Northern Uniform .... Button Down's ?

[Godzilla]

Agree with Baz.

Surely everyone should wear what they would wear on a normal night down the pub. Otherwise it's a bit fancy dress isn't it?

Agreed. I also find this particular style guarantees your own space on the dancefloor too

Godz

[Chris L]

All depends on your age I would say,started on the club soul scene as it was then aound 1970,now the clothes I wore in those days that I still wear sometimes on the scene are Ben Sherman shirts,Harrington jackets levi/wrangler jeans/ jackets,so there you have it,bring on the sarcasm,ridicule etc!

I started my NS life late '71, as a Londoner going up Norf I was struck how scruffy and

fashionless they were. Take a look at that Torch CD with Alan Day and Martyn Ellis,

tank tops and bare bellies. I never saw a Harrington clad lad when I went to a NS venue,

until now that is.

Funny enough I wear button down collars, a sort of Sta-Prest trousers and plain caps to

the office (US company, very conservative).

Chris L

[Winnie :-)]

I started my NS life late '71, as a Londoner going up Norf I was struck how scruffy and

fashionless they were. Take a look at that Torch CD with Alan Day and Martyn Ellis,

tank tops and bare bellies. I never saw a Harrington clad lad when I went to a NS venue,

until now that is.

Funny enough I wear button down collars, a sort of Sta-Prest trousers and plain caps to

the office (US company, very conservative).

Chris L

=============

Chris, is that one of them there checked ben sherberts in your avatar, the ones Mikey and Stu were on about earlier in the thread?

[Guest Matt Male]

Just found this on ebay

Looks like Nige was right all along...

https://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-HAWAII-UI-MAIK...1QQcmdZViewItem

Matt

Edited March 16, 2006 by Matt Male

[Winnie :-)]

Just found this on ebay

Looks like Nige was right all along...

https://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-HAWAII-UI-MAIK...1QQcmdZViewItem

Matt

===========

Very HB

I might take one to Prestatyn with me, not quite as fruit salad as that one though

[Guest SteveC]

What a great thread Jon - uniforms/clothes on the scene. I feel that the majority of us just want to look smart nowadays in comparison to adhering to a uniform type in the 70's & 80's. Me I'm always too sweaty to worry about appearances after 5 mins of being in a venue but I do recall some individual items of attire that were donned over the years that were special.

Best dancing shoes circa 79-81 were the crapiest, cheapest grey plastic soled shoes with - wait for it - purple canvas uppers. Looked awful but great for dancing - especially spinning (when I could).

Can anyone remember The 'A' Team from Northampton circa 79-early 80's, Steve and Tony (RIP) , Bob and Sparky who used to attend venues such as Fleet, Hinckley etc with green flying suits. Loved em and sought one (quite easily as I was in the forces) and it was cool to dance in however kept on wondering why people were always approaching me with hope in their eyes and a fiver in their hand . (See pic)

The best trollies I ever had were a pair of blue spencer zoots just after they'd started designing pegs and bowies in addition to the normal bags. I'd had a pair of beige corduruoy 50" bags specially made (f****** awful) and then dyed them black (told you I've never looked smart, especially for someone of Italian origin). Heavy - stupid!!!!

These blue spencer zoots with the 4 pleats either side at the front were on every weekend (only spoilt by the purple canvas things donned for dancing). The bowies had 4x4 at the front and the same at the back (too much) and the pegs may have had either 1 or 2 either side. My zoots lasted years.

Sorry I've gone on but you've brought out a bit of nostalgia guys. Thanks.

Edited March 16, 2006 by SteveC

[Mak]

I remember going to my first club back in 1970 like it was yesterday, bottle green leather levi jacket,white Fred Perry, Lee Rider jeans with 3/4 inch turn-up, and brogues. I have managed to get a leather levi jacket again, just looking for a TV, SX 200 now

[jonbuck]

What a great thread Jon - uniforms/clothes on the scene. .

