Vintage Jean-Claude Poitras Jacket 1980s New Wave Windbreaker

This is a wonderful mens outer jacket, almost like a bomber style windbreaker, made in a “new wave” style designed by Jean-Claude Poitras, a noted Canadian fashion designer, active from 1972 into the 2000s.  This Jean-Claude Poitras jacket is made with raised ribs in tones of yellowish grey against a black background - the content label is washed out, but I’m fairly certain that this is made of a velour, very soft to the touch.  The jacket is trimmed in black leather along the opening and bottom edge and along the pocket openings.  There is a leather sizing tab at either bottom side that secures with a leather button.  The collar, cuffs and bottom back are made of ribbed elasticized fabric.  The jacket has a four leather button front and closes with buttons at the top and bottom and also with an interior button at the top and bottom.  The lady whom I acquired this from, and who had some association with Jean-Claude Poitras, told me that it was her husband’s jacket.   It has design features of the New Wave fashion movement - wide shoulders, wide raglan sleeves that taper somewhat to the cuff, a box pleat along the sides at the back and a body that tapers to the bottom.  There is a vertical pocket built into either side.  The jacket is fully lined in a black quilted fabric that is stuffed with filler for extra warmth. 

Label: Jean-Claude Poitras.  Jean-Claude Poitras was quite prolific, designing under his own labels, and also for Montreal manufacturers Beverini, Auckie Sanft and Irving Samuel.  Jean-Claude Poitras is the recipient of numerous design awards, the Order of Canada and the subject of a retrospective at the McCord Museum of Montreal.

Sizing: No size is indicated on this Jean-Claude Poitras jacket, and although this should fit a medium size, please rely on the following measurements for fit, noting in particular the waist as this is more fitted than the rest of the jacket:

Shoulders: 18” across, estimated due to the raglan sleeve

Sleeves: 25 1/2” from the estimated shoulder, 34 1/2” from the mid-neck to the cuff edge

Sleeve inseam: 16 3/4”

Chest:  48” around, taken under the arms

Bottom:  33” around with the tabs buttoned, stretches out to 36” max, with the tabs unbuttoned, stretches out to 38” max - this is meant to be fitted

Overall length:  23 1/2”, measured flat

Condition:  This Jean-Claude Poitras jacket is in excellent condition with no stains, odour, tear or wear - this jacket has been well cared for.

This is an interesting jacket made by Canadian fashion designer Jean-Claude Poitras in a rarely seen style - great 80s New Wave look!