Hi ladies,
One of the pleasures of choosing pieces for The Alley is finding a jacket that still feels relevant decades after it was made. This vintage Aquascutum blazer is exactly that sort of find. Charcoal grey wool, fine pinstripes and a beautiful black velvet collar: it has presence without needing anything elaborate around it.
What caught my eye was the balance of structure and softness. The shoulders give it shape, the waist is gently defined, and the longer line sits over the hips. Then there are the velvet-covered buttons, which echo the collar and bring a lovely richness to the wool. These are the details I look for when choosing vintage clothing—details that make a piece feel considered.
A London tailoring story
Aquascutum began in London in 1851, founded by tailor John Emary. Its history is closely connected with outerwear and the development of waterproof fabric; even its name combines the Latin words for water and shield.
Although many of us first think of Aquascutum trench coats, this blazer offers another way to enjoy the house’s tailoring heritage. The pinstripe is quietly distinctive, while the velvet collar gives it a softer, more dressed-up finish.
A little history inside the jacket
The original label reads “Aquascutum of London” and “Made in England”, with a crest and the wording “Grant of Arms to Aquascutum”. It is a lovely detail to find inside a vintage piece.
Aquascutum’s published history places its Grant of Arms within its 1980–1990 timeline. We believe this jacket may date from the late 1980s– early 1990s, although we cannot confirm its exact production date. With vintage, I prefer to share what we can establish and leave room for what we cannot.
The label adds interest, but it is the jacket itself that makes me want to wear it: the texture of the wool, the restrained pinstripe and the contrast of the black velvet.
How I would wear it now
For a beautifully simple look, I would start with black tailored trousers and an ivory top. That lets the collar and buttons do the work, with very little else needed.
For something more relaxed, try straight-leg jeans, a fine knit and loafers. I love the way denim makes a tailored jacket feel easy enough for an ordinary day.
And for an evening out, I would wear it over a simple slip dress. The velvet gives it just enough richness, while the longer silhouette provides a lovely contrast to the dress beneath.
Carefully chosen for The Alley
This jacket is made in England from 100% wool and is in immaculate vintage condition, with no signs of wear. It has four velvet-covered front buttons, three matching buttons on each cuff, front flap detailing and a centre back vent.
There is no size label, which is indicative of the era, so we have estimated approximately UK 14/16. As always, please compare the measurements with a jacket that fits you well, allowing room for movement and anything you plan to wear underneath.
- Bust: 40 inches
- Shoulder to shoulder: 17 inches
- Sleeve length: 24 inches
- Length: 29 inches
For me, this is the pleasure of vintage: finding something beautifully made, appreciating the details and giving it a place in a wardrobe today.
Explore the vintage Aquascutum blazer at The Alley.
With love,
Alli
Beautiful Clothes. Carefully Chosen.