SWEDISH 1900-1920 BLACK DOUBLE BREASTED WORKING SUIT. SIZE CA EU 48-50

DESCRIPTION

This is a type of suit that was used outdoors by workers throughout Sweden during the early 20th century, for example in forestry, but also in many other fields. It is made from a very heavy wool fabric. Suits of this type from this era are now extremely rare, largely because they were work garments that were worn out and then eventually discarded. It is also uncommon to find the suit complete with trousers; often only the jackets were saved. We occasionally sell similar jackets, but usually with noticeable wear. This is probably the suit in the best condition we have ever sold in this category. It has no labels, as these suits almost always lack labels. However, it can still be dated to around 1900-1920. It features several details that are very characteristic of this period, including the slanted breast pocket, low shoulder seams, and the slightly contrasting, closely sewn edge seams that run throughout the suit. In some places, these seams are purely decorative.

The jacket is double-breasted with a total of five rows of buttons if you fasten it all the way to the neck. It has horizontal front pockets with substantial flaps and a breast pocket. The back is straight and lacks a vent. The inside is lined with a heavy wool fabric in the body. It has an inner pocket on the left side. At the neck, there is a chain for hanging, designed to support the heavy weight of the jacket. The trousers are also characteristic of the period with a flat front, exterior buttons for braces, and diagonal front pockets. They feature a button fly with a hook at the top. The trousers are straight and lack cuffs. At the back, they have a "fishtail" and an adjuster buckle to alter the waist size. Note that the trousers are sewn slightly differently on the left and right sides at the back. Why this is the case is unclear, but it is possible that they were damaged at some point and repaired in this manner. If so, it is a very well-executed repair.

In relation to our other vintage suits, the condition is not exceptional, there are some minor signs of wear here and there. But – these suits were generally worn as intended— for heavy outdoor manual labor— and the condition typically reflects that. The fabric itself is incredibly durable, and considering this, one can usually tell just by looking at the suit what kinds of hardships it—and especially the person who wore it—must have gone through. The damage is often extensive. In this context, the condition of this suit is exceptionally good. There is a slight fading on the left arm, but this is only noticeable upon close inspection and will hardly affect the overall look when worn. There are also minor stains around the armholes of the inner lining. But to repeat, in the proper context, this is an incredibly good condition, probably the best we’ve seen on a comparable suit. Please refer to the photos and form your own opinion on the condition.

SIZE

The size corresponds to a modern EU 48-50 (US/UK38-40) based on the chest measurement. However, keep in mind that the fit is also typical of the period, meaning the shoulders are relatively narrow compared to the chest size. One should not have overly broad shoulders or an athletic build for the jacket to fit well. The jacket will fit best on someone who is a standard EU size 48 (US/UK38) or alternatively a size 50 (US/UK40) with not too broad shoulders. The mannequin is a size 50 and the jacket fits very well, but it would not comfortably accommodate a thicker garment underneath. The trousers are large in the waist relative to the size of the jacket, but they can obviously be taken in or adjusted using the buckle at the back. Please scroll down for the exact measurements.

MEASUREMENTS

JACKET

Chest (A) : 55 cm

Waist (B) : 56 cm 

Sleeves (C) : 72 cm

Shoulders (D) : 45 cm

Total length (E) : 79 cm (75,5 measured from neck seam)

TROUSERS

Waist (A) : 47 cm (with adjusters fully open)

Length (B) : 109 cm 

Inseam (C) : 79 cm

Cuff width (D) : 24 cm

Seam allowance trousers waist: 0 cm

Seam allowance trousers length: 0 cm