Period leisure wear

Biltmore Bob · Jul 6, 2005

I know some of y'all who post here wear vintage or period correct suits at work, dinners, parties, weddings, etc... How far does that practice extend into your leisure time. For example, do y'all put on a pair of Nike gym shorts and a pair of flip flops to bum around the house? Or do y'all wear high waisted (ala Johnny Weismuller) swim trunks to the pool? Me, I'm not really into vintage, per say, so I don't have to have vintage, just vintagesque, if that makes sense? Reckon what I'm trying to say is, my work and daily attire reflects the work wear styles of the 30s and 40s, however (with all due respect, no offense intended, for academic purposes only) I don't limit my dress to "period correct only". Who here does?

jitterbugdoll · Jul 6, 2005

I never 'slum'

when it comes to my wardrobe! Even when I cook or clean the house I am dressed in a nice playsuit, or a housedress (I do wear aprons, too.) I may skip the stockings when I am lounging around, but I don't even own a pair of sweat pants or flip flops (I'm even hard-pressed to wear jeans, although I own a few vintage and modern pairs. I just don't find them to be as comfortable as a pair of wide-leg slacks.) Because Arizona is a very casual state, I am generally the most over-dressed person in the room, regardless of the occasion. But that's okay with me, because I like to stand out in a crowd!

I do wear vintage, or vintage-style, swimsuits to the pool. They are so much more comfortable and flattering. And yep, I even style my hair beforehand--got to keep up appearances, you know!

Chamorro · Jul 6, 2005

Personally, I know of only one here that does ... and he will have to pipe up himself if he wants to be identified.

For me, a t-shirt, sneaks, ball cap and jeans have their place. I do not limit myself.

scotrace · Jul 6, 2005

One can be a bit too-too

I often find it somewhat helpful in dodgy weather to ask my manservant to lessen the application of wig powder. A few less windings of the neck scarf, and the utilization of a lighter leather under the shoe buckles can go a long way toward affecting an air of effortless relaxation in the salon...

Matt Deckard · Jul 6, 2005

Hmmm... home. Often times when relaxing at home alone I wear under shirt and trousers. The shoes come off for the fact that my feet head for the other end of the couch. When out of the house I wear jacket and tie. Rarely I leave the tie behind, and even if I do I know where I can get one on short notice.

I'm starting to lean toward the striped t-shirt look which was popular in the 30's and 40's, though again that is only seen around the house and by myself alone.

Time to buy a house coat and some slippers.

I have always been partial to the night shirt, night cap and cuttaway coat with a candle holder in hand look.

Zach R. · Jul 6, 2005

As my style is more vintage-inspired rather than true vintage, I'm not really a stickler for such things.

Usually I'll just have on a T-Shirt and some chino shorts(I don't own any denim clothing).

jamespowers · Jul 6, 2005

scotrace said:
I often find it somewhat helpful in dodgy weather to ask my manservant to lessen the application of wig powder. A few less windings of the neck scarf, and the utilization of a lighter leather under the shoe buckles can go a long way toward affecting an air of effortless relaxation in the salon...

Yes indeed old boy, I understand what you mean. That wig powder can be desperately hot in warm weather. I tell Jeeves to cut back as well. I prefer the cravat or ascot while lounging around the mansion to the neck scarf. A smoking jacket without too loud a pattern and a fez atop the head can really add an air of the relaxed look---sans wig of course. Jeeves polishes the leather slippers until they are quite shiny. The old boy deserves a raise but do not tell him I said so.
Such attire need not be confined to the salon. It can be worn in the selerium or even in the library if you really feel like slumming.

Regards to all,

J

scotrace · Jul 6, 2005

Bio Note For The Day

U.S. Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts (Civl War era, firm abolitionist who famously took a caning on the Senate floor by Congressman Preston Brooks of South Carolina over the issue of slavery in 1856), was known for his careful and fussy dress. It was said of him that he never allowed himself to assume any pose in his own bedchamber that would be less relaxed than in a public drawing room or on the Senate floor.

swinggal · Jul 7, 2005

My Swiss friend who has done the authentic 40s look for 15 years wears casual stuff alot when he can. He likes to wear 40's Navy Jeans with vintage knitted shirts along bucks shoes white or vintage saddles. The Navy jeans are very wide legged and high waisted have a tightening buckle at the back. He has loads of original 40s knitted shirts similar to these too:

He has indeed got many stiped knitted t-shirts from the era as well and nice two tone sports jackets. I have a few of these two, they are rayon and the girls ones have a belt at the waist.

There are heaps of great shots of the great Lindy Hoppers (like this one of Dean Collins and Jewel McGown). People didnt live in suits all the time, thats for sure.

This one was taken in 1939 at the Palomar Ballroom. Hal and Betty Takier are at the front. Hal still dances Balboa today. Sometimes I look at this pic and think, "Wow, some of the stuff they are wearing could pass for todays clothes" style never dies. Look at all those stripey shirts!!

flat-top · Jul 7, 2005

I'm one of the "only vintage" guys-and if it's not vintage, it's a repro that on me, looks vintage. I never seem to veer outside of my "look". I don't own flip-flops (blech), sweat pants, or shorts--well, I have a few pairs of great vintage clam diggers, but whenever I wear them, everyone calls them capri pants, so they've been retired for now!
flat-top

Julius Xavier · Jul 7, 2005

Vintage threads

Not to hyjack the thread but in the picture with the girl being dipped while dancing... look at the guy with the tie on in the back ground he has been cought in time forever not being a gentleman and staring at something when he shouldn't. LOL.

-Doc

jamespowers · Jul 7, 2005

DocIndyJones said:
Not to hyjack the thread but in the picture with the girl being dipped while dancing... look at the guy with the tie on in the back ground he has been cought in time forever not being a gentleman and staring at something when he shouldn't. LOL.

....and worse yet he is holding the hand of his girl while he is doing it.

At least in the next picture he is paying attention to what he should be----maybe he isn't interested in blondes.

Regards to all,

J

swinggal · Jul 8, 2005

Well who wouldn't want to look at Betty Takier's arse! She's only one of the best Balboa dancers to have ever lived!

Period leisure wear

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