Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

The Best Blazer of the Fall?

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J. Crew 14-Wale Corduroy Sportcoat  in Ludlow Fit – $138.00

Shirt by Ratio Clothing, Tie by Personality Milanoicon, 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

Comments

  7. A Citizen Chronograph. Probably a discontinued model since googling doesn’t show anything quite like it.

  9. I like the color, but I can’t fit into J. Crew’s Ludlow jackets, even in my alleged size.

  11. Thanks, guys.  Bummer it’s discontinued, that’s a classy looking watch.  New to the site and a big fan, great commentariat too.  

  12. 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.

  14. 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.