We have received our yearly shipment of moleskin vests from Sew Valley, and we have put them up for sale here in our online store.
Because of dramatic price increases in materials and labor, this is likely our last batch of these vests. We’ve had to raise the price a little on this batch, and we simply can’t justify another price increase on a work garment. So if you have put off buying one of these, consider this fair warning.
I own the first vest that we made, and I wear it every day during fall, winter and early spring. The British moleskin is impossibly soft, dense and breathable. And it’s 100 percent cotton. Plus, it just gets better every year. Moleskin is insanely durable. My vest is better than an old leather jacket.
The pockets are designed for work. There are two roomy pockets up front that hold a tape measure, rules and a small combination square. The interior pockets hold pencils.
The garment is stitched to last a lifetime by Sew Valley in Cincinnati, with custom-made buttons and a beautiful embroidered patch on the inside.
I’ll be sad if we have to let this product go, but I’ll be happy because we were able to bring it into the world for a time. And I have a vest that will last the rest of my life (and a backup in case mine is ever lost).
Before you order, please consult the sizing chart in our store.
— Christopher Schwarz
Hmmmmm… the Bride bought me my first of half dozen CC Filson work coats and assorted vests etc some 40+ years ago. The one moleskin vest is a tad tired from several decades of shop work and onsite finish work. Filson will do patch-to-match repairs on their old gear, but…..YOUR vest makes sense for us sawdust headed characters.
Hey! Thanks you guys. I just ordered my vest from you all…it looks like a weeper (a Vermontism for anything from a well executed moulding joint to a beautiful day, etc etc…)
You guys are pretty darn cool because you get it.
Two thumbs wayyyyy up…
I love my vest. I’m really tempted to get a backup vest, but I am a little hesitant when it’s been over 100 degrees for 60 days now.
I’m totally confused by your sizing chart! I love wearing vests as midlayers, so kind of snug. I have various ones that are marked Medium that all measure out to be much smaller than your Medium (hey, I’m a recovering metalworker, I really do know how to measure). I’m just going to order a Medium and a Large, planning to return one, and hope that doesn’t mess you up too much.
The vests arrived and I couldn’t be happier. The fabric is lovely, the pattern is nicely laid out. I still find the size chart confusing, but whatever – the M vest fits like my other M vests, which I decided is … fashionable but not practical (i.e., I couldn’t put anything in the pockets if I wanted to). I’m keeping the L and looking forward to the temperature dropping enough that I can comfortably wear it.
I love my vest. So glad i got it. It’s well worth it.
My wife gave me a vest the Christmas after they came out four or five years ago. I wear it nearly every time I enter the shop over a long or short sleeve shirt. It still looks great and feels even better.
Would love to own one of those Moleskin vests, unfortunately I live in the UK and shipments don’t go that far, I can understand the reasons for not shipping there, red tape/customs declarations etc. Still, it doesn’t hurt to not have everything you want.
Has LAP considered selling the pattern for this vest? I know it’s not woodworking but there is DIY appeal here and part of me wants to tackle this as a project since they won’t be able to continue production.
OK Lost Art’rs…THE vest? Yeah! It’s cool, very. I love it, yes, I love it-hooorah for a work vest you can actually work in! I know, novel idea, huh?! It makes my 30+ year old Filson moleskin vest look and feel like dog poop. Filson quit making the vest in moleskin but now only made as a liner for Filson coats…
Their style? Classic gents vest and nowhere near the class, the function or the fabric weight of THE VEST makes yours a true winner.
Me? I’m pushing 73 and have been hacking and beating on wood since 1972.
And boy do I appreciate a great and classic item of work clothing! Well done Christopher, well done!
Hey…thanks.