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Any hot tips for 40s-style sweater vests (repro)?

BigBrother

One of the Regulars
Messages
196
Am building out my basically casual 40s wardrobe right now (beginning with the Hollywood-waist and sack pants) and am now interested in those tight sweater vests (banded-bottomed, etc.) that men would often pair with aforementioned pants, I suppose in lieu of waistcoats from earlier fashions, to create that same great tight-plus-baggy look. You know the type :).

Any leads on good vendors? Thanks!!!
 
Last edited:

Edward

Bartender
Messages
24,736
Location
London, UK
Aero do a great range of genuine Fairisle, hand-knit in Scotland. Plainer options were also worn back in the day, though those are less commonly reproduced. I've faked the look with a fair few modern options over the years; the chief 'mistake' the modern versions typically make is being too long, but the right waistband can easily be flipped over.
 

BigBrother

One of the Regulars
Messages
196
Thanks for the suggestions! I suppose I was looking though for plainer patterns, not the Scottish knit variety.
 

bn1966

My Mail is Forwarded Here
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3,087
Location
UK
I’ve got one of the Aero Fairisle vests & very nice they are too...
 

Short Balding Guy

I'll Lock Up
Messages
9,557
Location
Minnesota, USA
I've had a couple of Fairisles from these chaps, very nice they are too.
https://www.originalblues.co.uk/michael-ross-mens-409-c.asp

Follow-up; I received part of my order recently. The warm weather will not really allow me to wear the vest yet, but I am ready for cooler temps.

The vest, the vest! Truly excellent. The knit pattern and wool hues are stunning. The wool is such that I will be able to really wear this vest. I have other lambs wool or cashmere vests that I have to be very careful when wearing as they show pills and surface wear quickly. This wool and classy pattern - I imagine much better wearing.

i-7wKCDbS-M.jpg


I will have to place an order to a pullover and or a full cardigan the next month or so.

Thanks for the nod to Michael Ross knitwear. Cheers, Eric -
 

Metatron

One Too Many
Messages
1,536
Location
United Kingdom
Just to offer a source outside the norm, try the website Yoox that features heavily discounted Italian made clothing. There are a LOT of Italian knitwear brands, and they often use some really interesting yarns and patterns. Often vintage inspired. You just have to browse for a bit and make use of the filter options (i.e, wool, sleeveless, etc)
 

Short Balding Guy

I'll Lock Up
Messages
9,557
Location
Minnesota, USA
Been a while. Thanks for the previous suggestions.

I have acquired a couple of the Fair Isles Michael Ross wool sweater vest or waistcoats. They get frequent wear. Sharp and great wool. Below is a pic of some of the vests I frequently sport about.

i-TgsXX68-M.jpg

(Not: The top vest is a RRL vest and rest are Michael Ross vests.)

Cheers, Eric -
 

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