
...I’d explain the provenance, but time is a scarce luxury.
Tag: M 39/40
Size: M
Color: Red
Fabric: Flannel
Material: Cotton
Measurements (cm):
Chest: 56
Length: 72
Shoulder: 48
Sleeve: 59

In case the word "acrylic" triggers the usual reflexive skepticism, here are a few useful
facts: Acrylic fabric in the 1970s bore almost no resemblance to the
flimsy, squeaky material most people associate with it today. Vintage
acrylic had a surprisingly substantial, wool-like hand-soft, dense, and
engineered to mimic natural wool fibers rather than cheap synthetics.
Unlike modern production, 1970s acrylic yarns were spun thicker and
heat-set differently, giving it real body, impressive loft, and a warm,
almost cashmere-like pile. Manufacturers actually prioritized longevity
and drape, so the material held its shape far better than contemporary
acrylic knits and resisted pilling. Where today's acrylic tends to be
lightweight and mass-produced, its 1970s counterpart was densely knit,
richly textured, and built with a durability and quality far closer to
wool or cashmere than anything in the bargain-bin synthetic category. The same holds
true for 70s poly-wool blends. It was often far superior to wear. Comfort is
determined less by raw fiber chemistry and more by fabric construction.
Older garments relied on heavier cloth, denser weaves, long-staple wool
blends. This allowed air to circulate, producing a dry, stable wearing
experience. By contrast, much of contemporary production prioritizes ultra-fine fibers, added stretch, lighter yarn
mass, and chemical finishing treatments, silicones, softeners,
anti-wrinkle coatings, that feel smooth on the hanger but tend to
collapse against the skin, trap humidity, and degrade more quickly over
time. In short, polyester chemistry has advanced, but the manufacturing
philosophy has shifted from durability and structural integrity toward
reduced cost.