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#1 2025-01-09 15:10:20
- colin
- Bright Light
- Posts: 1374
On the dilemma of vintage finds that almost, but don't, fit
Anyone else has this recently?
I picked up a wonderful boom years olive cord jacket for peanuts (+ not so cheap postage) from one of those sellers who don't measure so well.
Arrived today and it's perfect....except it's too short for me. Heartbreak. If it was maybe even an inch and a half longer it would be passable, but just feels a little too short to wear. I'm a 40-2 long and it's a 40 reg, I'd say. Funnily the sleeves are fine in length.
Any of you ever think "I could wear this as almost no-one would notice or care"? Or even, just wear it, none of this really matters?
My fear is that I'll feel like I'm wearing one of those suits the temptations used to wear, real bumfreezer style...
#2 2025-01-10 04:15:25
- An Unseen Scene
- Member
- From: Nottingham, UK
- Posts: 1314
Re: On the dilemma of vintage finds that almost, but don't, fit
I used to try and make things work, but with less need for new clothes, I don't now.
I do recall that exact dilemma well. I ended up not buying vintage anymore it seems. This thread has caused me to realise that.
Last edited by An Unseen Scene (2025-01-10 08:38:01)
#3 2025-01-10 05:13:41
- colin
- Bright Light
- Posts: 1374
Re: On the dilemma of vintage finds that almost, but don't, fit
Decided to sell onwards. It's too short and can find a good home elsewhere. Less is more!
#4 2025-01-10 07:43:54
- FlatSixC
- Member
- Posts: 354
Re: On the dilemma of vintage finds that almost, but don't, fit
If something doesn’t fit quite you know it and are reminded of that each time you go to wear it. Sooner or later you dispose of it, so better to do that as soon as you as you realise it.
I’ve got better at buying vintage over the years, or perhaps more discerning. Overall I have scored well with shirts, jackets and coats. Less so with trousers and shoes to the point that I hardly bother with them at all, quite aside from the fact that I have more than I need.
When you buy a long sought after vintage piece that truly meets all expectations then, for me, there cannot be a more satisfying purchase. Most of my favourite pieces are vintage.
Very few modern items exhibit the quality of a deadstock or lightly worn vintage item from one of the boom years luminary makers. Point in case: for some years I had a vintage LL Bean Baxter State Parka which was in excellent condition. But fit-wise always veered towards slightly on the small side and didn’t feel quite right if I had a thick sweater on underneath it. Then I saw that LL Bean were making a re-issue of the Baxter State and I bought one during one of their never ending sales - and I sold my vintage one. The modern one is good and I am happy with it, but the gauge of the cloth it is made from is not quite as good as my old one. The lining is not as good either and it is not so warm.
#5 2025-01-10 10:46:29
- AlveySinger
- Member
- Posts: 924
Re: On the dilemma of vintage finds that almost, but don't, fit
My few vintage items have mainly been disappointments. My experience includes Pendleton, Keydge and Reyn Spooner. My only true great vintage find is Burberry raincoat.
More irritatingly I have also experienced the same with new items that theoretically should work. Case in point John Smedley sea island polos fit me well whereas their merino tops don't. Same maker and same factory.
At the tail end of last year I drew up a list of about a dozen must-haves that will keep me busy for a while. It will hopefully stop any expensive mistakes
#6 2025-01-11 02:36:04
- RobbieB
- Member
- Posts: 2239
Re: On the dilemma of vintage finds that almost, but don't, fit
I buy few vintage items. However, I have just received a v neck sleeveless jumper that was a free offer from Marrkt . To me it seems like something that was picked up in a charity shop and sent to Marrkt in the hope of making a few bob.It was a large but seemed like XL and smelt charity shop. I washed it (cotton) at high temperature but still the fit was terrible. I'm going to dump it in a charity shop today. I'm no longer interested in trying to fool myself into believing something fits when it clearly doesn't .
'I am a closet optimist' Leonard Cohen.
#7 2025-01-11 10:57:47
- Tomiskinky
- Member
- Posts: 3288
Re: On the dilemma of vintage finds that almost, but don't, fit
I’ve been pretty lucky with vintage finds, but those few that have not fit have gone to the wife
During lockdown I picked up some lovely green McQueen style slacks and a pair of Jutes both 60s Wrangler which fit her fabulously. I recently picked up some very tidy ‘58 Levi’s sateen cinch backs, sold in pairs for $11, so ended up with 4 pairs in 2 colour ways. Two pairs were a little small so now we can wear matching trousers haha.
Last edited by Tomiskinky (2025-01-11 10:59:10)