Jacket, lounge suit jacket

This is one of thirteen different styles of coats and jackets, reproduced in miniature (50% of full size) as samples for display in the window of Harold Sims' tailor's shop at 118 Bishopsgate in the City of London. Mr. Sims came up with the idea during the Second World War when fabric was rationed and in short supply. He made the dummies on which they were displayed from papier maché built up around a wooden frame. Each model required approximately three quarters of a yard of fabric.

The Tailor and Cutter magazine published a short article about the innovation on 15 July 1949 under the title, 'Manikin Parade for Men', commenting, 'They go down very well with customers, save cloth and have the effect of enlarging the available window space'. The firm continued to use them in their window and shop until 2002 when Sims & MacDonald, as they were now known, had to move from their Gresham Street premises because the street was being redeveloped. They re-located to Lamb's Conduit Street in Holborn.

Lounge suit jacket, produced in miniature. Navy blue twill weave wool, with white pin stripe. Single breasted, fastening with three plastic buttons. Vent at centre back. Pointed cuffs fastening with single black plastic button. The jacket is unlined, revealing interlinings at shoulders (cotton waste) and fronts, (felt, and two different weights of hair cloth). Pocket at left breast and one at left and right hip. Button hole in left lapel. Hand finished.