Eric Hodgkins chose….

A waistcoat, 1950s

This example is from a 1950s three piece suit. It reflects the plain post war austerity look of the time. I chose a waistcoat because in the twenty-first century, it is somewhat out of place in today's society which seems to be youth centred. On television men can be seen wearing waistcoats on sports or antiques programmes.

I have a small collection I wear, ranging from tapestry reds, greens, silvers to white satin. When I go out, I like to go out in style.

Eric Hodgkins is one of the Herbert's Gallery Assistants

What the curator says:

A waistcoat, 1950s

This waistcoat is part of a three piece suit from the 1950s. The current style of suits, made from matching fabric became fashionable in the early 1600s. In the early 1900s Leeds became the main producer of men's tailored fashion. The basic style of suits remained the same from 1900 to 1940. During the Second World War clothing was rationed and suits were made with as little material as possible, so lapels became narrower. Clothes rationing ended in 1949 and this 1950s waistcoat shows an increased use of fabric, with two pockets on each side.