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Authentic Bespoke Rowing Blazer
Rowing blazers originated in England where they were worn by members of competitive rowing clubs especially those associated with colleges of Oxford and Cambridge University. Often loud and garish, they were highly coveted as status symbols within both the rowing and college communities, and were surrounded by arcane rituals concerning their wear and use. (Many clubs, for example, forbade the cleaning or repair of blazers unless their owners performed some noteworthy feat, such as winning an Olympic medal.) The more muted versions of these blazers found their way into the summer wardrobes of the well-dressed English upper classes... and, from there, into the wardrobes of their well-dressed preppy cousins.
Unlike the classic navy blue blazer--which has similar sporting origins--rowing blazers are still fairly rare. This is possibly because they have considerably more panache and so require more confidence to wear--but more likely because they are not readily available commercially, and so often need to be specially made.
That's certainly the case for this bespoke beauty, which was made by a small and very exclusive tailor in England. As I outline on my Facebook page WaterhollowTweed some small and exclusive tailors in England refrain from labeling their clothing, both because they have as much work as they can handle and also because they consider any form of advertising to be vulgar--and this jacket, while clearly bespoke, lacks any identifying marks.... except for its obvious exceptional quality.
This is perfectly cut as a formal English jacket, with peak lapels, darting for the correct slim silhouette, the correct single-button front fastening, and no rear vent. It features plenty of handwork throughout, and is both fully canvassed and fully lined. It features deep exterior pockets with an interior hand-sewn cotton change pocket on the right-hand side.
Naturally, being a formal rowing blazer this features the traditional trim on the pocket flaps of the lower exterior pockets, on the leading edge of the exterior breast pocket, on the lapels and the placket, and edging the collar. In this case, the trim is scarlet--not only a perfect complement to the black of the jacket itself, but, with the black of the jacket, an indication that this jacket was made for a supporter of the US Rowing Team. (Likely a supporter rather than a member, as this jacket lacks the scarlet gauntlets encircling the cuffs that denotes a rower on blazers of this type.) A further hint that this was made for an American client of an English tailor lies in the three button American cuffs--something that would be specially requested.
Unlike most rowing blazers (which tend to receive harsh treatment!) this is in absolutely excellent condition. As such, this represents a very rare chance to acquire an iconic item of clothing that's of superb quality, at a fraction of its original price.
Asking just $85, or offer, boxed and shipped in the USA.
Measurements:
Chest: 24
Sleeve: 24 (+2 1/4)
Shoulder: 20 5/16
Length: 30
