Jane Irwill Sweaters

The Jane Irwill Company was a manufacturer best known for their sweaters. Started in 1923 by Irving Louis, Jane Irwill produced basic and fashion sweaters, sometimes with co-ordinates. In the mid 1960s, the company tried to become more fashion forward by collaborating with designers Donald Brooks and Ingeborg Markus, and in 1973, Jane Irwill was contracted to make Yves St. Laurent's basic sweaters for the US and Canadian markets. The company disappeared from media mention by the late 1970s.

Here, from 1955, are examples of what Jane Irwill is best known for, basic sweaters with matching co-ordinates.

Sweaters in Super Orlon with matching wool skirts were produced in 15 colors and were sold in such stores as B. Altman and Marshall Field. The sweaters sold for $6.50 each (about $52.00 in today's dollar) and the skirts for $9.00 each (about $72.00 in today's dollar).

These sweater styles were made in Botany wool in 14 colors and coordinated with matching wool skirts. The sweaters sold for $6.50 each (about $52.00 in today's dollar) and the skirts for $11.00 each (about $88.00 in today's dollar).