Photodating 1930s

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1930

Through the 20s and 30s, Britain was enjoying a post-war celebratory mood and people generally had more money to spend. The Prince of Wales, briefly Edward VIII, started to champion the double-breasted jacket at this time and was instrumental in its rise in popularity as men were keen to emulate his style, in this case by dressing his sons in them.

The father in this picture is wearing houndstooth pattern cloth, a fabric humble beginnings that remained relatively obscure until the 1930s. It caught the attention of the Prince of Wales and became more well-known. The Prince adopted the pattern into most of his casual wear, which transformed houndstooth from a rustic shepherd’s pattern into a fashion statement.

Source: Moss The History of the Double-Breasted Suit; Glenmuir The history of houndstooth

1932

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