Best Affordable Blazers & Sportcoats – Fall 2011

A football team can win without a top level quarterback.  But having one of the best at that position makes everything so much easier.  It’s almost like cheating.  The rest of the team plays better when your signal caller is sharp.  When it’s his turn to perform, all those complicated pieces usually seem to fall into place.

Same goes for tailored blazers.  Great looking sportcoats and blazers are the quarterback of your wardrobe.  Having a few on hand is almost unfair.  Especially now.  These options should help you get the upper hand:
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Banana Republic Tailored Cotton Pin-Dot Blazer – $138.60* ($198)

Banana Republic is getting real good at sourcing incredible feeling Italian Fabrics, and then having them assembled somewhere else (in most cases China.)  This 100% cotton is no flimsy Chino.  It has a great weight but isn’t too heavy either.  Cut in their “Tailored” fit, be prepared to actually size up if you’re between sizes.  (Size shown:  40R)
*Use code BRSAVE30 for the 30% off price.  Code expires 11:59am ET on Mon. 9/26

 

Calibrate Trim Fit Herringbone – $112 ($225)

Almost completely unstructured with only a hint of shoulder pads.  60% wool, 35% viscose, and 5% spandex you can feel stretch if you tug at the fabric.  Needs a bit of tailoring off the rack, and would be perfect if it was half an inch longer in the drop.  But if you prefer your jackets a little shorter (but not ultra short) then it’s a steal.

 

Banana Republic Tailored Button-Pocket Blazer – $175.00* ($250)

Not quite sure why this one is priced at $250 retail while the other BR Blazer is just under $200, but like the other blazer, this is made from some awfully nice Italian Fabric.  More often than not, visible buttons on the lower flap pockets can look like a train wreck.  These somehow don’t look too busy.  Has an updated British sporting feel to it.
*Use code BRSAVE30 for the 30% off price.  Code expires 11:59am ET on Mon. 9/26

 

Calvin Klein Plaid Blazer – $179.99 ($350)

Office appropriate but could be dressed down if you’re careful.  Wool, and might take a few tries to get the sizing right.  Ships & returns free in store.  Might be worth sitting on until a One Day Sale.  Kind of Blackwatch-ish in pattern.

 

J. Crew Factory Tweed Sportcoat – $124.60* w/ SHOPNOW ($178)

At first glance this looks similar to the Calibrate, but it’s not.  It’s got plenty more weight yet isn’t restrictive.  The wool is a more traditional rough tweed.  In-person review here.  *UPDATE:  Use the code SHOPNOW for the extra 30% off.  Credit Jethro for catching the code.

 

INC Navy Cord Blazer – $99.50

Haven’t seen this in person yet but a couple of suggestions based on the model pic:  Wear it with something other than a t-shirt.  Keep it buttoned when you’re standing.  And since it’s Macy’s, never… ever… pay full retail.  This has to go on sale at some point.  Efforting an in-person review in the coming weeks.  Credit Don P. with the style tip.

 

Zara Removable Cheviot Blazer – $129.00

And it’ll be removed, don’t worry.  Comes in two different colors.  Patch pockets on the front keep it casual, and you can bet that it’s shorter than a standard drop.  Zara uses a ton of synthetic, but at least this one is 25% wool.

 

Rugby All Cotton Waistcoat – $99.99 ($148)

Check it out.  They do make stand alone vests without a shiny poly back.  All cotton on this one with a real nice fall ready front pattern.  Lower patch pockets on the front.  Real easy to dress up or down.

 

J. Crew Ludlow Cord Blazer – $138.00

These have been going on-sale in some brick and mortar stores for $108.  That’s better than pretty good for this coat.  Very minimal structure.  The wale isn’t thick or fluffy.  And the warm “dusty camel” color is far from 70’s brown.  Full in-person over here.  If somehow you find them on sale and have a casual blazer budget of around $200 for this year, strongly consider buying both.  They’re that good.

 

L.L. Bean Signature Tweed Blazer – $245.00

Eats other tweed blazers for lunch.  If a blazer has the capability to be bad-ass, then this one possesses that particular quality.  One of the few, incredible looking three button blazers left on the planet.  Will need tailoring to get it to look as good as the pic on the left.  This is at least the second season it’s been available.

What was missed?  Have a favorite fall-ready sportcoat or blazer of all time?  It all goes in the comments.  After you’ve purchased a great looking sportcoat or blazer, know what to do with it.  See the 5 Point Post Purchase Checklist here.