Well there are Some Northern~Uniform~Fashions that I think won't be making a comeback EVER....American Scout Shirts ....Embroided Berets ....& them Highwaisted Cords with the pockets halfway down yer legs....I remember the Plastic Shoes, I blame Steve "Strange" Harrington for a lot of those outrageous clothes in the early 70's....Anything Steve wore would soon be copied even if it was Crap....

Those where the days....

Jon Buck

[Mak]

Well there are Some Northern~Uniform~Fashions that I think won't be making a comeback EVER....American Scout Shirts ....Embroided Berets ....& them Highwaisted Cords with the pockets halfway down yer legs....I remember the Plastic Shoes, I blame Steve "Strange" Harrington for a lot of those outrageous clothes in the early 70's....Anything Steve wore would soon be copied even if it was Crap....

Those where the days....

Jon Buck

Don't forget your black fist carved out of wood tied round your neck and a pair of leather rally gloves

[caseoftyme]

Paynes Cafe Royal

Llandudno

1972

for more like this visit

www.paynesreunion.co.uk

[Guest SteveC]

Don't forget your black fist carved out of wood tied round your neck and a pair of leather rally gloves

Shit - thats spooky Mac. I have one of those black fists which was purcahsed by my Carole only 10 or so years ago. Will try and dig it out and post the phot. Sure people would love to see that. Happy to say I've never wore it round my neck or around any other part of my anatomy.

[caseoftyme]

here's another

[Winnie :-)]

People seem to be forgetting the most important part of the uniform for men.......the moustache

We were the 'Peter Wyngarde' clones

Winnie:-)

[Guest Rowly]

Italian made shirts high collared button down shirts (double button on neck)

John Smedley knit tops (or similar)

Levi's 501's preferably vintage Big E with selvadge seam

Bespoke Tailored trousers (Mohair, naturally!)

Bespoke Tailored Suit (Mohair, naturally!)

Loafers (Bass or Dexter) (STOP USING TALC YOU FEKKERS! )

Bally suede square toe laceups (STOP USING TALC YOU FEKKERS! )

Italian Suede Square toe loafers (STOP USING TALC YOU FEKKERS! )

Italian Square toed tassel loafers (STOP USING TALC YOU FEKKERS! )

Italian Basket Weave loafers (STOP USING TALC YOU FEKKERS! )

Uniform? What uniform!!

[jonbuck]

People seem to be forgetting the most important part of the uniform for men.......the moustache We were the 'Peter Wyngarde' clones Winnie:-)

Back in the day I was Mr Moustache....Now there's a good Idea for a feature....Mr Moustache featuring people with Dodgy Moustaches prefrably Blokes.... & or Should Have Gone to Specsavers.... people wearing Dodgy Specs....

Jon Buck

[Winnie :-)]

Back in the day I was Mr Moustache....Now there's a good Idea for a feature....Mr Moustache featuring people with Dodgy Moustaches prefrably Blokes.... & or Should Have Gone to Specsavers.... people wearing Dodgy Specs....

Jon Buck

=============

Brains from thunderbirds, and Lee Van Cleef

[Simsy]

Suit you ....;

https://cgi.ebay.com/RINGSPUN-NORTHERN-SOUL...bayphotohosting

==========

Am I missing something?

[Guest Stuart T]

Suit you ....;

https://cgi.ebay.com/RINGSPUN-NORTHERN-SOUL...bayphotohosting

==========

Am I missing something?

Mmmm, nice! Did you buy it?

I imagine that one day it will be possible to buy anything on e.bay from a northern soul tooth brush to northern soul underpants at a price at least twice what the RRP used to be. Maybe it should be called a NSRP?

[asboannie]

I started my NS life late '71, as a Londoner going up Norf I was struck how scruffy and

fashionless they were. Take a look at that Torch CD with Alan Day and Martyn Ellis,

tank tops and bare bellies. I never saw a Harrington clad lad when I went to a NS venue,

until now that is.

Funny enough I wear button down collars, a sort of Sta-Prest trousers and plain caps to

the office (US company, very conservative).

Chris L

There were a few blokes from around North Wales area... that went to the Torch, Mecca & The Ritz, where they wore tailor-made trousers, Harrington's & good quality button down shirts, made from the original Oxford cloth cotton. In winter they wore very expensive Crombies overcoats.

