Welcome to The Ivy League Look

This blog presents a historical view through articles, photographs, reminiscences, and advertisements, of an American style of men's fashion of the mid-20th century known as "The Ivy League Look" or "The Ivy Look."

This blog will not present modern-day iterations of this "look"; it will be shown in its original context as an American style worn during this specific era. Author commentary will be kept to a minimum.

This is not a commercial site and links to commercial sites will not be posted.

May 31, 2010

"Chipp Has the Stuff", 1948

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Source:

The Cavalier Daily (University of Virginia) - 10/16/48

May 28, 2010

Step up close and sniff real ivy, 1965

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Notice with what unaffected ease you take on today's trim lines. Natural shoulders are smooth and comfortable - and carefully Bond-tailored to stay that way. Lap seams and hook vent are exactly right to the fraction of an inch. Trousers hang straight and slim. You're looking at Ivy "summa cum laude."

Source:

Milwaukee Journal - 9/17/65

[Ed. comment: Sniff? No, thank you. I'm more of a visual learner.]

May 25, 2010

Norman Hilton, 1962

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"The larger notch, more rounded front and longer hook vent are our own design. All seams are lapped and the trousers are unpleated, of course."

Source:

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - 5/16/62

May 20, 2010

Post Toasties, 1959

(click to enlarge)

Source:

LIFE magazine - 8/24/59 via JonWilliamson.com

[Author comment: Nice red (oxford or chambray?) button-down and P-3 frames.]

May 17, 2010

May 12, 2010

Natural Shoulder, 1947

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All the Ivy details from Leftees Ltd. in 1947.

Source:

Pittsburgh Post Gazette - 5/19/47

May 8, 2010

Blue Bell, Ivy-style slacks, 1958

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Source:

LIFE magazine - 9/1/58

May 1, 2010

Elliott Gant and "The Bush", 1966

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"Say 'Gant' to those who are 'with it' and they know you mean The Shirt. The one with the button-down rolled collar, back button and hanger loop with tapered shirt to wear with tight pants."

Source:

The Miami News - 12/6/66

Author comment: This article appeared in the "Woman's World" section.