The Way They Wore: Images from the Past

['patanoster]

Hardy Aimes had a very thin, stern-looking face that either complemented his conservative business dress outfits or counterbalanced some of the wilder stylistic choices he made during the 1970s. He's one of the few people I think looked good in a true three-button coat. I also like his statement glasses. Jacques Marie Mage recently released a model called the Domoto that looks vaguely similar.

Firstly, thanks for kickstarting a decent looking thread. I’ll come in with some favourite pics soon.

I recall seeing you post previously about your dislike for the true three — and in general I agree with the balance of them often being off. however I do also find myself drawn to them sometimes, they can have a sort of old school english charm (in a ‘70s prog rock star in his country club, kinda way). I’d be interested to hear who else you think looks good in them, and why?

 

[John Doe]

I really dig the 30's aesthetic of Brando's suit. I have a similarly cut RRL suit that looks like it was made in the 30's. This guy is wearing the same suit as mine however I don't have the vest.

 

[comrade]

Sir Isaiah Berlin A & S client:

Sir Isaiah Berlin - National Portrait Gallery

by Bern Schwartz dye transfer print 6 July 1977 © National Portrait Gallery, London

www.npg.org.uk

 

[comrade]

Vittorio De Sica 1955 London Airport. Note the spalla camisa shoulder.

 

[comrade]

Jack Benny. Mainstream American elegance:

 

[1969]

1937 Year book from Austin, TX. Kind of remarkable really that there's still a lot of relatable outfits here (on the casual side at least) from almost 100 years ago. Harrington jackets, button downs, quarter zip knit.

 

[Connemara]

Ellsworth Bunker, who was U.S. ambassador to numerous countries from the '50s to the '60s, has always stood out to me as a rock-solid example of trad/Ivy.

OCBDs all day, every day.

This cotton suit is perfection.

 

[dieworkwear]

I recall seeing you post previously about your dislike for the true three — and in general I agree with the balance of them often being off. however I do also find myself drawn to them sometimes, they can have a sort of old school english charm (in a ‘70s prog rock star in his country club, kinda way). I’d be interested to hear who else you think looks good in them, and why?

Can't think of any examples I like except that photo. I know @Bromley is a fan. We had a spirited back and forth about it in another thread and I think we somewhat met in the middle, where a three-button coat looks better if it has at least a soft roll between a 3r2.5 and a true three.

The higher the break, the worse I think the silhouette looks. As you get closer to a 3 r 2.5, I think it can be OK.

 

[comrade]

Ellsworth Bunker, who was U.S. ambassador to numerous countries from the '50s to the '60s, has always stood out to me as a rock-solid example of trad/Ivy.

OCBDs all day, every day.

View attachment 1765217

View attachment 1765222

This cotton suit is perfection.

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View attachment 1765218

View attachment 1765219

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View attachment 1765223

Met him when I was with the State Dept.
Not only trad/ivy, but from an extremely rich
old New York family. Dutch on his mother's side.

 

[Bromley]

They also need a low gorge to look good.

 

[Spinster Jones]

Do you guys know if americans prefered a 3roll2 in the 1930's, compared to the 3 of the brits? Seems that way if you watch old movies.

And I think the 3 shines with vests underneath. Just look at how massive it seems without one in the last picture.


Americans:

Brits, both original pieces worn in modern times, and from the 1930's:

 

[emptym]

There was a similar thread on vintage images. I posted some from a Jesuit retreat house that had pics of all attendees dating back to 1930, maybe earlier. Here's one from '38, with possibly a 3 or 3/2.5 button suit.

Re. black knits, I only wear them with black shoes, mostly black penny loafers, like this:

Back in the 90s, when I had my dad's salt and pepper herringbone jacket, I'd wear it with a black knit tie, white ocbd, black wool flannels, and black ptbs.

 

[Connemara]

Met him when I was with the State Dept.
Not only trad/ivy, but from an extremely rich
old New York family. Dutch on his mother's side.

Wow. It's very interesting that you met him. He was a State Dept. fixture for many decades, based on what I've read.

Bunker has a very Old Money appearance.

 

[Andy57]

I just watched a 1936 movie Dodsworth, on Amazon Prime. Superb wardrobe, much of which would look just as superb today. Walter Huston, David Niven, and Paul Lukas stand out.

 

[comrade]

There was a similar thread on vintage images. I posted some from a Jesuit retreat house that had pics of all attendees dating back to 1930, maybe earlier. Here's one from '38, with possibly a 3 or 3/2.5 button suit. View attachment 1765428
Re. black knits, I only wear them with black shoes, mostly black penny loafers, like this: View attachment 1765431
Back in the 90s, when I had my dad's salt and pepper herringbone jacket, I'd wear it with a black knit tie, white ocbd, black wool flannels, and black ptbs.

Wow. It's very interesting that you met him. He was a State Dept. fixture for many decades, based on what I've read.

Bunker has a very Old Money appearance.

I actually met him in the Dominican Rep. when he the US Ambassador to the OAS. He was not a Foreign
Service Officer, he held political appointments. For generations his family was in the Sugar trade. Hence,
a possible personal interest (and expertise) in the Caribbean.

Service