J. Crew 14-Wale Corduroy Sportcoat in Ludlow Fit – $138.00
Shirt by Ratio Clothing, Tie by Personality Milano, Watch by Citizen, Pants by Banana Republic
I know. It’s a three season blazer and we’re still in the sweaty grip of the fourth. It’s $138, which is about $100 more than an on sale Old Navy chino blazer (if they ever get back in stock.) But here’s why it’s worth keeping an eye on:
- There is ZERO shoulder padding inside it. None. Zilch.
- The grey is 10x more versatile than the standard warm brown you usually see cord blazers in.
- The buttons are non functional, with no accent stitching around them. Easy tailoring.
- It has an extremely soft but not totally limp construction.
- It’s $40 less than the L.E.C. cord blazer, which is only available in brown.
- It’s not so warm that you couldn’t wear it now, as long as the sun’s down and it’s in the 70s.
Like most Ludlow jackets, the off the rack fit is decent, (click here for an arms out shot to see the contour) but most guys who consider themselves in shape will want some extra tailoring at the sides. The lapels are trim and the two button stance is the usual Ludlow medium to medium low.
Is it a little pricey and a little early to even think about considering the heat? Maybe. Is it the perfect color, an above average fitting jacket, easy enough for your tailor to work on, and have plenty of potential to become your new preferred un-stuffy September through May do-anything go-anywhere wear the hell out of it blazer? That’s a solid yes.
Click for an up close shot of the sleeve and its buttons
That tattersall cuff is just *killin it*. Do like with the cutaway.
if only it were sized and not s,m,l….
Good thing I have a fall birthday coming up.
No more 18-wale?
J.Crew is having a 20% off sale on new arrivals for card members.
No kidding… what watch is that?
A Citizen Chronograph. Probably a discontinued model since googling doesn’t show anything quite like it.
Like BenR said, it’s a citizen chrono that’s since been discontinued. The only version that’s still available is the brown dial / brown strap: http://www.amazon.com/Citizen-AT0550-11X-Eco-Drive-Chronograph-Stainless/dp/B0012IR0BG/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1312483476&sr=8-14 which just doesn’t look nearly as sharp as the silver dial black strap.
I like the color, but I can’t fit into J. Crew’s Ludlow jackets, even in my alleged size.
looks great. It could use elbow patches, but overall it is a very nice blazer
Thanks, guys. Bummer it’s discontinued, that’s a classy looking watch. New to the site and a big fan, great commentariat too.
The Raw Steel looks more purple than grey on the J. Crew website, so I guess I need to stop by the Men’s shop to see it in person…. But it looks great in your pictures.
@A KangI went in person last week and it does seem like grey/purple.
Just wanted to let everyone know these are on sale for $99 at J. Crew retail locations. It’s still full price online. If they don’t have your size they can order it at the store for you so you get free shipping. I bought the gray in person but the brown was sold out of my size so it’s being shipped to me.
Two nice corduroy sportcoats which fit me off the rack for under $200 was hard to pass up.
J-Crew is my one of the favorite brand. Glad to share this amazing post.