Axelist wrote:

It would be interesting to learn something fom the US Ivyists about their perception of the brand and products.

I recall first encountering London Fog in my grandfather's closet after he passed away. I was fourteen and my grandmother gave me the run of things. I left with lots, but the biggie for me was his cream mackintosh with bone buttons & zip out lining.

He was a Korean War vet who moved from Illinois to California while in the service. Then an insurance salesman from '59 onwards. Needless to say, the conservative streak from this background ran through his wardrobe. At the time, I thought it was funny that even though he was in the totally Mediterranean climate of Southern California he kept his 3/4 rain coat.

Their ubiquity - lined, unlined, cream, blue, black, 100% cotton, poly-blend, etc. etc. - no matter what thrift shop in what state you were in gave it the air of a total everyman item. I really get the impression of these as uniform for the average 'Silent Generation' type... less even a brand decision or more just a go-to.

The first coat I bought after being discharged from the army (1970) was a London Fog. We called it a raincoat then. The closest model to it now on the London Fog site is called the “Jimmy” 1359/sku:L10300. The “Jimmy has a tab collar. The shell of my coat is 65% poly. and 35% combed cotton. The color is stone. No tab collar. I still have the coat and wear it all the time. The coat must have been machine washed hundreds of times. I let it drip dry, touch up iron, and it still repels rain. The quality of this 40 year old coat is superb. I have never even replaced a button.

And here’s a pic from an old action I won and an explaination why I like the coats so much.



Colour: I’ve got two in “beige”. Great colour, much lighter than all the dark shades raincoats mostly come in – without being  so flashy like white. The perfect “urban camouflage”. I really would like to have an other one of them in navy, though. 

Cut: almost  perfect…neither too wide, nor too narrow. The length is short above the knee. Long back vent. Single breasted, concealed buttons.  I really like the collars. The shape is called “military”, I think. They are not lying flat on the body but stand up a bit, if that makes sense. The lapels are very small and can be closed with a jolly little tab (you can see it in the pic). And they have these inside vents which enable the bearer to reach in his trouser pockets through the coat’s pockets to do what ever he has to do in there. I never used the tab or the “secret passage” in the pocket. But I like the fact that they are there.

The only downer is that the sleeves are a tad too short for me.

Functionality: The one with liner keeps me warm and they really are RAINCOATS which keep me dry dry. No unneccessary fuss. The seams don’t let water in. Easy to take care of. Clothing, not a fashion item which looks utilitarian but isn’t. The cloth is pretty light. 

I had a few guys giving an eye to the coats. You could really see it “work” behind their eyes, because they realized that the coat was cool without being able to match it to a brand.

^ They're generous enough in your regular size. Best worn over a jacket. I'm looking for a 36 next to my size 38 number now.

The London Fog "G4" type jackets get more wear over here. They feel like I never need an other "Harrington" again.

Axelist wrote:

I never used the tab or the “secret passage” in the pocket. But I like the fact that they are there.

I use 'em. Brilliant functionality.

^ 'Monkey, could you keep your eyes peeled for a light beige size 36 in the city of big fellers? Thanks in advance sir.

1966 wrote:

Axelist wrote:

I never used the tab or the “secret passage” in the pocket. But I like the fact that they are there.

I use 'em. Brilliant functionality.

Ah, the old "wafty crank" eh?

On a more serious note - I love the golf jackets too, great functional little coats that include nothing extranious to their purpose - yet cool...just.

I must get a Maincoat - I love the idea of the fake fur lining. Macs are great for Spring-Autumn rain, but to have the functionality and style of a good mac with the warmth - just right for the winter drizzle when you're wearing something smart.

Rip Rig & Panic wrote:

Fake fur?  Fuck fuck fuck!

Sorry to shatter what must be deeply held illusions Rip - but it's not occelot

Fun fur! That's a better term, what ever happened to fun fur?

Unbelievable. I got a London Fog in Rokit at Covent Garden a couple of weeks ago. A pedant might suggest the sleeves are short by 1/2 inch - but for £25! Looks new, complete with lining and no marks. I'm still getting over it.

Fraid not - it's a 40R anyway and I love it too much.

johndnorth wrote:

Not now. I have so many clothes i rotate them. That is why i still have shirts from high school. I posted some pics of some of the shirts in the thread "Why Ivy...Your Story. All the items were purchased by me on the dates indicated.  I hope you guys are enjoying the photos. You might be able to use the pics. as a reference if you ever want to buy clothes at a thrift shop. I have a London Fog Wool topcoat i bought in 1975 and i need some information on the collar styling. I will post pics later.

Here, without even trying, johndnorth illustrates the sheer pleasure to be had from buying wisely; or cherishing gifts.  This is exactly the opposite of Carnaby mod, in which nothing was really meant to last longer than the weekend (or thereabouts) and is said to have been as badly made as much that was being worn by Eastern Europeans at that time.  I expect most of my clothes to outlive me.

eris wrote:

Congrats! After all they were churned put in pretty significant numbers....

Hopefully to last.