J. Crew FACTORY Thompson Wool Blend Suit Jacket & Pant – $190 – $296
The end of the year means it’s time to hand out some awards. But calling these “the dappys” would just sound terrible. Instead, we’ll stick with a highly generalized “best of…” strategy, with the very best from the past year being highlighted all this week.
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Many could get away without tailoring. Size shown above is a 38R. Full review here.
The armholes on an Alfani RED are low. The shoulder pads on Hilfiger’s Trim fits are a little strong. Even on sale, Banana Republic Modern Suits are usually north of $300, and Indochino doesn’t run coupon codes any more.
J. Crew’s FACTORY line offered one set of suit separates in 2011, and thanks to higher armholes, slim shoulder pads, a great off the rack fit, AND a dirt cheap price of under $200 when on sale, it excelled where all the rest had one or two knocks against them.
The 80/20 wool poly mix lightly marled charcoal fabric felt much better than most cheap 100% wool suits. It’s lightweight, conservative enough in color, but has slim lapels and a trim fit so it’s not stuffy and boring. All but gone now online, but you’ve got to think that its success would fuel another suit (or two?) from J. Crew FACTORY this year.
Sadly never saw them in a 36
I really hope they consider adding short sizes this year.
I’ve been really debating grabbing one of these.
I bought this and it’s by far my favorite suit I own (granted I don’t own any that cost north of $400)
What would be the best affordable option that is still available online or in store? Alfani Red?
Really nice suit. The 20% polyester scares me off.
Just waiting for a 20-30% off to pick this up. For that price, why not?
I actually picked up a Hilfiger Trim in grey stripes this past summer before I found this site. I was noticing just yesterday that the shoulder pads are more pronounced that I had originally noticed. Funny that the same thing would pop up just the very next day on this site. 🙂
Is there a way for a tailor to take care of that? How much should I expect to pay? (If it’s north of $50, I’ll just learn to deal with it.) Thanks in advance.
Also, any tailor recommendations in Dallas, TX? I’ve got a few pieces to take care of. Thanks!
I wanted this… I wanted it real bad. Alas, it did not want me. No 36 = no joy.
Agreed. Even 1% poly would scare me off.
I recently ordered this and the Lands End Flannel suit was dirt cheap during their big sale, and I am trying to decide which to keep. I was really impressed with the cut of the Lands End tailored fit, and the material feels much nicer considering the two suits were about the same price.
Has anyone else had an issues with the Factory jacket getting easily wrinkled? When I got it out of the box it was wrinkled where they folded the arms, which is to be expected, but then I couldn’t get them out with the shower steamer method. Also, after talking on my cell phone for a bit with my arm in that position the sleeve was very wrinkled. It has been hanging for a week now and none of the wrinkles have fallen out.
Of course they would go away if I got it pressed, but I’m not really the type of press a suit every time I wear it.
I’ve got a TH slim as well. I’ve got big shoulders to begin with and it’s a bit much. AFAIK, can’t really change it. They’d have to remove some of the padding and that’s high-risk and expensive.
Well it took me this long to notice, and it wasn’t expensive to begin with (for a suit) so I guess I’ll just learn to live with it. I only own 2 suits right now anyway (had some jackets stolen from my truck), so maybe this is the push I need to expand the set.
Well it took me this long to notice, and it wasn’t expensive to begin with (for a suit) so I guess I’ll just learn to live with it. I only own 2 suits right now anyway (had some jackets stolen from my truck), so maybe this is the push I need to expand the set.
I like the look of this suit–how soon might a sale be going on? $10 off right now doesn’t move me…
Bought it before Christmas, love it, fit is amazing. The polyester blend shouldn’t throw you, it actually provides a stretchiness that works well in a suit. Looks excellent and is extremely comfortable, like a suit version of a Mumu. Original packing wrinkles were stubborn, but now the whole thing is smoother than Kojak’s scalp. One problem: can’t figure out whether the breast pocket can be opened to house a pocket square and am terrified to try …it fits a bit slim but is forgiving if you don’t have an decathalete’s physique.
I opened the breast pocket on mine successfully a few minutes ago. Wearing it out tomorrow night!
SHOPNOW is good until 1/6/12 and 25% off.
I’m wearing mine for the first time today at work. I’m loving it. It feels trim without being too tight, lightweight without being feeling cheap. A new favorite.