Black sleeveless shirt with white text on a white background
Vintage 80’s “Ragged Staff Border Morris” Folk Dance Sweatshirt
Vintage 80’s “Ragged Staff Border Morris” Folk Dance Sweatshirt
Vintage 80’s “Ragged Staff Border Morris” Folk Dance Sweatshirt
Vintage 80’s “Ragged Staff Border Morris” Folk Dance Sweatshirt
Vintage 80’s “Ragged Staff Border Morris” Folk Dance Sweatshirt
Vintage 80’s “Ragged Staff Border Morris” Folk Dance Sweatshirt
Black sleeveless shirt with white text on a white background
Vintage 80’s “Ragged Staff Border Morris” Folk Dance Sweatshirt
Vintage 80’s “Ragged Staff Border Morris” Folk Dance Sweatshirt
Vintage 80’s “Ragged Staff Border Morris” Folk Dance Sweatshirt
Vintage 80’s “Ragged Staff Border Morris” Folk Dance Sweatshirt
Vintage 80’s “Ragged Staff Border Morris” Folk Dance Sweatshirt
Vintage 80’s “Ragged Staff Border Morris” Folk Dance Sweatshirt

Vintage 80’s “Ragged Staff Border Morris” Folk Dance Sweatshirt

  • Sale
  • $37.95
  • 1 available

This vintage black crewneck sweatshirt features bold silver-gray gothic-style lettering reading “Ragged Staff Border Morris” on the front and “Get Staffed” across the back. Printed on a classic U.S.-made Screen Stars fleece, it embodies a unique corner of England’s folk-dance culture.

History & Background:
The Ragged Staff Border Morris side (based in Darlington, UK) dances in the tradition of Border Morris — a style of English folk dance that originates from the counties along the England-Wales border (Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire).
Key features of this dance style include:

  • Dancers wearing “ragged” jackets or coats made of strips of cloth, giving a wild, layered look.

  • Use of sticks or clashing implements in the dance, creating a lively, rhythmic performance.

  • Historically, the dancers would blacken or colour their faces as a disguise or to add dramatic effect.

The Ragged Staff side is part of this living folk tradition, performing seasonal dances, folk gatherings, and community events (dates and performance history may vary). Their name alludes to “ragged” (tattered style) and the “staff” (stick dancers may carry), blending tradition and playful imagery.

Garment Details:

  • Era: 1980s

  • Measurements: 24″ pit-to-pit × 27″ length – fits like a standard Large

  • Tag: Screen Stars (USA made)

  • Colour: Black

  • Condition: Good vintage condition – some small marks and signs of wear (see photos) consistent with age.

  • Printed on both front and back.

Why It Matters:
This is more than just a sweatshirt — it’s wearable folk-dance memorabilia. Collectors of British folk culture, Morris-dance enthusiasts, or vintage apparel hunters will appreciate the rarity of a piece like this. Even if you’re not familiar with Morris dancing, the graphics, styling, and heritage all make for a unique vintage look.

AS-IS ITEM:
This item is sold as-is with no returns or exchanges. If you have any questions about condition, measurements, or history, feel free to ask. It has been laundered but not spot-treated or professionally cleaned. Buyer is responsible for any further cleaning or repairs.