use or hide childhood denim jacket?

Tania

My sister gave me this Calvin Klein denim jacket when I was 11 years old (1985/86). I used it heavily for a long time, but then set it aside in my 20's. I am now 40 and wondering if I can still use it without looking crazy. For various reasons, it has sentimental value. Plus, I don't have another denim jacket and I can press this into service now.

Originally, it was hardcore 80's, with wide shoulders and sleeves tapering down. I asked a tailor to remove some of the excess fabric. She looked at me skeptically but did it. I have yet to put it into rotation.

Thoughts?

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11 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from Tania

Jules

Veteran

Looks good to me! I'm all for vintage/sentimental when it comes to classic pieces, rather than buying new, disposable of-the-moment stuff, and I don't see anything that makes this look terribly dated or off to my eye - which is admittedly not the sharpest

11 years ago

Anonymous

That's kind of cool that you still have this! It does look vintage to me though - it's still a very different cut than those on the racks right now which are much more fitted through the arm and back. Yours still has all that fullness in back. I think you can wear what you want when it comes to denim though .

11 years ago

Tania

Veteran

I am amazed that I still have this!

Yes, it doesn't look like any of the denim on the racks today, although the tailoring helped some. I definitely wouldn't have worn it before. There was a TON of fullness at the sides/under the arms that the tailor removed without ruining the rest of the jacket. Luckily, it didn't cost that much either.

I've been wearing it for a couple of hours now and it is warmer than I remember. It is 100% cotton and heavy. Sometimes I really appreciate the older stuff, although I have to be careful to pair with something modern.

11 years ago

K.M.

Veteran

Tania, I just saw your comment on my post about sentimental clothes. I also realize that we're the same age Maybe there's something about nostalgia when we turn 40?
Judging from these photos I think the jacket looks great and not very dated to my eyes. How does it look from the back? I say wear it!

11 years ago

Carla

Veteran

Looks looser and more slouchy than what is on the racks now, and therefore more 'boyfriend' style. With the heavier make and warmth you describe, sounds like it would work well as a coat layer over a big sweater or hoody and not so much an indoor piece. Put it into rotation, for sure!

11 years ago

harmonica

Veteran

Looking great! I'm all in for sentimental clothes. Keep and wear!

11 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I say go for it! I really like the front view a lot. From the side, there is a little extra fullness in the shoulder and back, but not enough that I wouldn't wear it. Looks like it fits nicely over a sweater, which makes the cut of it look intentional.

11 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

I have one from the mid 80's also. I still wear mine. It's from Eddie Bauer, and it works well with current style. I have yet to find another one that fits me as well.

11 years ago

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

Looks great! Wear!

11 years ago

retailgirl

Veteran

I have a men's Wrangler denim jacket from the 1960's. It belonged to my college roommate's uncle. I still wear it, but not as a fashion piece.

11 years ago

Dimity

Active Member

Good on you for maintaining a consistent size for so long! I like the jacket, and with cuts becoming roomier, it's probably fashion forward rather than dated!

11 years ago

Tania

Veteran

Thanks, folks.

Firecracker and Runcarla, thanks for pointing out the fullness/roominess for a sweater. It makes sense to me, but I would not have picked up on that.

11 years ago

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