Dappered | Best Affordable Men’s Blazers & Sportcoats – Fall 2017

[Dappered | Best Affordable Men’s Blazers & Sportcoats – Fall 2017]() --------------------------------------------------------------- [Best Affordable Men’s Blazers & Sportcoats – Fall 2017](r/Dappered/~3/x6yxikw-iQw/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 03 Oct 2017 03:00 AM PDT It’s just not fair. A guy in a well tailored sportcoat or blazer has an unfair advantage vs. the rest of the room. A jacket cleans up your lines. [It makes you look stronger and smarter](. And fall is the prime season for sportcoats. Wear em’ with jeans, cords, dress trousers, etc… With a balance of quality & affordability in mind, here’s this season’s best. Note: All in-person shots show the blazer or sportcoat in question straight off the rack. No tailoring (yet). Wanted to give you guys an accurate feel for how each jacket would look [pre-tailoring](. Also, for a fit perspective, [here are the measurements]( of the wearer. Sizes shown are a 40R unless otherwise noted. [Suitsupply Havana Fit Sportcoats – $399 – $639]( [Suitsupply Havana Fit Sportcoat]( Half canvas. Terrific fabric. More than a few pattern options in this “Havana” fit, which features a more athletic template as well as patch pockets on the lower half. Sleeve buttons are functional, but at least they ship and return for free. That steep $639 price point? That’s for the all cashmere stuff. [Jacket shown above, in a 40R, goes for $399](. [J. Crew Moon Mills Tweed Sportcoat in Ludlow Fit – $298]( [J. Crew Moon Mills Tweed Sportcoat in Ludlow Fit]( Another return of a favorite. Partially unconstructed, and you notice as soon as you slip it on. Lighter and easier to move in than other tweed sportcoats. Fabric blend is a 55% Wool / 45% Cotton mix [that’s nubby enough]( to feel like an all wool tweed. Patch pockets. Available in a highly tempting “woodland green,” a standard medium gray, as well as navy. Size shown is a 40R. Most will want the sleeves to be shortened, but that’s easy to do thanks to their non functioning sleeve buttons. Shown above is a 40R in their Ludlow fit. [Bonobos Unconstruced Italian Wool Blazer – $400]( [Bonobos Unconstruced Italian Wool Blazer]( Still one of the best, and most unique, wool sportcoats on the market. Pretty unique and flat out incredible. Made from Italian, Barberis wool in a looser style of knit, these things are extremely breathable, unbelievably flexible, and can be worn year round. Lots of colors to pick from too. A terrific blazer to pack for a trip. Only lining is the sleeves. Ultra soft shoulders. 2.5″ lapels. Available in standard or slim. Non functioning, easy to tailor sleeve buttons. Does go on sale during high threshold promos, but, those are pretty few and far in between. [Spier & Mackay Slim or Cont. Fit Moon Mills Tweed – $326ish USD]( [Spier & Mackay Moon Mills Tweed]( Half Canvas, 100% Merino wool, just butterfly lined in the back, and easy to tailor non functioning buttons at the sleeve cuffs. We’ve got another winner from Canada based Spier & Mackay. Size shown above is an unaltered, 40R in the contemporary fit. Remember, prices on their site are listed in CAD. Also, your first suit or sportcoat purchase ships and returns for free. But just your first. [Spier & Mackay Slim or Cont. Fit Moleskin – $255ish USD]( [Spier & Mackay Slim or Cont. Fit Moleskin]( English milled cotton moleskin. What’s moleskin? Moleskin is like velvet with a crew cut. So you lose the shine and fussiness, and you get a warm cotton fabric that’s extremely touchable. Like, good luck having your date keep their hands off your jacket. Unstructured, just 1/4 lined in the back, and the shoulders are unpadded. [Target Goodfellow & Co Deconstructed Knit Blazer – $49.99]( [Target Goodfellow & Co Deconstructed Knit Blazer]( Cheap? Yes. But beware the fits. Seems like there’s quite a gulf between sizes. Size shown above is a medium, and I’m feeling more than a bit squeezed here. Yet, [a large in their other blazers is way too big](. 58% cotton / 42% polyester. Not lightweight. Some will consider it leaning towards the heavier side (although it’s not super thick or tweedy). Center vent in the rear. Poly/cotton butterfly-style partial back lining with poly lined sleeves. [Sleeve cuff buttons, unfortunately, are functional](. [J. Crew Factory Navy Moleskin Blazer – $100 – $120ish]( [J. Crew Factory Navy Moleskin Blazer]( More moleskin, just for much less. This could be something. A sportcoat, so, not excluded from all promos and codes like suits are. Thompson fit, so slim without being super skinny, and 2.5″ lapels. [Gap Classic Cotton Stretch Blazer – $48.57](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=48873&pcid=5168&vid=1&pid=523298012) w/ FAMILY & MORE ($89.95) [Gap Classic Cotton Stretch Blazer](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=48873&pcid=5168&vid=1&pid=523298012) Not