Period correct question

[Frankie Lamb]

Maybe someone could give me advice concerning a 30'-40's look man's casual jacket. The kind I have in mind is what we'd call a "windbreaker" today; a short jacket that either buttoned or zipped up the front, and had a couple of flap-pockets in the front instead of the modern slit type. I think they were usually made in gaberdine (?) The look I want is late thirties, or very early forties. OR, if the above described jacket is not correct for that period, can anyone tell me what would be. Thanks in advance for your collective help.
Frankie Lamb

 

[flat-top]

If this is what you mean:

Then that's definitely more of a 40's-50's look. I'm sure however,that there were work/ mechanic versions around earlier than that.

 

[Feraud]

Frankie Lamb, I believe the jacket you describe is relatively accurate for the period.
You should also look here for reference.
http://207.218.231.242/~thefedor/showthread.php?t=31973
I have a few catalogs with casual jacket styles and will try to post some pics.

 

[H.Johnson]

You can get a jacket of this style very cheaply by taking an Australian khaki drill battle dress blouse from the early 1950s (they are ridiculously cheap in unissued condition) an dying it. The main differences between the above and the jacket in your photo are that the Aussi jacket has snaps on the sleeves and pockets and a buckle waist adjustment.

Like this - 1952-3, as new, average cost about 20 dollars.

 

[Frankie Lamb]

Thanks all.

Wow, thanks for all your great responses. I'm going to pop down to American Vintage in Hollywood this morning in hopes they'll have an appropriate jacket.
Tried Iguana in Sherman Oaks yesterday but all they had was pretty well past it's prime. I'm hitting the usual suspect Thrift stores every day but no luck on a jacket. I may run out to Main Street in Ventura tomorrow as a kind of last-ditch effort. I'll post my results if successful. Until then, thanks again.
Frankie Lamb

 

[Feraud]

Here is one pic I have handy.
Regarding slit pockets... Notice the slit hand pockets on the jacket on the left. Such pocket features are not modern.

 

[thunderw21]

Here is a jacket like what you are looking for. Looks '30s/'40s but is '70s. Talon zipper, too. Polyester blend, unfortunately, but '70s jackets might be what you want to look for as well as true vintage.

 

[carter]

Here is a jacket like what you are looking for. Looks '30s/'40s but is '70s. Talon zipper, too. Polyester blend, unfortunately, but '70s jackets might be what you want to look for as well as true vintage.

The pockets are totally wrong. He is looking for flapped breast pockets.

 

[thunderw21]

The pockets are totally wrong. He is looking for flapped breast pockets.

I know, but it is similar to the jacket Feraud posted. It is period correct, at least in it's cut and construction. Also pointing out some modern jackets are vintage style.

 

[MrBern]

officer

this?

 

[resortes805]

The classic dual flap pocket zip up gab jackets came out in the 1940s and were really popular in the 1950s. There is a earlier version from the late 1930's and ealry 1940's that would have looked like this:

 

[Snookie]

This pattern soon to be available in Multi-size at Evadress.com - according to her blog...

 

[Edward]

HJ.... where'd you see those Aussie battledress jackets for that price?

 

[BinkieBaumont]

Depends if your pumping gas, that "Wind jammer" jacket is a bit working class for my taste, The "Holly Wood" set were wearing more of a safari type jacket, rather long with a belt at the waist and four patch pockets. its in my Esquire magazine, Feb 1938, yet to buy a scanner!!!