Product Details
Description
Archive VETRA French work shirt in a heavily faded black colour that now reads as charcoal with a subtle blue-grey cast.
The shirt has a short, boxy workwear shape with a pointed collar, horizontal front and rear yoke seams, a four-button front closure, one angular chest patch pocket and two lower side-entry pockets. The unlined construction keeps it suitable for wearing as a substantial shirt or lightweight overshirt.
The workwear twill has developed visible variation through repeated wear and laundering. Fading is strongest around the collar, shoulder seams, front yoke, button placket, pocket edges, cuffs and hem. Protected sections remain darker, creating natural tonal variation across the garment.
The woven neck label reads “VETRA – LE LUDE FRANCE.” A secondary label beneath it has deteriorated or been removed, leaving a frayed fabric remnant. The original size, composition and product information can therefore no longer be read.
All front buttons are present. The shirt retains a sound overall shape with no obvious major distortion. This is an authentic worn workwear garment rather than a lightly used fashion piece. Its fading, softened structure and visible edge wear form an important part of its appearance.
Measurements
Condition
Grade C: Vintage character
Grading type: Workwear / Vintage Workwear
Well-worn pre-owned condition with general fading and surface wear consistent with older French workwear. The black colour has softened to a charcoal and blue-grey tone, with lighter fading around the collar, seams, pocket edges, cuffs, placket and hem.
The shirt retains its intended shape and all front buttons are present. No obvious major holes, tears, heavy staining or structural seam separation are visible in the supplied photographs.
The original secondary neck label has deteriorated or been removed. A frayed label remnant remains beneath the woven VETRA brand label.
Visible Wear / Notes
Noticeable overall fading and uneven colour variation.
Friction wear around the collar, cuffs, yoke seams, buttonholes and hem.
Light wear and loose fibres around several buttonholes.
Secondary neck label missing or deteriorated.
Original size and composition information no longer readable.
General creasing and softened structure from previous wear.
Minor surface marks may be present within the faded finish.
Vintage Workwear Character
The most distinctive feature is the naturally faded black finish. Wear along the collar, shoulder yoke, pocket edges, cuffs and hem creates a varied charcoal tone rather than a flat solid black. Stitching and seam lines have become more prominent as the surrounding cloth has faded. These changes are consistent with repeated wear and laundering.
Shipping
Ships from Melbourne. Domestic and international shipping available at checkout.
Returns
Please check all measurements and condition notes before purchasing. As most of our pieces are pre-owned, signs of previous wear may be present.
About the Brand
VETRA was established by Édouard Beerens in Paris in 1927 as a specialist producer of clothing for French workers. The business later relocated to Le Lude, where the brand continued producing practical garments for industrial and agricultural use.
VETRA remains closely associated with traditional French workwear, particularly cotton twill, drill and moleskin garments built around straightforward shapes, practical pockets and durable construction. Older pieces carrying the Le Lude label are valued for their French manufacturing background and the individual fading developed through long-term wear.