bad for the price, as long as it fits you pretty well off the rack. Why? Because GAP continues to insist on putting functioning sleeve cuff buttons on their sportcoats. So, good luck shortening them. Size shown above is a medium, and note that I have average length arms (70″ tall, 70″ wingspan). And I’m swimmin’ in that sleeve length. Gap’s site says the fabric is all cotton, but the tag says 98% cotton and 2% spandex. Chino, not Moleskin, yet a bit thicker without being overly stiff or weighty. Lined, but at least the body is lined in cotton. Also available in khaki and navy. For the two codes, they stack. FAMILY knocks 40% off, and then MORE takes another 10% off the remaining. [J. Crew Shawl-collar Workwear Jacket in English Wool – $328]( [J. Crew Shawl-collar Workwear Jacket in English Wool]( Still no idea what to think of these things. They’re like smoking jackets for the rugged types. English wool. Zero lining in the back. three button front and a shawl collar up top. From their upgraded “Wallace & Barnes” line. [Brooks Brothers Regent Fit Wool and Cashmere Sport Coat – $498](//www.brooksbrothers.com/Regent-Fit-Lambswool-Sport-Coat/MM00594,default,pd.html) [Brooks Brothers Regent Fit Wool and Cashmere Sport Coat](//www.brooksbrothers.com/Regent-Fit-Lambswool-Sport-Coat/MM00594,default,pd.html) These things are works of art. Barely constructed, and has a really soft feel to the fabric. Just butterfly lined in the back. The Regent Fit from Brooks Brothers is also perfect for broader fellas. Size shown above is a 41R. Shown above in the lighter blue, and also available in a lighter grey. Note that while this will go on sale, at some point (and was already [30% off during their most recent wardrobe event]() you can find a few alternative colors from last year [lurking about in the sale section](//www.brooksbrothers.com/Regent-Fit-Lambswool-Sport-Coat/MM00594,default,pd.html?dwvar_MM00594_Color=BLUE&contentpos=11&cgid=0307). Sizes are scattered there though. [B.R. Slim Olive Wool Tweed Blazer – $160.92](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1079825&pcid=32643&vid=1&pid=795311002) w/ FAMILY & BRMORE ($298) [B.R. Slim Olive Wool Tweed Blazer](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1079825&pcid=32643&vid=1&pid=795311002) Haven’t gotten hands on with this one yet (no standard fits at post time, just slim), but it is 100% wool, appears to be… 100% lined (drat), and if past is prologue you can expect the sleeve cuffs to be functioning. Yet you’d think it’s popular for a reason. Not many sizes left at post time. Double codes here too. First one is for 40% off, and the next is for an additional 10% off what’s left. [J. Crew Ludlow Unconstructed Corduory – $198]( [J. Crew Ludlow Unconstructed Corduory]( J. Crew’s unlined corduroy sportcoats are back. Again. Fine wale, so, the lines of corduroy aren’t super thick or plush like that couch your parents/grandparents have had since 1971. Finer wale = more refined. Just the sleeves are lined with bemberg. Super versatile. Nicely affordable for what you get, even without (gasp) a discount. And navy corduroy can be quite dashing. [Even with denim](. Used to be small/medium/large sizing, but they’ve (thankfully) made the move to measured chest sizing. Navy or Dark Chocolate Brown this year. [L.E. Wool Flannel Sportcoats in Grey, Wheat, Dark Olive – $249](//www.landsend.com/shop/search?initialSearch=true&Ntt=Tailored+Fit+Wool+Flannel+Sportcoat) [L.E. Wool Flannel Sportcoats in Grey, Wheat, Dark Olive](//www.landsend.com/shop/search?initialSearch=true&Ntt=Tailored+Fit+Wool+Flannel+Sportcoat) Yes, there are matching pants available in case you want to make a quite reasonably priced cold weather suit, but the jackets should do just fine on their own as well. Lands’ End is claiming a true half-canvas with these things, so, that’s something new. 100% wool shells, Rayon body lining and Polyester sleeve lining. Drops to $150 with a 40% off code and pin. Shown above in their “tailored fit” option, but they have regular fit too. [JC Penney Stafford Merino Wool Sportcoats – $80ish]( [JC Penney Stafford Merino Wool Sportcoats | Dappered.com]( Is $80 for an all merino wool sportcoat a deal? Most would think so. There’s just two issues. First, these are lined in all polyester. So that’s a bit of a drag. And it’s not even the best feeling stuff either. Second, the shoulder pads are pretty substantial, and [the traps-area]( is pretty structured. So expect buckling and denting as shown above. Do most people notice this kind of thing? [Not really](. But it can become a bit of a comfort issue for the wearer. might want to check in store at this point, being that this year’s crop is just starting to hit the web. [JCF Sportcoat in Charcoal Herringbone]( or [Blue Tweed – $120ish]( [JCF Sportcoats] That charcoal herringbone option is a nice addition to the Thompson Tweed Blazer staple. Wool, poly, and viscose shell. Fully lined. Meanwhile, this year’s blue tweed option doesn’t have any elbow patches, so, that’ll please plenty. Also fully lined. 