Is it Ivy?

The perennial question that continues to generate discussion and long may it do so.

It can be seen as a frozen in time look from, what, 1955-65?
The traditional formal dress side of Ivy is more clearly defined. Some people pursue it, but it has become more difficult to dress like that in most walks of life. I have little need or occasion to dress like a New England prep school teacher or a Madison Ave advertising man.

Then there is the more casual and collegiate side of the look. This was always in a state of flux with young guys breaking from tradition and grabbing the nearest sweatshirt or parka. Many of the staple items came from places like LL Bean and Lands End. Then there’s the military stuff.

English clothing always held a cache, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the odd Barbour or Burberry was seen on campus. Don’t forget that cricket sweaters are also tennis sweaters.

Largely we weren’t there and, if truth be told, people’s ideas of ‘what is Ivy’ have been informed by the internet and menswear forums. Hands up, that’s me!

But as you go on you form your own opinions on this stuff. I’m now far more open to continental bits and pieces. I’m not big on workwear but I can see the utility in a pair of Red Wing boots.

'1/4 Zip knitwear, Barbours, cricket sweaters, anoraks, Filson bags.'

1. no.

2. Don't like them but they might possibly be ivy. Did those late 70s Japanese photos of campus ivy HTJ unearthed a few years back include someone wearing one? If so I'll have to give them a pass. If not then they get no pass.

3. Just about acceptable, but only if everything else is textbook.

4. If they're sufficiently retro/classic I suppose so. Although the classic yellow rowing anorak is probably a nightmare to wear as I think they were made of rubber. A parka has more potential - 60/40s from the past but there are also contemporary brands that have that classic look. O'Connell's probably have some in.

5. The only ones I've seen are vintage and looked pretty tasty. If they still make them then they're probably not as good.

I think anyone who has some really strong ivy classics in their outfit can afford to have questionable items too e.g. if you're wearing pebblegrain longwings, high rise, no break chinos with big cuffs, and a Makers or v similar OCBD, then whatever else you wear will probably look ivy by association.

Last edited by Yuca (2024-05-01 11:32:57)

I’ve never been sold on the chore jacket thing and certainly wouldn’t see it as being Ivy.

It’s a reaction to the current overwhelmingly casual vibe in menswear. It caters to men who would like to put on a jacket but, apart from weddings etc, can’t quite bring themselves to wear a tailored one with lapels in case everyone will be sniggering at them for looking too posh.

The modern day equivalent of the safari suit?

My old C&A ski jacket is great for gardening. It had zip off sleeves which I no longer use. Fine except for very hot weather.

I went through a chore jacket phase... would still wear one but see why they're not liked. A slack Jacket obviously far superior!