Inside my Pfaff?

It would help to know what model PFAFF you're referring to....vintage? New...? Antique...?

-Irene

"Jack Campin - bogus address" wrote in message news: snipped-for-privacy@news.news.demon.net...

Having done many hours researching the history of fashions when sewing theatrical costumes and reproduction clothing for museums I think I can pretty much answer your question *deep breath*.........

Sleeve garters came into use in the mid 19th century when ready made clothing was becoming readily available and men's shirts came in only a few general sizes all with extra long sleeves. (the beginning of the myth "one size fits all") These first RTW shirts also came collarless. Easier to make a general neck size in mass production and sell the collars separately that fit a particular neck size. The secondary outcome to this was that fresh collars could be put on a not so fresh shirt since jackets were almost always worn even in the common rooms of their private homes. The garters allowed sleeves to be 'customized' for individual arm length. Sleeve garters were used by most all but the very wealthiest of men who could afford custom tailored shirts. They also allowed the shirt sleeve to be pulled up further and securely held above the wrists to keep the shirt cuff and sleeve clean while working. No gentleman would roll his sleeves up to expose his arms, what if a passing lady should happen to see *gasp* BARE fore arms? Rolled back sleeves were relegated to only the very crass or much lower working class at that time. It wasn't until the mid 1940s early 1950s that RTW shirts were introduced in mass that had various sleeve lengths to fit the particular wearer. Even then there weren't as many RTW sleeve length sizes as now and the sleeve length corresponded to the neck size. If you happened to have a rather stout neck for your height the sleeves were quite longer than what would fit, better for comfort to fit neck size when purchasing a shirt, easier to adapt sleeve length with the garters. This was especially true with the buttoned, collared dress shirts in the 40s and early 50s so many men still used the garters, if need be, to hold the sleeves at the proper length to show just the right amount of cuff below a jacket sleeve.

Barbers are almost always depicted in the movies wearing sleeve garters. Most all men, not just barbers, wore sleeve garters at that time but the barber shop was one of the few places ladies would never be present so not wearing a jacket was an acceptable practice. Saloon keepers and men working in non public offices of businesses are also shown wearing sleeve garters but these were also places that "real ladies" never ventured so this did not offend "delicate sensibilities".

You just keep dreaming about the sleeve garters being Lana and Audrey type Babe Magnets........we all need our little fantasies ;)

Val

Thanks! That was interesting!

Thanks for sharing all your good info!! I just love it when people share fairly obscure but interesting info!

what a great bit of info! i really enjoyed that. i love stories about the "old days" and what and why things were.

amy in CNY

Wow, Jack, thanks for adding that . I love history and figure if I wasn't so lazy I'd be one of those people who does historical reenactment. I love the old timey clothes. Of course, I'm very, very glad that we don't still dress like that 24-7.

Sunny

You're welcome.......but the name is Val, not Jack. *chuckling*

Thanks for the background...I love this kind of unusual info! Allison

Val wrote: