Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews
  • Forum

Best Affordable Style of 2011 – The Suit

December 29, 2011 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

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.
.

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.

Filed Under: Clothing Tagged With: best of 2011, J. Crew Factory, thompson, Workin' at the car wash yeah...

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or start a discussion on Dappered Threads, our forum!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Steal Alert: J. Crew Extra 50% off Sale Styles + Stock Refresh

Steal Alert: J. Crew Extra 50% off Sale Styles + Stock Refresh

Coats. Boots. Sweaters. Final sale though.

The Weekend Reset: TE Lawrence, Minimalism, and Snow

The Weekend Reset: TE Lawrence, Minimalism, and Snow

Plus: Soup!

Spier Shoes Sale, Half off Core Temp Chinos, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Spier Shoes Sale, Half off Core Temp Chinos, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Plus a rare deal on a USA made backpack with a cult following.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Comments

  1. Guest says

    December 29, 2011 at 4:16 AM

    Sadly never saw them in a 36

  2. Geoff says

    December 29, 2011 at 6:31 AM

    I really hope they consider adding short sizes this year.

  3. Kyle says

    December 29, 2011 at 7:15 AM

    I’ve been really debating grabbing one of these.

  4. Adam says

    December 29, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    I bought this and it’s by far my favorite suit I own (granted I don’t own any that cost north of $400)

  5. Rafael De La Ghetto says

    December 29, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    What would be the best affordable option that is still available online or in store? Alfani Red?

  6. Butch_Z says

    December 29, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    Really nice suit. The 20% polyester scares me off.

  7. Washington Irving says

    December 29, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    Just waiting for a 20-30% off to pick this up.  For that price, why not?

  8. Alan Skinner says

    December 29, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    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!

  9. BenR says

    December 29, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    I wanted this… I wanted it real bad. Alas, it did not want me. No 36 = no joy.

  10. Anotherjames says

    December 29, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    Agreed.  Even 1% poly would scare me off.  

  11. Hardrain says

    December 29, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    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.

  12. Anonymous says

    December 29, 2011 at 9:50 AM

    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.

  13. Alan Skinner says

    December 29, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    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.

  14. Alan Skinner says

    December 29, 2011 at 10:19 AM

    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.

  15. Mr. Jones says

    December 29, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    I like the look of this suit–how soon might a sale be going on?  $10 off right now doesn’t move me…

  16. Good Call, Joe says

    December 29, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    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.

  17. Rob says

    December 30, 2011 at 8:11 PM

    I opened the breast pocket on mine successfully a few minutes ago.  Wearing it out tomorrow night!

  18. Washington Irving says

    January 5, 2012 at 11:45 AM

    SHOPNOW is good until 1/6/12 and 25% off.

  19. Furious Styles says

    February 3, 2012 at 3:18 PM

    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.

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
Continue the discussion at Dappered Threads.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

Connect with Dappered

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • 10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Tech Joggers, New Sunglasses, Better(?) Silicone Rings, & More
  • Spier Shoes Sale, Half off Core Temp Chinos, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – BR makes an Athletic Tapered Traveler Jean, AE Factory 2nds, & More
  • 10 Skills to Master for a truly Stylish Home
  • Sunday Steal Alert: J. Crew 50% off Select New Arrivals / 40% off most everything else
  • Steal Alert? DSW 30% off Boots (including Wolverine 1000 milers $140 – $175?)

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

RSS Latest on Dappered Threads

  • Altering Boardshorts?
  • Crown & Caliber sold to Hodinkee
  • J. Crew Court Classic Sneakers
  • BR athletic tapered?
  • Navy Blue Overcoat with Blue Trousers?

Copyright © 2021 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.