Early 40s Sportswear Vintage Men's Sport Shirt Tan Poplin Pullover Knit Trim Rugby Chummy VFG
Vintage men's sportswear is hard to find, especially pre-1960. This is a casual sportswear pullover with a crewneck knit collar, waistband & cuffs. There are two patch-style chest pockets with flaps. A helpful researcher was able to find an ad for an almost identical shirt, missing only the pockets, from May 1940: "Long sleeve, slipover style sports shirt that many men are finding ideal for fishing. Styled of Zelan poplin and treated to resist rain and sports."
SIZE: Labeled M
Measurements | Inches | Cm |
Chest | 44.5" | 113 |
Shoulders | 19.25" | 48.75 |
Neck opening, stretched | 24" | 61 |
Length | 21" | 53.25 |
Sleeve length | 21.75" | 55.25 |
Shirt bottom circumference, stretched | 32" | 81 |
FABRIC/COLORS: The fabric is woven, medium to heavy weight - not as heavy as canvas. Feels like cotton, with a smooth surface. Color is tan/cream. The collar, cuffs, and bottom are done in a rib knit - also feels cottony - color is darker tan.
TAGS: Rugby Chummy "For All Good Sports". The novelty label includes a silhouette of a footballer who just made a good kick. The Rugby Knitting Mills were located in Buffalo New York, from 1905 until 1970 under several different names.
CLOSURES: N/A, the shirt pulls on over the head.
CONDITION: Someone must have played pretty rough contact sports in this, leaving multiple tan to grayish stains, even after washing - see closeups of most noticeable areas. I rather like the partial sole imprint on the right upper chest! I do not see any holes or tears. Even the ribknit seems completely intact.
I measure the outside of garments, unless stated otherwise.
For menswear, the chest is measured at armpit level.
For womenswear, the bust is measured a little below armpit level, including the room created by darts or gathers.
Waist will be measured if there is one, and hips are measured about 9" below waist level. Sleeves are measured from shoulder seam or an approximation in the absence of a shoulder seam. Garment length is measured from the back of the neck, unless otherwise stated.
The measurement numbers refer to the garment, not the body inside. For best fit, measure a similar type of garment which fits you well and compare.
If the garment is shown on Josephine, my mannequin, her measurements are 31/24.5/34". Sometimes she wears a padded bra. My live models measurements vary depending on the day and year, and I don't ask them to share that.