Estimated early 1960s French manufacture. A raglan-sleeve waterproof raincoat.
A special arrival.
The logo of La Poste, France's current postal authority, appears at the collar tip, suggesting this was issued as workwear to employees in the postal service sector of that era.
However, since La Poste was established in 1990 following the separation of postal and telecommunications services, this piece likely dates from the PTT era—the predecessor organization.
PTT refers to Postes, Télégraphes et Téléphones, the unified entity created in 1879 when postal and telegraph services merged under P&T before expanding to include telephone services.
With advances in communications technology and intensifying market competition, postal and telecommunications services were separated in 1990, reorganizing into two independent entities: La Poste and France Télécom.
The collar logo was in use between 1960 and 1978, placing this piece within that window. While the exact year remains uncertain, details in the stitching and stamping suggest production in the early 1960s.
Given the water-resistant fabric and generous armholes designed for layering, this appears to have functioned as an overcoat or raincoat worn over the uniform itself.
The handwarmer pockets at the center are through-style, allowing easy access to garments worn beneath.
The raglan sleeve construction, which expands arm mobility, is a welcomed detail.
When worn oversized, the fabric drapes naturally along the shoulder line, maintaining a clean silhouette.
The front closure employs a double-breasted construction with both zipper and snap buttons.
The zip slider features hardware by ECLAIR, a respected maker.
The inclusion of a chin strap, designed for when the collar is worn raised, is a detail worth appreciating.
The presence or absence of a chin strap makes a considerable difference.
When the collar is raised, the presence of a strap transforms the entire presence and atmosphere.
Inside the collar, a stamp characteristic of pieces issued to private enterprises remains visible.
Though the text has faded beyond legibility, its presence alone carries significance.
This piece is likely constructed from rubber fabric.
Rubber fabric possesses considerable elasticity, expanding and contracting fluidly with movement, thus imposing no restriction on bodily motion while providing comfortable fit.
With its superior water resistance, it protects against rain and moisture, making it well-suited to outerwear and rainwear applications.
Its durability against abrasion and tearing enables prolonged use, making it trusted across applications ranging from casual everyday wear to demanding workwear in harsh environments.
The color is black—the most versatile and widely sought option.
The distinctive character created by the combination of maxi length, the fabric's inherent sheen, and black coloring carries a subtly modern quality that will appeal to those drawn to that aesthetic.
Beyond its rarity, from the perspective of fashion itself, this is an exceptionally handsome piece, one that deserves to be worn without hesitation.
No size marking is visible, though the piece appears to correspond roughly to Japanese L to XL.
Based on actual measurements, the sizing runs generous, accommodating larger frames without issue.
Soiling, rubbing, characteristic fabric crazing, and some peeling from use are present, though no substantial damage preventing wear is evident. The piece remains entirely wearable.
A remarkably uncommon piece, almost certainly worn as rainwear in its era.
The maxi length, characteristic sheen, and black hue together create an undeniable presence—transcending the category of vintage to become a piece with resonance for all who engage seriously with fashion.
This is not something one can simply acquire by spending money, nor can future availability be assured.
Whether as an essential wardrobe piece or collectible, it merits a place of distinction.
Given how rarely such pieces surface, domestic or international, those drawn to distinctive garments should not overlook this opportunity.
