Thoughts on a good budget blazer/sportcoat?

[deano]

I'm on the lookout for a nice blazer or sportjacket - but I've got some caveats, don't we all?

I prefer a euro kind of cut, slim fit, shorter hem, all that (I'm a cyclist and abhor weightlifting, after all). It needs to be versatile as it could be worn in a classroom or at work or at a dinner party. I'm OK with a broad range of fabric - tweed, classic navy blazer, black velvet, etc., all the above OK, it just needs to be classy looking and well made.

The big caveat: can't spend a lot of cash since I'm likely to be a grad student soon (it's seminary, not law or medical school, so the monetary ROI probably doesn't justify a major expense).

Thoughts?

[chasea]

Most people won't notice construction over fabric quality and fit. Truthfully, most overseas machine construction is pretty good. No geo-political debates here please.

I had an impulse buy at -gasp- The Gap this week. Tweed sport coat on closeout for $38. I'm a 41L if its being tailored. If not, I can make a 40R work. Got a few compliments on how well the jacket was "tailored" last night. Kept my mouth shut and just said "thank you."

It can be done.

[AJPM44]

J Crew has decent prices and a more euro cut.

[boundgear]

Buy a cheap blazer with fabric that you like, have it altered.
The alterations may cost more than the jacket.
That's ok. All of my go-to-jackets became go-to through this process.

Also, the personal statement for grad school is the 7th ring of Dante's hell, right?

[nahtnoj]

Whatever you get, please don't refer to it as a blazer unless it is a solid color, and preferably navy blue.

[chasea]

Whatever you get, please don't refer to it as a blazer unless it is a solid color, and preferably navy blue.

Blazer v Sport Coat

Difference Between Blazer, Sport Coat and Suit Jacket - Esquire

[chasea]

Whatever you get, please don't refer to it as a blazer unless it is a solid color, and preferably navy blue.

Blazer v Sport Coat

Difference Between Blazer, Sport Coat and Suit Jacket - Esquire

[deano]

Also, the personal statement for grad school is the 7th ring of Dante's hell, right?

It is. I'm going to need to buy a straight jacket after writing enough of these things. Zing.

[deano]

And, Blazer v. Sportcoat, I think I'm going for a sportcoat. Better with guns than tying knots. Also, I really enjoy eating fowl. My buddy makes some glorious goose summer sausage. But that's for the epicurean toque-ista thread.

[Joel Benjamin L]

the question whether one will notice the difference in quality depends on who is noticing.
talk to a good tailor, and they will go on about the differences in the quality of fabric and assembly between a good European blazer/suit/sportscoat, and one made in East Asia.
the differences are there, especially if you need to have more than the most minor alterations done. as with so many other things, it is just a question of your needs and of how discerning you care to be and those around you are.
frankly, when i moved to the united states, i was horrified by the tents that people wear as suits. they don't fit well, in my view. of course, in a country of people wearing tents rather than suits, eventually no one will notice any longer.
i know this sounds pretentious, and it probably is. suits and shoes are one matter where i simply cannot get on the american quick-and-cheap solution train.

[deano]

When I mentioned Euro, I was referring to the cut and style, not the country of origin. I'm with you on the cut of stuits and clothes for men in the US. I'm not that small of a guy (6'3" and 175ish) and, especially in winter, don't have a six pack by any means but I still have to buy size small shirts and slim fit garments. Maybe it's psychological comparison to rail-thin bike racers, but I try stuff on and think sheesh, I'm feel like a planet and I wear stuff on the small end of the spectrum.

[liv2bike]

suits and shoes are one matter where i simply cannot get on the american quick-and-cheap solution train.

Amen...especially shoes. Neck ties also fall into this realm for me, as do socks. I know...socks, but it appalls me when I see someone all dapper and then I get a quick glance at their socks. Socks matter IMO.

Like has been said, if you are on a budget, find a jacket you like that is on sale/clearance and have it altered. I have found some really nice stuff going through my Dad's closet and/or Uncle's closets. Stuff they can't wear anymore that I had mended to fit me. Good luck!

[chasea]

Doesn't matter how nice or well-made something is; like a bike, if it doesn't fit, it doesn't matter.

For a dude in school, I'd suggest fit is paramount over all other things with regards to looking good.

The end.

Kthxbye

[billrick]

Agreed that tailoring is critical. And if you are getting the jacket tailored, then don't sweat the off the rack fit so much. You can buy American cut jackets and get it tailored to fit a cyclist build. Id rec going to Nordstroms and trying on tons of jackets until you nail make, style, and size. Then shop around. I like Hickey Freeman myself. And Alden shoes.

[DCT]

good question. learn something new everyday

[roseyscot]

i'm 6'1" and about 175. I bought a 41L "separates" suit over the holiday for $75. nice euro fit by kenneth cole fit me without alterations. check some of your local department stores (filenes, herbergers, dillards, whatever they have in your area). good deals to be had right now.

better yet, try amazon.com!

[billrick]

Also, I've had great luck with Sierra Trading Post for discount suits and jackets (Hickey Freeman, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, etc.):

Men's Suits & Sport Coats up to 81% off at Sierra Trading Post

Good return policy, if you don't have many local options for trying on jackets.

Fit is most important, always listen to Chas, but I have to mention the old standard "dress like your boss." I'm not saying to brown nose or dress for success, but that suits and jackets are a uniform. If your profs and fellow students typically wear boxy tweed or cord jackets, then your may not feel as comfortable showing up for a dinner party in a glossy Italian jacket with padded shoulders. Extreme example, I know, but it never hurts to stay conservative for your core pieces. Just a thought.

[caleb]

Buy a cheap blazer with fabric that you like, have it altered.
The alterations may cost more than the jacket.
That's ok. All of my go-to-jackets became go-to through this process.

Good advice. You can even go to a thrift store/second hand shop. Make sure the shoulders fit and the sleeves are basically long enough; everything else is changeable. Then go to the very best tailor you can find.

If you spend $20 on a jacket and $80 on tailoring you'll be much happier with the final product than buying a $100 jacket off the shelf in the mall.

[Nathanrtaylor]

I just found out about this line the other day, and at the sale prices listed on Haberdash's site they look very tempting.

The Haberdash Aficionado Shop | The Haberdash Blog


This is what I'm talking about. I need/don't need/need this.

Some of the end of season Billy Reid stuff falls into that same price range. The cotton moleskin jackets end up being pretty darn affordable, look great when worn in a bit, and are constructed to be altered if necessary.