An estimated 1960s French manufacture—a brown salt and pepper cotton piqué hunting jacket.
The "Hunting Jacket" stands as a definitive piece within French workwear.
During that era, such garments were worn by the upper classes as pursuits of sport and leisure.
Rarely conceived as workwear, these jackets were favored by only a select few for sporting activities and recreation. This scarcity meant they were never mass-produced by manufacturers, but rather crafted as bespoke pieces—a luxury unto themselves.
This particular example employs cotton piqué, a staple fabric of French workwear.Its light brown tone pairs readily with other French workwear pieces, offering considerable versatility to one's wardrobe.
Brown cotton piqué appears in circulation somewhat less frequently than its grey counterpart.
Further distinguishing this piece, the fabric carries a salt and pepper construction—threads of light brown interwoven with charcoal grey, evoking the character of a brown chambray.
The resulting texture, born from this interplay of tone, possesses an undeniable allure.
Within French workwear, chambray and salt and pepper fabrics command considerable regard and prove remarkably difficult to source—a scarcity that speaks to their desirability.
Whilst corduroy and wool restrict wear to colder seasons, cotton piqué permits year-round use, ensuring this piece remains versatile across all months.
The piece presents all the hallmarks characteristic of French design: a generously rounded collar, horn buttons, and an A-line silhouette.
As befits a hunting jacket, the back features a substantial game pocket for carrying one's quarry.
This example further distinguishes itself with a chin strap—a feature present only on select examples.
The presence of a chin strap versus its absence represents an considerable difference.
Beyond the inherent value to the piece, when the collar is raised and secured, one assumes an unmistakable bearing—an presence difficult to articulate, yet impossible to deny.
Locating a hunting jacket with chin strap across any era proves a formidable undertaking. Should one appear, it warrants immediate consideration.
The interior bears an embroidered label from SAINT-ETIENNE, rendered in red and green upon natural linen.
Examples bearing embroidered labels of this vintage remain sought after by many collectors.
No size marking remains legible, though the garment appears to correspond to an L to XL.
The actual measurements suggest a generous cut—suitable for larger frames without compromise.
A smaller frame wearing this piece with ease conveys an effortless quality, rendering it accommodating across varied silhouettes.
The garment exhibits signs of use and minor soiling, yet presents no significant damage that would restrict wear.
Faint traces of fasteners near the cuff suggest minimal wearing history.
The "Hunting Jacket" remains indispensable to any discussion of French vintage.
Those examples embodying the most foundational details and fabrics possess an timeless quality.
Prices for hunting jackets have steadily climbed. Should one seek such a piece, this moment merits serious consideration.
