eBay

Vtg Swedish Army 'Fatigue' Suit - 1940s+ - UK 38-40 Approx

Size '96'

Unissued - V Rare

When acquired in about 2008 - the specialist dealer described it as a 'Fatigue Suit'. However, on rediscovering the TWO (in diff sizes & BOTH advertised here); this probably isn't quite right:

I'd suggest these were 'Walking Out Suits': and designed to be worn when either: on furlow - and visiting the local town or on leave & travelling home.

Apart from a size stamp there is no other markings/manufacturer or date - which fits in with the whole BASIC/Modern-Deco UTILITARIAN ethos behind them.

By today's standards they have a 'deconstructed' & 'engineered' Style which I feel makes them very suitable to be worn everyday.

They are in a long-discontinued; tough, high-quality, med-heavy cotton twill (a hard-wearing washable equivelent to denim) in a very pleasing salt-n-pepper military Olive-Drab - yet ALSO with a subtle Tonic-Effect in Russet.

N.B. Pics. 11-14 are taken in outdoor daylight

All the pockets have reinforced stitching - again a nice design feature

Neither the jacket or trousers are lined.

The Jacket:

Follows a 1930s boxy, untailored cut and is more fitted under the arms; wider lapels; 3-buttoned, with x3 patch pockets - the breast nicely angled & reinforced detailing. Unlined & without a rear vent.

The Trousers:

Are loose-fitting, with 30s-50s much wider-cut legs (photos) and single pleats; button fly; x3 pockets with the same reinforcing details; and both belt loops & braces buttons.

Measurements:

The mannequin is an athletic 40" Chest & 6ft-1

This is probably a 37-40" Jacket, and with 32" waist Trousers

And as the pics indicate on me: a 41 & 5ft-10, who needs to lose weight: the waist is too small and the jacket a little snug. And the trousers would need shortening a LOT.

Therefore, Please check the measurement carefully - and you decide

N.B. - HOWEVER: Owing to the simple & unlined construction - a suit like this could be shortened/altered/re-tailored very easily - If required.

Jacket

Length: 30"

Shoulder-to-Shoulder: 18"

Under Arm-to-Under Arm: 22.75"

Shoulder-to Cuff: 26.5"

Under Arm-to-Cuff: 20"

Lapel Width: 3.5"

Trousers

x1 Pleat, Button-Fly.

Waist: 32"

Full Length (waist to cuff): 46" (with 1" of extra material)

Inside Leg: 33"

Rise: 13.5" (approx)

Cuff Width: 10"

N.B. Always Check Measurements Against Something Similar

Background

We've acquired a lot of vintage clothing, incl. High Street fashion, and household collectables over the last 20 years. And are now looking to slim things down, as we're intending to move at the end of 2024.

Items were acquired, through some work and expense - mostly from London markets and specialist fairs. And always selected carefully, with thought to condition, quality and whether it represented the best of the era - mostly early to Mid-60s.

Nothing will be offered that is worn out or tired - be it vintage or otherwise

As you may be aware, things of this uniqueness/quality are no longer provided by the the high street - even at the high-end. And the textiles are simply no longer available.

And, as we know the disappointment of receiving things that are not as presented, will be making every effort to describe things fully and honestly. Whilst providing any guidance on sizing we can.

Everything being sent clean & ready to wear.

N.B. For any Non-UK buyer all assistance will be given to reduce import costs

Vtg Swedish Army 'Fatiques' Suit 1940s+ - Unissued - UK 38-40

TETED

It's in a particularly striking heavy-grain Charcoal Grey/Blue-ish Smooth Tweed, with a narrow Dark Red Check. And cut to a Classic Business Suit style. And is in Perfect - New/Hardly-Worn condition.

N.B. Apologies: but due to eBay's recent changes, the software apparently now has a problem with more complex textile patterns - and swirl might appear on some of the photos - However, if you expand the picture - then take it back to original size - these swirls will disappear and you can look at things clearly : )

Also: Closeup pics 2 & 3 - give a better idea of the actual (darker) shade.

Apart from the overall quality of material, cut and finish, what makes this suit particularly stand-out is the unique, deep-grained pattern of the Medium/Heavy-weight tweed. Which could never now be replicated with the contemporary tweed fabrics that are now available.

It is in Perfect - Unworn Condition - there are NO signs of age or wear either externally or with the lining. And it may have been made for an special occasion - and probably worn only very sparingly thereafter - if at all.

N.B. The close-up of the front trouser pocket is taken in natural outdoor daylight (Pic 12)

The Jacket is slightly fitted, 3-buttoned, with angled hip pockets. And the equally unmarked lining is in a contrasting Mid-Grey satin lining - which again is perfect. There are also 3 inner breast pockets with an additional ticket pocket (a nice touch). No vent and 3-buttoned cuffs.

The Trousers are a narrow cut, with 1.5 pleats and incorporating a pair of stylish & useful front ticket/coin pockets (pic). A single, flapped rear pocket. x2 slash hip pockets, a 2" Turned Cuff & a zipped fly. The cream lining is clean & unmarked.

N.B. There are no side adjuster or belt on these - as they require braces. Nevertheless, a competent tailor could easily adapt them so they didn't have to rely on braces alone.

Measurements:

The mannequin is an athletic 40" Chest & 6ft plus

This is a 38-40 Suit.

And on me, a 40-41 & 5ft-10, it's unfortunately just a little to snug. Tho, the length and shoulders are good

Therefore, Please check the measurement carefully - and you decide

Jacket

Length: 32"

Shoulder-to-Shoulder: 19"

Under Arm-to-Under Arm: 22"

Shoulder-to Cuff: 25.5"

Under Arm-to-Cuff: 17.5"

Lapel Width: 3"

Vents: None

Trousers

1.5 Pleat, Zip-Fly.

Waist: 33"

Full Length (waist to cuff): 42" (with 2" of extra material in the Turn-up)

Inside Leg: 30"

Rise: 12.5" (approx)

Cuff Width: 9"

N.B. Always Check Measurements Against Something Similar

An Additional point:

Please try to bear in mind how this compares with what you could might get for the same price in the high street. A suit like this would now cost many £00s to have made, and in any event this weight & pattern of Tweed is no longer available :