[asboannie]

couldnt afford Levis jeans in the 1970s but was more than happy with my "Flemmings Jeans " made by a shop on Walton Road Liverpool ,always remember Ritchie Andrews[aka Pants] looking extra cool in his clothes in The Palace in Rhyl throughout the seventies ,I think that must be were the name "Pants" came from .

He got the name (Pants) by wearing 40inch wide tailor-made trousers.

[Mark B]

The talk of brooks brothers on here the old stuff must have been better a si have been into several brooks bros shops while in america and to this day have not seen anything i have really wanted. it is usally fairly boring stuff.

agree with asbo re early 70's nearly everybody was dressed very smart to go to soul clubs in and around M/C it was the done thing, i tend to go out reasonably smart as whatever you wear ends up smelling of smoke, save best stuff for when going out with my wife.

mark

[Guest Stuart T]

-->

QUOTE(mark.b @ Mar 17 2006, 05:37 PM) link

The talk of brooks brothers on here the old stuff must have been better a si have been into several brooks bros shops while in america and to this day have not seen anything i have really wanted. it is usally fairly boring stuff.

agree with asbo re early 70's nearly everybody was dressed very smart to go to soul clubs in and around M/C it was the done thing, i tend to go out reasonably smart as whatever you wear ends up smelling of smoke, save best stuff for when going out with my wife.

mark

Marks & Spencers bought it and ruined it. The good button down shirts are usually hidden away somewhere but well worth hunting out. Their socks are nice.

[asboannie]

QUOTE(mark.b @ Mar 17 2006, 05:37 PM) link The talk of brooks brothers on here the old stuff must have been better a si have been into several brooks bros shops while in america and to this day have not seen anything i have really wanted. it is usally fairly boring stuff.

agree with asbo re early 70's nearly everybody was dressed very smart to go to soul clubs in and around M/C it was the done thing, i tend to go out reasonably smart as whatever you wear ends up smelling of smoke, save best stuff for when going out with my wife.

mark

Marks & Spencers bought it and ruined it. The good button down shirts are usually hidden away somewhere but well worth hunting out. Their socks are nice.

While in Los Angeles 2 years ago, got a beautiful pure wool blazer and a few button down ladies shirt, also an 80% silk mix 20% cotton knitted top, the prices compared to this country was amazingly cheep. Been looking for a blazer for several years, and never found one I liked.

[Guest ruffsounds]

nobody has so far mentioned the Skinner jeans that everyone seemed to be wearing in the late 60s early 70s that were based on the Merchant Seamans everyday work jeans just wondered if anyone else remembers them also we used to wear Fred Perry tops and Addidas vests.

cheers Ruffsounds

[Simsy]

https://cgi.ebay.com/RINGSPUN-NORTHERN-SOUL...bayphotohosting

Mmmm, nice! Did you buy it?

Nicked the jumping monkey thing though. Dunno why.

[Guest The Driffter]

While in Los Angeles 2 years ago, got a beautiful pure wool blazer and a few button down ladies shirt, also an 80% silk mix 20% cotton knitted top, the prices compared to this country was amazingly cheep. Been looking for a blazer for several years, and never found one I liked.

How come you are there replying to these articles and not at Prestatyn Weekender ,are you going to America in April as it would be nice to meet again ,were those trousers Ritchie[Pants] had really 40 inches[wow ]

[Sweeney]

The talk of brooks brothers on here the old stuff must have been better a si have been into several brooks bros shops while in america and to this day have not seen anything i have really wanted. it is usally fairly boring stuff.

mark

Brooks Brothers is an ultra-conservative brand favoured by the American Patrician classes who are not particularly known for being hip or groovy. It's unlikely that one would find much of interest, unless you were a 75 year old Rhode Island Judge!

However their supima cotton oxford button-through shirts are a work of art. Sort of like a pair of British bench grade shoes - beautiful in their craftsmanship and restraint. Just right in their own sort of quiet way.

Stuart. I believe M&S sold BB in 2001. Why they ever bought it in the first place is anyone's guess really. I'm not sure the new owners know what to do with it either.