50% wool/50% poly shell. Size shown above is a 40R. [Todd Snyder USA Made Unconstructed Wool Sporcoat – $598]( [Todd Snyder USA Made Unconstructed Wool Blackwatch Sporcoat]( Incredible looking sportcoat, but we need a sale. A major sale. Six bills is what many are shelling out for their monthly rent (and some in the big cities wish they were paying). That’s a lot of dough. Still, made in the USA from Italian wool. One day perhaps. One can dream. The Reminder: Check your local thrift stores [thrift-store-blazers] Want to source a fall or winter blazer on the cheap? Scout your local thrift stores. Some areas are better (like, much better) than others when it comes to thrifting, but finding a dozen or so tweed blazers ready for a cleaning & tailoring isn’t too uncommon. Just depends on finding your size and color/fabric preference. And that’s just the first crop. There will certainly be more blazers & sportcoats worth a mention in the coming months, so watch for those in future posts & features. We miss something? Feel free to email in any further suggestions to [joe@dappered.com](mailto:joe@dappered.com?subject=fall%20sportcoats). ff/Dappered?a=x6yxikw-iQw:yS4w0KaI2NM:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=x6yxikw-iQw:yS4w0KaI2NM:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=x6yxikw-iQw:yS4w0KaI2NM:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Letters to the Editor: GAP x GQ, is Jackthreads Back? & more](r/Dappered/~3/nn1J6T6YQDo/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 02 Oct 2017 08:00 AM PDT If you’ve got a style tip, question, or anything else you’d like to pass along, [you can send those in to joe@dappered.com](mailto:joe@dappered.com?subject=Mail bag). If you’d rather your question not be featured in a future mailbag, just go ahead and say so in your email. Want more than one average Joe’s (HA!) opinion? Check out our forum, [Threads](. Q: Wedding outfit when I want to impress? [Dappered.com] My girlfriend and I are headed to a wedding in a few months and her ex-boyfriend will be there. He was a real jerk to her, and I want to be supportive of her in many ways during the evening. One of which is looking my best. The wedding is between mutual friends and she is one of the bridesmaids. I’m a lawyer by trade, so I know how to behave myself, but this is a peculiar scenario dress wise. I’m not sure how fancy it’s gonna be. Do I go suit, blazer-jeans, tux?? My gut is to go black suit, black shoes, and a sleek black necktie? -Lee I. First, not to be a Mom, but keep the drinking in check. Last thing you want to do is start throwing blows with this clown if HE gets drunk at the end of the night. Second, I don’t know about the all black look. You might end up looking like you’re heading to a funeral, or, you stepped out of Reservoir Dogs. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that? [Just don’t cut anyone’s ear off]( I’d go classic here. Navy or grey suit. Nice, clean & polished shoes. Nice tie and a nice watch if you’ve got one. Ask your girlfriend what the groomsmen will be wearing, and then? Don’t wear the same color suit (if they’re wearing suits instead of tuxedos). Last thing you want to do is look like you’re trying to sneak your way into the wedding party. Q: Dress Watch Definition from [5 Styles to Own]( [Dappered.com] The Tissot pictured in the 5 styles of watches to own post is NOT a dress watch. It’s a chronograph. When wearing black tie, a watch should be simple. Time only. – Jonathan B. (via social media) Who the heck said anything about Black Tie? Black tie wasn’t mentioned in the post. At all. And if you’re a black tie purist (which you’re oddly trying to be?) then you’d know that one actually isn’t supposed to wear any watch with black tie. But rules are meant to be broken. And y’know what’d look more at home with a tux than a chunky dive watch like 007 wears? That classy Chronograph. But again. No one said a word about black tie. That Tissot would look great with a suit, and therefor, it’s dressy enough to be a dress watch. Q: Socks w/ Olive pants? [Dappered.com] I saw your in-person with the new Banana Republic Rapid Movement Chino and took the leap on the olive color. I’m a big fan of the “match your socks to your trousers” rule, but… I don’t own any olive socks. Do I need to buy some? -Andrew M. Nah. Navy or grey should be fine. I wouldn’t over think the “match your socks to your pants” rule here. They’re not super casual chinos, but they’re still chinos. So, navy or grey is fine. Trust your eye. Q: [GAP x GQ new collection](3D75/ [GAP x GQ](3D75/ The new GAP x GQ collection is out. Any thoughts for [this year’s collaboration](3D75/ between GAP, GQ, and some fashion forward designers? -Brandon My thoughts are… man I’m getting old. Also. “[Aw he got the velcros!]