Retro Monday – Elegant Menswear

When I buy a vintage knitting pattern for its comedic value alone, its more likely to be a menswear pattern than anything else. It’s also quite likely to be from the 70s or 80s.

There are so many second-hand patterns in the op-shops from the decades that taste forgot that it’s easy to forget there was a time when men’s knitwear was stylish, elegant and even beautiful.

So after last week’s foray into the ugliest of men’s knitwear, I thought I should share some patterns that give knitting for men a good name.

Patons Knitting Book No 338 looks like it’s from the 1940s to me. Fair Isle when done well is timeless and it’s tricky to date this one more precisely – most vintage patterns don’t carry copyright stamps so you need to take cues from the general styling.

Fair Isle vests remained in style since they were made popular by the Prince of Wales in the 1930s, right up until the 1980s – and they seem to be popular again.

Of the these two patterns, I think I prefer the blue one (below). The first is a bit “zig-zaggy” for my taste and the main motif – while nice – isn’t especially unique.

The second vest makes better use of contrast in both hue and tone. The yellow against the purple is especially effective.

I’d be very happy to knit either of these and I really think I’ll make the second one. I’ll probably end up altering the pattern slightly with a deeper “v” for the neckline to make it a little less mannish so I can wear it myself.

So there you have it – proof that vintage menswear patterns can be stylish.

(Please note that I do not own the copyright to any patterns featured in Retro Monday. Unfortunately this means I make or send out copies).