Vintage French Workwear Trousers with Sashiko Stitching
Bleu de Travail ("Work Blue") Cotton Twill workwear trousers from the 1940's. These are deadstock workwear trousers that were never worn. I found these in Paris at the Sant Ouen Flea Market in Clingancourt.
Karen from A Handmade House, stitched a white pattern onto the back pocket of these for a beautiful blend of traditional French and Japanese styles.
Blending sashiko stitching with vintage French workwear creates a fusion of Japanese and European utilitarian traditions. Both styles emphasize durability, craftsmanship, and timeless aesthetics.
Item Details:
-100% Cotton Twill
- Bleu de Travail ("Work Blue")
- Single Pleat
- Single Patch Pocket with button on back of trousers and Sashiko embroidery
- 15.5" Waist, 27" inseam, 39" long - waist to hem (laying flat)
- As with most antique and vintage items, there may be subtle imperfections adding to the inherent character and integrity of each piece
- All vintage and antique pieces are sold as-is and are final sale
The History of French Workwear
French workwear has a long history, evolving from the functional clothing worn by laborers in the 19th century to a fashion staple admired for its durability and timeless style.
Sashiko Stitching: A Traditional Japanese Embroidery Technique
Sashiko (刺し子) is a traditional Japanese stitching technique that originated as a form of reinforcement and repair for textiles, particularly workwear. Over time, it evolved into a decorative craft known for its distinctive white geometric patterns on indigo fabric.