Sometimes you hear the phrase, they don't make 'em like this anymore. Actually a rather tiresome phrase, however there is some truth to it sometimes - or probably quite often.
In the case of this henley - by a now long-gone company called Henriques & Løvengreen - it is true. It is a product so well-made, that it becomes almost a piece of industrial art.
This type of henley was quite common among working men. But I have found other examples of it, and none of them has been as nice and as well-made as this one. It is made of a wool-cotton blend, that has been rather tightly woven on loopwheel machines - hence no side seam. The fabric offers very little stretch, which you might expect and it feels like the reverse has been combed for softness. The colour is so amazing with the melange and irregularities in the weave.
I'm guessing that this is from the 30s to 50s, but I can't be entirely sure. If somebody knows, please tell me.
As you can see, there is some discolouration from storage. Other than that it is pristine, deadstock condition. I'm sure that the discolouration will go away if properly washed or dry cleaned.
The difference in knit on the cuffs is a great detail.
The insert in the pit is a typical detail of undergarments from back in the day.
Flawless construction and execution
This tag is so great
The stitching is perfect
All edges have been covered in this grosgrain-ish fabric
There is even a satin backing to reinforce the buttonholes and insure, that they keep their shape
In case you hadn't noticed the buttons are genuine mother of pearl buttons
Now this post wouldn't be anything without the video, that I found. The video shows the production at the Henriques&Løvengreen factory and it was made in 1910.
I can't embed it, but you can watch it here - remember to go Full screen.
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