The Continental Suit Thread

[Red Leader]

Inspired by this thread:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?65779-Proper-fit-for-a-late-1950s-1960s-suit

Also a thanks to Guttersnipe who provided much of the inspiration and knowledge for this thread to exist.

I thought it might be a fun idea to discuss this overlooked, obscure, but fantastic suit. I did a search and found very little about this topic. To be honest, I don't know that much about them myself, but hoping that this will generate some interest, research, pictures, etc. and hopefully we'll all benefit from the education of the incredibly knowledgeable folks here on the FL. Since the aforementioned thread started off with a generic discussion of suit fit, I thought it best to give the Continental suit its own thread.

I'm secretly hoping the experts will fill in the blanks, but hopefully I'll have something of merit to add.

First of all, my interest was piqued when I saw this image describing the differences between a standard box-cut Ivy-Leage type suit and the Continental suit:

The Continental suit was new to me, so I remembered the image. Then I was perusing the local thrift store and happened upon a suit jacket that reminded me of that same illustration. I thought it was pretty novel, but didn't think much else. When I started doing a little more research on the suit, it turns out that they are very uncommon, which as it turned out was also consistent with my findings - this suit jacket was the first one I had seen, period, versus seeing plenty of 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s (Ivy League) suits/jackets.

I stopped back back by that same thrift store, just making the rounds, and they still had the jacket, so with my 'historical preservation' hat on, I bought it for my collection and posterity. And because it actually fit me!

Below is the suit in question, which as you will see has a number of unusual features. It seems to be nearly a textbook example, given the image above:

Front (notice the peak lapels)

Well-fitted, including darts, and slanted flap-less pockets:

slanted pockets and profile of front flaps:

Vent on each side, about 3" long:

 

[Red Leader]

Continued -->


Only 1 button per sleeve. Both sleeves. Jacket is in fantastic condition and I notice no damaged threads anywhere:

A better look showing the cut of the suit. It does come in at the waist:

The back. Notice the cut:

Maker of the suit, no date:

From the correct era for this type of suit (late 1950s/early 1960s):

From some of the various designs of the suit, I can see why it was short lived. Compared to what is quite common for me to find in the 1950s-1960s suit offerings, this is a bit of a radical departure, with the 1 button sleeves, the mini peak lapels, the vents, the cut. However, that is one of the reasons why I like it.

A lot of folks really enjoy the 1930s-1940s suits for a host of reasons, some of which include the fit/cut and the fabric. This suit does sport a fitted cut and to me at least does have pretty interesting fabric (pictures don't do it justice). It seems that reasons why you might be attracted to suits of that vintage may also prove to provide a reason for an interest in these suits as well.

If anyone else has any Continental suits, please post them up! If you find these suits interesting, you participation in the discussion is welcomed! And now I'll just wait for the actual experts to chime in.

Cheers!