Vintage 1940s Tuxedo Tails Suit by Classy Formal Wear

This is a vintage 1940s tuxedo tails suit consisting of a short front, long-tailed formal jacket with matching trousers. The jacket features padded shoulders, peaked faille / grosgrain faced lapels, a six-button double-breasted front that is worn open and a chest pocket. The rear is cut away into long tails with decorative buttons at the waist seam and a fully satin-lined interior. The matching high-waisted trousers have a pleated front and a double satin stripe down the outside of each leg. They fasten with a metal fly and include interior suspender buttons. There are no labels in the jacket, but the trousers retain a "Classy Formal Wear" label.

Label: Classy Formal Wear (trousers only).  Classy was founded in 1919 by Marcus Hecht in Montreal and transitioned from tailoring to specializing in formal wear, eventually becoming pioneers in rental.  They remained family run until the 1990s and closed in 2010

Fabric: Wool

Sizing: No size tag; although this vintage 1940s tuxedo tails suit should fit a small to medium size (US 36/38), please rely on the following measurements for fit (taken from the outside while flat):

Jacket:

Shoulders: 19 1/2”

Sleeves: 25”

Sleeve inseam: 17 1/2”

Chest: 39”

Waist: 34”

Overall length (front): 19”

Tail length (from center back): 44”

Pants:

Waist: 32” with back seam closed (30" stated on label), 34” with the seam open (as it is now)

Hips: 40”

Inseam: 33”

Outseam: 45”

Condition: This vintage 1940s tuxedo tails suit is in very good condition. The back seam has been opened, probably because the original owner gained weight.  I know that he eventually wore a 33” waist.  I’ll leave it like this so that you can decide how to size it for your waist.  Otherwise, there is no pronounced wear, soiling, staining or odour, but, of course, it would benefit from a dry cleaning and pressing. 

This is a fine example of a vintage 1940s tuxedo tails suit—ideal for period costume or formal events.