SWEDISH 1940S GREY PINSTRIPE THREE PIECE BESPOKE SUIT BY SVENSKA VARUHUSET. SIZE CA EU48/48/50

DESCRIPTION

This three-piece suit is of Swedish origin and was tailored by Svenska Varuhuset, which operated from two addresses in Stockholm at the time. It was made sometime during the 1940s, although the exact year is unfortunately not indicated on the label.

It is crafted from a highly period-typical fabric: a pinstripe featuring a red thread which, when viewed from a distance, gives a brown impression, set against a lightly mottled grey base. The brown tone of the stripes is echoed in the buttons.

The jacket is double-breasted with two rows of buttons, positioned relatively low. It features horizontal welt pockets and a breast pocket. The lapels are without a buttonhole – a somewhat unusual detail. The back is plain and closed, with no vent. Internally, it is fully lined and includes two inner pockets, one on each side.

The waistcoat is single-breasted and fastens with six buttons. It has four front pockets, two at chest height and two lower down. At the back, there is an adjustable strap for fit.

The trousers feature several period details. They have double pleats and vertical front pockets. They also feature a so-called “belt tunnel”, meaning that the belt (if worn) sits partially concealed within a channel running along the waistband. They have a button fly, which was standard for tailored trousers at the time (and often still is today). There is also a small coin pocket just below the waistband on the right-hand side, with a flap and button fastening. On the reverse, there are two back pockets, both with flaps and button closures. Inside the waistband are buttons for braces, although the rear buttons are missing for some reason. These can, of course, be easily replaced.

In terms of condition, there are a few points to note. There are no major flaws that significantly affect the overall impression, but there are a number of minor imperfections. These primarily concern the lining across all three pieces. There is discolouration in the underarm areas of the jacket, as well as at the sleeve ends. The waistcoat lining also shows discolouration around the armholes. The outer back lining of the waistcoat shows some wear on one shoulder, which is in fact the only visible wear when the suit is worn. The trouser lining is also discoloured in places. Please study the photographs carefully to form your own assessment of the condition.

SIZE

As the suit is bespoke, the individual pieces vary slightly in size, though not in a way that causes any practical issue. The main difference is that the trousers are somewhat larger than the other two pieces when considering the waist measurement. The sizing is as follows:

• Jacket: EU 48 (UK/US 38)
• Waistcoat: EU 48 (UK/US 38)
• Trousers: EU 50 (UK/US 38)

Naturally, the trouser waist can easily be taken in if required. However, it cannot be let out, as there is no seam allowance. Please scroll down for exact measurements.

JACKET

Chest (A) : 54 cm

Waist (B) : 49 cm 

Sleeves (C) : 62 cm

Shoulders (D) : 45 cm

Total length (E) : 79 cm (76 cm measured from neck seam)

 WAISTCOAT

Chest (A) : 49 cm

Waist (B) : 45 cm (with adjusters fully open)

Shoulders (C) : 34 cm

Total length (D) : 76 cm

TROUSERS

Waist (A) : 44 cm

Length (B) : 108 cm 

Inseam (C) : 81 cm 

Cuff width (D) : 26,5 cm

Seam allowance trousers waist: 0 cm 

Seam allowance trousers length: 2 cm + 8 cm (if the cuff is removed).