Men in Vintage Knitting Patterns

I’ve noticed something funny about men in knitting patterns of a certain era. There seem to be some set poses you had to perfect if you wanted to be a male knitwear model in the 1930s – 1950s. Forget “Blue Steel”, these are the signature poses chaps needed to learn:

Staring at Nothing

You could look at the camera and smile, but that’s for amateurs. A true professional chooses a point in the far distance and stares at it in a wistful way. Far better for showing off your handsome side-profile.

Leaning on One Arm

Modeling is tiring work. Lean on one arm, and you’ll pull off this jaunty look while reserving your energy for the hours of energetic modelling to come. This is a tip that can be passed down to the generations of young men exhausted from posing for selfies on Instagram.

The Ultimate Accessory

I think the pipe must have been the smartphone of its day. No man ever left the house without one. Sometimes the pipe took centre stage, sometimes it is more of a subtle accent. *Pipe: model’s own.

Keeping Busy

The more advanced male knitwear model can utilise props in an effort to appear sporty, practical or even cultured. Never mind if some of these props look like they were fake enough to be on daytime television, a true professional never complains.

Staying Hydrated

Even on your comfort breaks someone could be snapping away, so make an effort to quaff those beverages in the masculine fashion.

The Father and Son

The older model need not fear his career dwindling. Time to specialise in Father and Son modelling. This can easily be achieved if you have your own son, or can convince that young looking chap down the pub that he has a chance at this prestigious career. Take him under your wing, and teach him your craft.

I think they found this bloke out on the street somewhere. He’s just wearing a normal looking jumper and reading. Good for him.