Origin of the "Rope Shoulder"

[BellyTank]

I was thinking about Rope/d Shoulder/s, perusing the BT jumble archive and came up with a possible origin for this Tailoring feature.
Whether this is before or after the fact, or totally unrelated, I don't know.

But.

I know for a fact, that actual rope was sometimes sewn into the shoulder of some military jackets, for the practical purpose of stopping equipment straps from sliding off the shoulder.

I can't find a very early instance of this but here is an example from a WW2 vintage, Italian army pullover Jacket/Parka:

There is a small length of actual rope sewn into the edge of the shoulder.
Did the "Fashion" of the "Rope Shoulder" spring from actual practical origins..?

Comments... more information...?


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[ShoreRoadLady]

I've never heard of the term, but I could sure use a feature like that to keep my purse from sliding off! Very ingenious.

 

[Feraud]

I've never heard of the term, but I could sure use a feature like that to keep my purse from sliding off! Very ingenious.

See here for examples and discussion of roped shoulder on suits.
Note Tomasso and Marc Chevalier's comments..

 

[BellyTank]

I'm sure Mr. Okisaka's purse never slides off.


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[Rittmeister]

Here is an illustration of a rope shoulder suit from 1937. My tailor confirms that an actual piece of rope is sewn into the should to create the look.

 

[BellyTank]

Anybody..?


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[Matt Deckard]

I just always loved the look. Most everything is military inspired, sometimes functional sometimes just decoration. Epaulets with shoulder boards are an extra layer to keep a blade from cutting through. Double breasted overcoats made a better closure to keep the elements from coming in. I think the rope was just a construction detail to enhance the look of the wearer's form. Not really a functional feature, but a flourish.

I like the look because it gives a bit of an attached arm effect which neapolitan or the more rounded shoulder don't carry. It ads to the man's build. The rope look did takeover after the 20's.

 

[BellyTank]

I'm personally thinking it's a case of "Fashion steals from Practicality" but I don't have the proof- I'd like to see or hear about some other, particularly pre-'30s "non-fashion" examples that support my theory.

The Epaulette? I've never heard of it as a protective feature before.
I know it as a rank device, a place to put a rank device and for the purpose of securing a shoulder strap/equipment strap and keep it on the shoulder.


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