I purchased this suit from the original owner's daughters and they were able to tell me that their mum had been a land girl during WW2, joining up in 1943, and just after the war she married and this suit was her going away outfit. I also have the suit she was married in which is in green, brown and cream tweed and is for sale seperately.
This beautiful suit was made in the 1940's and is labelled Cojana on the inner.
Made from wool in rust red and dark brown herringbone it is such a gorgeous piece with wonderful tailoring.
It has broad shoulders, a smart collar, is double breasted and has a neat fitting skirt which fastens on the left hip with poppers.
Fully lined it is a great addition to a vintage lover's wardrobe.
Measurements
The suit will best fit up to a 36-27-38, depending what you plan to wear underneath it, and is for the taller lady but to ensure that it will fit you properly, please compare the measurements below to a similar piece you already own. Please note all measurements have been taken on the outside of the piece;
Jacket
Flat bust 19"
Flat waist 15.5"
Shoulders between sleeves 16.5"
Underarm sleeve length 19"
Length 27"
Skirt
Flat waist 13.5"
Flat hip - measured 8" down - 21"
Length 28.5"
Condition
Good with some points to note;
Skirt
- 3mm hole on the front left side skirt just above the hem - only seen when held up to the light
- the back dart seam has been re-sewn - see photo
- has a slightly odd fastening with a piece of grosgrain visible on the outer skirt - not seen when the jacket is worn or a jumper would cover it
Jacket
- there are a small number of breaks to the weave where it has been nibbled by moths - mending them will make them more visible, in my opinion, so I have left them
- two small darns on the front left bodice
- a small cluster of darns on the right collar and a further cluster on the collar edge - see photo
- slight discolouration to the lining in parts
Even with all the issues, this suit is a beautiful garment in a fabulous colourway.