A little help describing this 50s red-fleck suit

[mattface]

So I like suits, but they are not really my forte. I picked this one up for my Etsy shop, but I'm looking for some help from the vintage suit aficionados here in describing it for the listing.

It's a nice very substantial feeling dark grey wool fabric with little red flecks. The pants are pleated and cuffed with suspender buttons inside the waistband. The fabric and the cut made me think 50s immediately, the union label dates to between 1949, and 1962, so yeah, that's 1950s for sure. I can deal with the measurements, and basic style stuff, but how would you describe the fabric? I'd welcome discussion on pricing.

Also I welcome general discussion on this suit, because I think it's pretty nifty. A bit too large for me to even consider tailoring. I think I'd call it an ample 46, and I fall between 42 and 44, but I was tempted. Just the fabric alone made me think it was worth picking up.

And now without further ado:


Untitled by mattface, on Flickr

Untitled by mattface, on Flickr

Untitled by mattface, on Flickr

Untitled by mattface, on Flickr

Untitled by mattface, on Flickr

Untitled by mattface, on Flickr

Untitled by mattface, on Flickr

Untitled by mattface, on Flickr

 

[LoveMyHats2]

Geez, this is a nice looking suit. Like you, I normally wear around a 42L with 25 length on the sleeves, but this suit (if the pants are long enough) sparks my interest greatly! Pants....what are the measurements please?

 

[mattface]

The shoulder is 19" with 25" sleeves, 48" in the chest, and 31" length from bottom of collar. It actually fit me OK, just roomy in the middle, so it may well work for you to have it taken in.

The waist 38". I haven't measured the inseam on the pants yet, or even checked to see how much they could be let down, though at the very least the cuff could be let down. I'll get to that for you when I get home from work today.

 

[mattface]

OK here's the measurements on the pants:
Waist: 39"
Inseam: 30" (31 1/2" uncuffed with another inch and a half available to let out.)
Front Rise 15" (measured from center of crotch gusset)
Overall Length 42"

 

[carldelo]

This suit might actually fit me as-is, I'm a true size 46. I'd be interested to know the inseam as well, I need a dark suit and I strongly prefer 3-buttons. It looks like there's an inch or so to let out on the waist, yes?

 

[mattface]

This suit might actually fit me as-is, I'm a true size 46. I'd be interested to know the inseam as well, I need a dark suit and I strongly prefer 3-buttons. It looks like there's an inch or so to let out on the waist, yes?

Look directly above your post for measurements, looks like we cross posted. Yes there is an inch or so to let out in the waist.

 

[carldelo]

Just saw the pants measurements, dimensions look pretty good. I think rise is defined as overall length minus inseam, which gives 12", a proper high-waisted pants rise.

Where was the shoulder measurement taken, across the top of the shoulder or across the back at the narrowest distance?

I'd be interested to hear of any condition issues and what kind of price you were contemplating.

Thanks, Carl

 

[mattface]

Shoulder was taken straight across from the top of each sleave seam. I haven't done a thorough inspection yet, but so far, the condition seems good with no significant signs of wear, or stitching problems. Still contemplating price.

 

[carldelo]

OK, thanks, keep us updated. I'm going to check some of my jackets, the shoulder measurement may be a little small for me.

 

[mattface]

I don't see any condition issues at all. No fraying or stitching issues. OK, the cuff is untacked on one side of the left leg, but unless it's already exactly the right length, that is a feature. Even the lining is excellent with none of the loose stitches you tend to find in the arm holes on vintage jackets.

As I said at the outset, suits are not really my forte, so I'm not sure what to charge for this thing, but I'm thinking $200 might not be out of line. Since I started this thread primarily to get feedback, I really would like to hear folks opinions about what an appropriate price for this suit might be.

 

[mattface]

I see this got transferred to classifieds which is sort of appropriate at this point I suppose, except that I hadn't arrived at an asking price for it yet, and I had sort of been hoping for more general discussion, especially about the fabric and what an appropriate price would be, which was why I posted it where I did.

Anyway It's on Etsy now. https://www.etsy.com/listing/153666365/1950s-3-button-suit-grey-with-red-flecks
I suspect the price might be a bit of a bargain, but I also got it for a good price.

 

[carldelo]

I measured up my suit jackets that fit best and it looks like your suit is a little small for me. Too bad, looks nice, price seems fair - good luck with it.

 

[mattface]

I measured up my suit jackets that fit best and it looks like your suit is a little small for me. Too bad, looks nice, price seems fair - good luck with it.

Ah well that's a shame, let me know if you want me to do any other measurements.