An Adolphe Lafont black moleskin work jacket, estimated to date from the 1940s.
A special arrival.
Adolphe Lafont, particularly revered among French workwear brands.
Adolphe Lafont was established in 1844 in Lyon, France, by Adolphe Lafont, an itinerant merchant.
What began as a textile shop evolved when his son, Adolphe Benoît Lafont, added a tailoring workshop in 1875.
Subsequently, Adolphe Lafont, the grandson, began manufacturing workwear as the foundation of the business.
The first items produced were carpenter trousers in corduroy.
He registered the trademark 'Adolphe Lafont Lyon' in 1896 and, having dressed generations of laborers, passed away in 1952.
From Adolphe Lafont, a house with nearly two centuries of heritage, we present the steadfast classic of French workwear: the black moleskin jacket.
The moleskin jacket has become the enduring standard of French work attire.
The name derives, as the story goes, from the fabric's resemblance to mole skin in texture.
To the touch, one discovers a smoothness and weight that belies its cotton composition.
The secret lies in the weave itself.
Moleskin is constructed through satin weave, one of the three primary weaving structures.
Satin weave, composed of warp and weft numbering five or more threads, presents minimal float, allowing only warp or weft to appear on the surface.
The result is a dense, thick fabric with remarkable flexibility, a supple hand, and pronounced sheen.
Such density and flexibility in construction explain why moleskin became the fabric of choice for workwear, protecting those laboring in unforgiving conditions.
This piece employs black moleskin, considerably rarer than its blue counterpart.
Black's versatility makes it sought after by many.
The black of this jacket, characteristic of the moleskin used, has faded with age into a soft white-grey.
It was worn as genuine workwear in its day, and its functionality remains uncompromised.
Regardless of era, brand, or condition, work jackets in black moleskin are scarce.
A Adolphe Lafont example elevates the rarity considerably.
Inside, an embroidered tag appears—a mark of earlier Adolphe Lafont pieces, seldom encountered.
A Adolphe Lafont piece commands respect within French workwear circles.
Its value exceeds other labels, and with greater age comes greater scarcity.
No size marking is visible, but the proportions suggest a fit equivalent to Japanese M to L.
The actual measurements suggest this is a golden size for Japanese proportions, accommodating a range of builds.
It will suit both a tailored fit and an oversized silhouette.
Fading, soiling, creasing, loose threads, small punctures, and tears mark its history, yet no significant damage impedes wear.
Should any damage concern you, future repairs will extend its life considerably.
Adolphe Lafont, an essential reference in French workwear discourse.
Earlier examples, particularly, have grown distinctly elusive.
As wardrobe or collection alike, this piece merits consideration.
A black moleskin jacket from Adolphe Lafont bearing an embroidered tag of early vintage arrives perhaps once per year. Its rarity is substantial. Should you seek such a piece, this opportunity warrants attention.
