40s-/50s-style quarter-length sleeve T-shirts?

[bigbrother690]

For years and years I've been very interested in the very short-sleeve style of T-shirt you see on WWII service members, Marlon Brando, and the like. References:

https://maritime.org/pres/potrack/pots.htm

https://49fe30bb3aa7406c16dc-5c968119d095dc32d807923c59347cc2.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/2013.150.202_1.jpg

http://www.bungojungo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/kenclark21.jpg

https://img.posterlounge.co.uk/images/big/1870228.jpg

https://media.newyorker.com/photos/5ac3a6d7fcbcc5334fdfad94/master/pass/571109_r31901.jpg

https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/a73c...at&fit=max&s=6def5b687b07c9db1810438fe32119da

I've found nothing pre-made that's cut like this for men today (I even tried women's cuts which did somewhat well, but failed in certain parts.) My best approximation is a style of Uniqlo T-shirt that fits well and I roll the sleeves. I had my tailor try fixing the roll, and then just shortening the sleeves, and neither worked out well.

Do you know anyone who might make these today?

There are a few WWII repro vendors who make these but they're usually very expensive and sold overseas from me:

U.S. Navy :: Plain

For those who appreciate the fine details and quality of a vintage garment, and therefore the absolute authenticity of a high-end reproduction, the Eastman US Navy T is sure to delight; this is the definitive, design-classic, basic white T of all time.

www.eastmanleather.com

https://www.eastmanleather.com/318/us-navy-plain.jpg

and aren't available in the usual spectrum of T-shirt colors available today (I'd like different grays, black, etc. in addition to white.)

Thanks all!

 

[dieworkwear]

Try Levi's Vintage Clothing's 1950s t-shirt. It's a reproduction of the tee that Levi's sold in the 1950s.

The tee is available at End in the UK, Canoe Club, Stag Provisions, and most Levi's flagships (possibly also Levi's online store). If you can't find it online, you can call the Levi's flagship in San Francisco. I'm sure they can do a phone order.

 

[bigbrother690]

Try Levi's Vintage Clothing's 1950s t-shirt. It's a reproduction of the tee that Levi's sold in the 1950s.

The tee is available at End in the UK, Canoe Club, Stag Provisions, and most Levi's flagships (possibly also Levi's online store). If you can't find it online, you can call the Levi's flagship in San Francisco. I'm sure they can do a phone order.

I recall looking at them online and they’re a bit too loose (at least in the photos) for what I’m after, unfortunately:

https://www.levi.com/US/en_US/apparel/clothing/tops/1950s-sportswear-t-shirt/p/408500072

Plus at $88 a pop I can’t really justify buying the ~10 I’d want . Thanks though!

 

[pwbower]

Have you looked at Bronson MFG? I just got their ss breton tee and the ringspun tube, both of which make me feel like I should be swabbing a deck.

T-Shirts

Discover our collection of T-shirts for men. Our collection is crafted from the finest fabrics and classic tailoring.

bronsonshop.com

 

[bigbrother690]

Have you looked at Bronson MFG? I just got their ss breton tee and the ringspun tube, both of which make me feel like I should be swabbing a deck.

T-Shirts

Discover our collection of T-shirts for men. Our collection is crafted from the finest fabrics and classic tailoring.

bronsonshop.com

Had a look- they're certainly close but I feel the sleeves aren't short enough.

 

[comrade]

He looks like he would be served for dinner on a World War II submarine.

 

[bigbrother690]

He looks like he would be served for dinner on a World War II submarine.


View attachment 1630016

It’s funny, not sure if you’re referring to his build or his grooming, but most of the men in WWII were far more diminutive than today owing to the subpar nutrition of the era and the Depression specifically. Most were also extremely young. Point is, many men on a submarine in WWII looked exactly like this guy. Try shopping for vintage military uniforms from the era and you’ll see what I mean. A size 38 was midrange to large... or sitting in WWII-era vehicles and equipment. As an example of all this, have a look at the two pilots who got up in the air during Pearl Harbor and actually shot down several Japanese planes. They did not look like Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett ...

https://www.history.com/.image/t_share/MTU3ODc4NjA0MzI0OTM5NDg3/hith-pearl-harbor-welch-and-taylor-070211-f-9999s-026-2.jpg

Boy Scouts anyone? Yeah, WWII guys were often built and looked like kids today.

 

[double00]

that style is called *cap sleeve* t shirt for internet search

poking around looks like rick owens has done an oversize, champion offers a raglan version as stock looks like there are a couple of makers it's a pretty basic athletic style even if not super widely available

looking at the pics i think you could easily handsew your hemline on a base of your choice those are set-in sleeves in the pics not particularly boxy set at all

i really like this direction btw is good n interesting

 

[yungchomsky]

Wythe makes a tee this season that's exactly what you're looking for imo: https://wythenewyork.com/products/tubular-pocket-tee-shirt-natural

 

[pwbower]

Had a look- they're certainly close but I feel the sleeves aren't short enough.

The breton shirt in particular has pretty darn short sleeves, I'd say.

 

[pwbower]

It’s funny, not sure if you’re referring to his build or his grooming, but most of the men in WWII were far more diminutive than today owing to the subpar nutrition of the era and the Depression specifically. Most were also extremely young. Point is, many men on a submarine in WWII looked exactly like this guy. Try shopping for vintage military uniforms from the era and you’ll see what I mean. A size 38 was midrange to large... or sitting in WWII-era vehicles and equipment. As an example of all this, have a look at the two pilots who got up in the air during Pearl Harbor and actually shot down several Japanese planes. They did not look like Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett ...

https://www.history.com/.image/t_share/MTU3ODc4NjA0MzI0OTM5NDg3/hith-pearl-harbor-welch-and-taylor-070211-f-9999s-026-2.jpg

Boy Scouts anyone? Yeah, WWII guys were often built and looked like kids today.

Oh my goodness, they do look like children!

 

[bigbrother690]

Wythe makes a tee this season that's exactly what you're looking for imo: https://wythenewyork.com/products/tubular-pocket-tee-shirt-natural

ARE YOU. FREAKING. KIDDING ME?!?!?! . OH MY GOD, this is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for for YEARS. Did you read their description? It’s like someone simply rewrote my original post. Like... I can’t believe this. I’m buying these yesterday!! Thank you so, so, so much!!!!

 

[comrade]

It’s funny, not sure if you’re referring to his build or his grooming, but most of the men in WWII were far more diminutive than today owing to the subpar nutrition of the era and the Depression specifically. Most were also extremely young. Point is, many men on a submarine in WWII looked exactly like this guy. Try shopping for vintage military uniforms from the era and you’ll see what I mean. A size 38 was midrange to large... or sitting in WWII-era vehicles and equipment. As an example of all this, have a look at the two pilots who got up in the air during Pearl Harbor and actually shot down several Japanese planes. They did not look like Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett ...

https://www.history.com/.image/t_share/MTU3ODc4NjA0MzI0OTM5NDg3/hith-pearl-harbor-welch-and-taylor-070211-f-9999s-026-2.jpg

Boy Scouts anyone? Yeah, WWII guys were often built and looked like kids today.

I meant he looks very effeminate compared to the rough tattooed submarine
kitchen crew depicted in the piece. As for size and nutrition of WW II participants,
a sample from my family: My dad was a very muscular college lacrosse player,
and my cousin, who is still alive at 96, was about 6'3" carried a BAR through
France and Germany.