Figure 1.--Sears offered sets of Chambray Wester-style horts, jeans, and jackets. Sears seems to stress the long pants jeans rather than the shorts as both models waer the long pants style. These jackets were quite popular, but almost always boys wore long pants jeans with them. The shorts were made in the cut-off style. These were demim garments. I'm not sure just what Chambray meant. They were done in boy' (even 6-12) and student (waist 25-32 inch) sizes. |
Sears offered sets of Chambray Wester-style horts, jeans, and jackets. Sears seems to stress the long pants jeans rather than the shorts as both models waer the long pants style. These jackets were quite popular, but almost always boys wore long pants jeans with them. The shorts were made in the cut-off style. I'm not sure just what Chambray meant. They were done in boy' (even 6-12) and student (waist 25-32 inch) sizes. The shorts were done in slim and regular. The long pants jeans were done in regular, slim, and husky.
Sears was the leading American chain department store in 1973. They also operated the largest mail order catalog. Sears dominance in American retailing was in the 1970s declining. The increasing popularity of malls an botique shops was a major factor.
These jackets were quite popular, but almost always boys wore long pants jeans with them. I don't ever recall shorts being worn with these jackets. The shorts were made in the cut-off style as this was the style of jean shorts that were worn in America. Jeans are associated with cowboys and the West and of course cowboys didn't wear short pants.
I'm not sure just what Chambray was. It apparently was a material similar, but softer than denim. Hopefully our readers can help us here.
Sears in its Summer 1973 catalog had a line of Chambray Western-style garments. These Western-style jackets and jeans were a very popular combination. The jeans were flares. The Sears ad copy read, "Soft and supple Chambray. Western-style Jackets, Jeans and Shorts with no-fuss care." Each was available in blue and berry chambray. There were also white jeans, but no white shorts or jacket.
The Sears ad copy read, "PERMA-PRESTŪ chambray Western-style fringed Shorts of FortelŪ poluester and cotton blend. Two front scoop pockets and two back patch-pockets. Extra-wide waistband and belt loops styled to hold the new wider belts. Zip fly. Contrast-color top stitching. Machine wash at warm temperatures and tumble dry for no ironing." Fringed meant made to look like cut-offs. They were done in boy' (even 6-12) and student (waist 25-32 inch) sizes. The shorts were done in slim and regular. The shorts cost $2.99 for boys' sizes and $3.49 for student sizes.
The jeans and shorts were made in almost the exact same style and colors, except that there were also white jeans avaialble. The Sears ad copy read, "PERMA-PRESTŪ chambray Western-style jeans of textured FortelŪ poluester and cotton blend. Four pockets: two front scoop pockets and two back patch-pockets. Bar tacking reinforced pockets and other stress areas to resist ripping. Wide belt loops. Zip fly. Trim back yoke. Flared legs with hemmed, cuffless bottoms. Contrast-color top stitching. A delight to care for .. no ironing necessary when machine washed at warm temperatures and tumble dried." They were done in boy' (even 6-12) and student (waist 25-32 inch) sizes. The jeans were done in slim, husky, and regular. The jeans were available in both blue and berry Chambray and there was also white denim. They cost $3.99 for boys' sizes and $4.99 for student sizes.
There was a matching Western-style jacket to go with these shorts and jeans. The ad copy read, "Western-style chambray Jackets of FortelŪ poluester and cotton. Contrast-color top stitching accents collar, front placket, cuff, and pocket. Sturdy snap closures on placket, cuffs, and two roomy chest pocket. Machine wash, warm, and tumble dry." They were done in boy' (even 6-12) and student (even size 14-20, 22-24) sizes. The jacket was available in both blue and berry Chambray. They cost $5.99 for boys' sizes and $7.99 for student sizes. The boys and student sizes were almost identical, but there were minor differences. The student sizes, for example, had adjustable side tabs at the waistband.
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