Edited March 18, 2006 by sweeney

[asboannie]

How come you are there replying to these articles and not at Prestatyn Weekender ,are you going to America in April as it would be nice to meet again ,were those trousers Ritchie[Pants] had really 40 inches[wow ]

Not at Prestatyn, to cold, can't be doing with 3 all nigher's together any more, like to travel, already made plans to go to the Greatstone will be nice and warm in there , and other commitments in life.

Can't afford it this year, would loved to have gone , and meeting up with a load of people, and getting some photos of the STARS. While swapping Los Angeles photos over from our old computer to the new laptop, lost the blo**y lot , my misfortune :fool: .

Yes. they were.

Edited March 19, 2006 by asboannie

[Chris L]

=============

Chris, is that one of them there checked ben sherberts in your avatar, the ones Mikey and Stu were on about earlier in the thread?

Winnie

Well in fact it came from.............better sit down this is extremey dramatic dramatic.

..............The Ivy Shop in Compass road, Richmond. This was THE place to shop, they

bought boxes full of US clothes in, the Bowling Shirt orginated from there. This place

was so cool you came out with icicles stuck between your teeth. Er.............answer the

question ? Can't be sure, an Ivy Shop it was, a BS I doubt, we'd gotten past BS's by then.

Chris L

[Chris L]

There were a few blokes from around North Wales area... that went to the Torch, Mecca & The Ritz, where they wore tailor-made trousers, Harrington's & good quality button down shirts, made from the original Oxford cloth cotton. In winter they wore very expensive Crombies overcoats.

You might well be right, thing is, I was never "myself" when I was at the Torch. The music got me

so high I wouldn't notice anything. I have somewhere a photo taken about '73/74-ish with

Mick Smith & Ian Levine plus a few girls. Mick Smith loks like a Mexican cattlerustler with his drooping

moustache and Ian looks like Elvis Preseley, I swear they do. I'll see if I can learn to post 'em.

Chris L

[jonbuck]

nobody has so far mentioned the Skinner jeans that everyone seemed to be wearing in the late 60s early 70s that were based on the Merchant Seamans everyday work jeans just wondered if anyone else remembers them also we used to wear Fred Perry tops and Addidas vests cheers Ruffsounds

Skinners were good Jeans, but I remember in my days of being a Football Hooligan following The Arsenal for every match Home & Away 1971-73, this was before I had discovered Northern Soul.... that it was mostly the Manchester lads that wore Skinners....it was pretty rare to see Man U or City fans wearing Flemings seeing they were made in Liverpool....the first person on the Northern Soul Scene that I noticed wearing Flemings was Tony Ellis in the early 70's I had a couple of pairs of Flemings Jeans in different widths 24" & 28"....sadly Flemings of 79 Walton Road Liverpool are no longer around....if they were they would make a killing....the last person I remember seeing wearing Flemings Jeans was Steve Whittle....

Keep @ It

Jon buck

Edited March 18, 2006 by jonbuck

[Guest]

ha! skinners, red docs and a battle at a match thos were the days! still prefare me trainers and joggies for dancing in tho

[Chris L]

Here's the whole photo, check out the Gibson plain caps and "de riguer" light blue socks. The

second photo shows how cutting edge we were getting by actually unbuttoning the collars....

phew !!! That's far out fashion for you man. Also the ladies participated.

[jonbuck]

Skinners were good Jeans, but I remember in my days of being a Football Hooligan following The Arsenal for every match Home & Away 1971-73, this was before I had discovered Northern Soul.... that it was mostly the Manchester lads that wore Skinners....it was pretty rare to see Man U or City fans wearing Flemings seeing they were made in Liverpool....the first person on the Northern Soul Scene that I noticed wearing Flemings was Tony Ellis in the early 70's I had a couple of pairs of Flemings Jeans in different widths 28" & 30"....sadly Flemings of 79 Walton Road Liverpool are no longer around....if they were they would make a killing....the last person I remember seeing wearing Flemings Jeans was Steve Whittle....

Keep @ It

Jon buck