When was fusing as a suit construction method invented?

[Tangfastic]

I was wondering when the technique of fusing was invented and from what time it became the normal construction method for cheaper suits.
Before fusing was there another cost and labour saving method of suit construction? Will a suit made before a certain date always be fully canvassed?

 

[Joe Cool]

Good question, I'd be interested in knowing the answer to this myself.

 

[jefferyd]

It was invented in 1967 but it took them a long time to a) get it right and b) get people on board. Prior to that, all suits were made with basted canvas.

 

[Chips]

Good question! I occasionally wondered the same thing. And for the life of me, when I try to do the pinch trick on a suit ( 3 inches in and 3 inches up from the bottom) to feel for the presence or absence of a fused liner, I can't tell if what I'm feeling is a floating stitched canvas, or an glued in fusing.....

 

[luftvier]

Originally Posted by Chips

Good question! I occasionally wondered the same thing. And for the life of me, when I try to do the pinch trick on a suit ( 3 inches in and 3 inches up from the bottom) to feel for the presence or absence of a fused liner, I can't tell if what I'm feeling is a floating stitched canvas, or an glued in fusing.....

If it's easy to pinch and roll the fabric, then it's canvassed.

If you have to fight with it and it feels stiff, likely fused.

 

[jefferyd]

Start with a lightweight suit that you know is canvas, just to get the feel for it. The layer in between the front and the facing (the canvas) is usually fairly easy to feel, except some sportcoats.

 

[phxlawstudent]

Originally Posted by Chips

Good question! I occasionally wondered the same thing. And for the life of me, when I try to do the pinch trick on a suit ( 3 inches in and 3 inches up from the bottom) to feel for the presence or absence of a fused liner, I can't tell if what I'm feeling is a floating stitched canvas, or an glued in fusing.....

The arms are free floating fabric. If the suit feels exactly like the arms, then its canvassed at the bottom. Keep in mind there is half canvassing too. Brooks does that on their 1818 line, and so does Boss on their Selection line RTW.

Eventually you learn the difference between fusing. Fusing will feel different when rubbed together. Its hard sometimes. Just spend a lot of time with the garment and continue being skeptical, until there is absolutely no doubt in your mind that the fabric in the chest rubs against itself in the exact same manner as the fabric in the arms.

 

[Sterling Gillette]

I could only have dated it to mid 60s but jefferyd was both quicker and more precise.

 

[sho'nuff]

Originally Posted by phxlawstudent

The arms are free floating fabric. If the suit feels exactly like the arms, then its canvassed at the bottom. Keep in mind there is half canvassing too. Brooks does that on their 1818 line, and so does Boss on their Selection line RTW.

Eventually you learn the difference between fusing. Fusing will feel different when rubbed together. Its hard sometimes. Just spend a lot of time with the garment and continue being skeptical, until there is absolutely no doubt in your mind that the fabric in the chest rubs against itself in the exact same manner as the fabric in the arms.

that is exactly how i see if for the canvassed front. if it feels like liquid/fluid it is most certainly canvassed. if it is stiff a little bit, i dont really know.

 

[Tangfastic]

Originally Posted by jefferyd

It was invented in 1967 but it took them a long time to a) get it right and b) get people on board. Prior to that, all suits were made with basted canvas.
Thanks! that's the sort of question I could only get answered here. Even quick google and wikipedia searches didn't turn that information up.