Tweed jacket and trousers

[arch]

I have a suit from 1948 that is going strong.

[hectorm]

I think the answer is that it depends. If the cloth ......

Thank you, Couch, for taking the time. I appreciate your answer.

..the Row tradition of cutting two real with two sham buttons on sleeves originated so that fathers could pass on their indestructible jackets to their sons, even if shortening the sleeves might be required.

I believe you meant: "even if lengthening the sleeves might be required". As you know, when you have your sleeves shortened the functioning cuff buttonholes get ungainly close to the end. When you have them lengthened, the tailor can add one more buttonhole and leapfrog down the top button without leaving a hole behind.

[couch]

You're most welcome, hectorm, and of course you're correct on the direction of sleeve alteration. Mea culpa.

(I have really long arms, so I fail to imagine the possibility of lengthening the sleeves on any of my own coats. Classic example of projection bias. So I always commission four real . . . . )

[hectorm]

I have really long arms, so I fail to imagine the possibility of lengthening the sleeves on any of my own coats. So I always commission four real . . . . )

And in the case someone is lucky enough to inherit your jackets and needs to lengthen the sleeves, he can always have five real.... I think the eccentricity would be worth while

[Concordia]

Or just lengthen the sleeve without moving the buttons, and pretend he got it in Naples.

[davidhuh]

I think the answer is that it depends. If the cloth was woven of high-quality yarns, retaining some of the natural lanolin after scouring and finishing, was not woven under extremely high tension, and has not been subject to harsh chemicals in finishing or cleaning solvents, then I'd imagine it started out with the capability of quite a long life.

Gentlemen,

I agree with Couch, this is my experience. The only cloth worth considering as vintage is the old sturdy stuff you do not get anymore. I have things made up with cloth back to the 1960s, and it performs very well.

Cheers, David