s? What are the differences that you guys can see from a mile away that might not be obvious to me?

Biggest question - would one of these, tailored and with belt loops removed and suspender buttons added, be an acceptable substitute for daily wear to spare wear and tear on an irreplaceable vintage 3 piece? Keep in mind I'm a short guy so cuffs and pleats are something I prefer to stay away from.

Examples of the type of suit I'm talking about:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161373514652?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2648&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/291254923725?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/191301173537?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171483999623?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

And an example of what I'm comparing them to:
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/show...rel-for-Gentlemen-quot&highlight=1931+booklet

 

[Two Types]

One of the major differences will be the cut of the trousers: on the modern suit the waist will be much lower and it is unlikely to have fullness on the leg as you would expect on a thirties/forties suit. It is probable that the cloth will look, feel and drape very differently to a vintage suit. If you can, try to go to a vintage shop (I don't know if there are any in your area?) and handle some original suits. It will be a good way to understand the difference.

Good luck

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

1930s suit jacket just hug the body differently than 80s suit jackets. It's party about the high armholes but also the nipped waist.
Try an original jacket and then you'll know.

TT is spot on about the cut of the trousers.

 

[Papperskatt]

I'd rather get a 50s suit instead of one from the 80s or 90s if I were you.

 

[Rudie]

The button stance is also quite different.

 

[dnjan]

Hey guys,
material; removed ...

Biggest question - would one of these, tailored and with belt loops removed and suspender buttons added,

Why remove the belt loops? They won't be seen anyway ...

 

[Brownie]

Why remove the belt loops? They won't be seen anyway ...

No reason I guess, that's true enough.


Thanks for the replies all. I don't have any vintage clothing stores nearby, but I'll check out a few antiques places and see if I can scare up a real 30s or 40s suit.

 

[Quetzal]

I have a 1986-dated suit. A typical "Yuppie" suit in gray with white, faint-but-noticeable pinstripes. The lapels are bit narrow for my head, as it's big compared to the rest of my small body. Essentially, my body is MADE for 1930s and 1940s suits; my waist is currently tiny compared to my torso, and I need wider lapels and legs since my legs are very muscular for my size. The suit would be a LOT better if the lapels were wider and if it were solid (those pinstripes look cheesy), but it's my best-fitting "modern" suit, and I only purchased it because I wanted a vest for the winter.

-Quetzal

 

[Luftwaffles]

I actually own a modern navy three piece with light blue stripes by Michael Kors, and it almost resembles the cut of a mid-20s suit with the exception of the trouser rise.
So much in fact that I had the trousers hemmed a bit short with 2 in. cuffs!

 

[Luftwaffles]

 

[Brownie]

I actually own a modern navy three piece with light blue stripes by Michael Kors, and it almost resembles the cut of a mid-20s suit with the exception of the trouser rise.
So much in fact that I had the trousers hemmed a bit short with 2 in. cuffs!

Very nice!! That's exactly what I had in mind, that certain '80s suits might be close enough that they could be adapted to fill the role of an earlier suit that I wouldn't feel bad about putting a little wear and tear on. If I do happen to acquire an actual golden era suit in my size, I'd prefer to save it for special occasion wear.