( Q. Suits with lower slung button stances? [Dappered.com] I’ve found my suit measurements to be tricky to fit, but I’ve found the key to success, for me, lies with low button stance suits. The downside is that it’s hard to tell from a style picture, and the alternative has meant lots of returns… Given all of your suiting expertise, what brands jump to mind as having lower button stance on their jackets? -Ethan E. J. Crew. [Their Ludlow or Crosby suits]( (and sportcoats) have a noticeably lower slung button stance. Especially compared to, say, Suitsupply’s Napoli or Havana fits. Shows a bit more shirt, and that can be good for guys who might be a bit broader. A high button stance on a broad fella can sometimes look a little too boxy (even if the suit is tailored). Not always, and I doubt anyone really notices, but a lower slung button stance (as long as it isn’t SUPER low) can help one look a little leaner. Might be since more shirt shows you look less like one big block of suiting fabric? Q. New [Allen Edmonds Tate Chelseas]( [Allen Edmonds]( What do you think of the Allen Edmonds Tate Collection chelseas? They are slick but they have the lug sole…which would come in handy in the winter months (I live in the Midwest). – Eric C. I’m a huge fan of Allen Edmonds. I’m a huge fan of chelseas. I’m just not a fan of [these particular chelseas by Allen Edmonds](. Chelsea boots are the sexy (and not overdone/super angular) sports car of the footwear world. Sleek, sophisticated. That kinda vibe. You want an all wheel drive sports car for the winter months? [They]( make [those](. Sure, it’ll stay parked in an 18 inch blizzard, but it’s better to stay off the roads altogether then anyway. [They also make the Liverpool](, which has a V-tread sole that has plenty of grip. Do you want to wear those in a blizzard? No. But that’s what Sorels are for (keep a pair of dress shoes at work if you live in blizzard country). To me, and this is just me, that heavy of a lug sole on a Chelsea (or, a single monk strap) is like throwing big mud tires on a sports car. I’m not sure that it works. But, I’m sure Allen Edmonds did their market research. I’m just one dope with a website. So, what do I know? Q. Wrist size / Watch Diameter? [Dappered.com] What’s your wrist size? Mine is only 6.5” and I find most watches above 40mm is too big for me. Similar to suits, I bought way too many watches before I realized about fit and proportions and have been slimming down my collection to 38-40mm watches. I know you’re a big fan of the Polaris GMT, but at 42mm and 48mm lugs to lugs, I think it’s too much as the Bambino is already pushing it. Would like to know your wrist size and thoughts on watch sizing? -Barry D. Last time I checked, it was 7″. But, I think it’s a bit bigger now thanks to working farmer walks into my strength routine. I recently had to add another half-link to a stainless steel watch the other day, since if I was warm, it was starting to pinch a bit. In terms of the “ideal” ratio of wrist size to watch diameter… I don’t think it’s quite that simple. It’s really a matter of multiple factors (personal taste, wrist size, the thickness of the watch and not just the diameter, as well as overall arm size can make a difference too). Bigger, broader dudes wearing 38mm watches might dwarf the things. Yet, if you’re a bigger dude who likes a classically styled, and therefor classically sized watch (since humans used to be, on average, smaller) I say go for it. But, if the Bambino is pushing it for you? You’re right. The Polaris will feel too big. It’s a bit wider, but noticeably much thicker, than the Bambino. Q. Is [Jackthreads]( Back? [Jack Threads]( I started getting promotional emails from Jackthreads out of the blue last week. Is this legit? -Jason L. Seems to be, There’s text on their site talking about new management and re-launching. But the CORE problem (not [the abhorrent customer service issues]( that lead to their eventual demise) remains the same. It seems like they were/are selling plenty of goods that either the identical item or something awfully similar could be found elsewhere, for much less. Free shipping at $80 seems to be what they’re pushing now, and… that just doesn’t seem that competitive. Frankly, I don’t get it. Sure, they have had a few hits, but seems like they miss the mark more often than not. What am I missing? Got a question, suggestion, or a style tip? [Send them to joe@dappered.com](mailto:joe@dappered.com?subject=style tip). ff/Dappered?a=nn1J6T6YQDo:tK7sTjCFO1c:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=nn1J6T6YQDo:tK7sTjCFO1c:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=nn1J6T6YQDo:tK7sTjCFO1c:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). 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