It was one p.m., and I was feeling absolutely lazy. I almost didn’t go to the flea market at all. It felt pointless to wander there so late when it closes at 2 p.m. anyway. But I went.
The weather was cloudy and a little humid, but comfortable enough. What surprised me was how many people were still there wandering around.
Lately, I’ve started paying more attention to clothing. I’ve already found some Ralph Lauren pieces, so I was keeping my eyes open for similar finds. I didn’t see any that day. Instead, I spotted Banana Republic, Sisley, and a few other interesting brands. But I had already bought a shirt for three euros, so I was basically out of money.
And then I saw it.
A trench coat.
It was beautiful. The moment I picked it up, I felt the weight — heavy, solid, substantial. My brain immediately went: bingo, bingo, bingo — this is the one.
I asked the seller, “How much is this?”
“Five euros,” she said.
Oh my God. I needed that coat.
I asked if she accepted Bizum. She didn’t. And at that moment it was already 1:45 p.m. I nervously checked Google Maps — the nearest ATM was a seven-minute walk away. No choice. I rushed there and rushed back, hoping the coat would still be waiting.
Thank goodness it was.
The truth is, I didn’t know what I had bought. I just knew it was good. Carrying it home was a workout in itself — it was so heavy.
Once home, I took photos and asked AI what exactly I had found. I expected the answer to be something like a well-made modern jacket, maybe just high quality and made in the USA.
But no.
It turned out to be from a well-known American manufacturer, London Fog, one of the most iconic raincoat makers in the United States. The coat was made in the USA using fabric woven exclusively by Wamsutta, a historic American textile mill. It also has a heavy metal IDEAL zipper and a fully removable zip-out lining — all features typical of high-quality mid-century outerwear. Based on the construction, labels, and hardware, the jacket was produced sometime between 1968 and 1973.
I was blown away.
How can a jacket this old look this good? The quality is incredible — heavy-duty, solid, built like it could survive anything. Honestly, it feels like it could withstand World War III or whatever else life throws at it. The craftsmanship is just astonishing.
Unfortunately, I can’t keep it. The label says US size 14, which by modern standards is more like an 8 or 10. In EU sizing, that’s around 38–40. I’m a 34, which corresponds roughly to a US size 4. On me, it looks and feels enormous.
So I’ll sell it.
Resale value in Europe? Somewhere between 45 and 155 euros. And I paid five.
Absolute madness.
I hope it finds a loving home — someone who will truly appreciate it. At the same time, this experience has made me a little sad when I think about modern jackets. You just don’t see this kind of quality anymore.
Now I have a quiet wish: to find a vintage trench in my own size, something I can cherish for years to come. Because this level of craftsmanship is mind-blowing.
I have never seen anything like it.
And now I finally understand why vintage clothing made in the USA is so valued.
It's just next level!
