To Palm Beach via the French Riviera

Esquire, February 1938: “Here are two important new fashions in beach wear. On the left, the combination of the new mocha-coloured linen and cotton-mixed beach shirt, made in collarless style, with seaweed-colour beach slacks that are as new in cut as they are in colour, distinguised by the four-inch waistband with self straps and buckles. The sandals are of natural colour and twine with leather soles and heels.

The other sketch shows the new beach suit in cote blue, of which the shorts are cut rather full and long, with a vent at the side, after the Tyrolean shorts from which they originally derived. The colour is that worn by the French militia, a flattering shade to men of all ages, particularly to the suntanned. The suit is two-piece, the shorts in a linen or mixed linen and cotton and the shirt in a lighter weight of the same material. The shirt carries a high set collar, four-button front, half sleeves and two patch pockets.”

I never liked espadrilles with open toes like that. But I do love trousers with double buckles. And shorts. Any tips where some good ones can be found anyone?
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Toad

Start here, you may have to cut them.

http://onlinemilitaria.net/shopexd.asp?id=1926&bc=no

Mike

It’s funny, how many clothes do have their origin in military…

Bernie

Hi Simon,

If I have a little belly fat, would a taller waistband help with slimming it down? What are the factors at play, and what would you recommend? I know 1.5 inch is standard.

Bernie

Hi Simon,

I see – would you recommend going below the average width then?

Bernie

Got it thanks!