American Eagle Wool Mix Blazer in Charcoal or Navy – $99.95
The interior locker loop tag calls it “The Legendary Blazer”, which is interesting since this is nothing like a classic navy wool blazer. These are unique. Without much structure at all, and at 50% wool / 50% poly, it’s a casual flannel/tweedy-feeling sport coat that has real potential for plenty but won’t work for others.
The fabric feels like a thinner version of L.L. Bean Signature’s flannel suiting fabric. Has some texture, some scratch, and would be (ahem, was) hell to wear in August. On a cool October or cold November day on the other hand, it’d be awesome.
There’s hardly any padding in the shoulders, but the fit’s somewhat boxy (size shown: Medium). The sides will certainly need to be brought in and sculpted. Sizing down would be tough since the arms are so trim in circumference that you’ll get squeezed if you have any arm muscle. The tail, while not chopped, isn’t overflowing either, so that’s another knock against sizing down. Sleeve buttons are non functional but there’s accent stitching around them. The designers did leave an inch and a half between button and cuff edge, so sleeves should be able to be brought up for those of us with shorter arms. Center vent on both of them.
Branding is minimal, with no visible eagle logo, but instead a barely noticeable stamped “American Eagle Outfitters” around the outer edge of the buttons. No one will see that. As far as the buttons themselves go, they’re surprisingly thick and nice feeling. The tan thread used is a nice touch and helps the buttons stand out.
These two have a massive amount of potential if you’re willing to invest some tailoring costs into them. Casual, barely structured, extremely wearable and cheap = the perfect combo for those of us who spend lots of time in jeans, cords, and boots in the fall and winter.
button stance looks kinda high
The photo at the top is intriguing.
I would have to shorten the sleeves at the level of the third button. I’m not sure if my tailor will be able to do that.
Hi Joe.
May I ask what shoe are you wearing at the top of the post?
Looks really sharp without being too plain. It is dark brown, I presume?
Thanks in advance,
Gusto
Wish I could try it on first. Looked online and the AE’s in town don’t carry them
Well howdy Gusto. They’re a pair of Bruno Magli’s picked up during the CLAD fire sale:
http://dappered.com/2012/02/cladmen-coms-extra-25-off-sale-part-ii/ Super simple, great lines, awesome leather.
I only noticed this in the still photos. It’s a touch high (and nowhere near ludlow low) but for $99…
Looks like no dice for us taller folk. At 6′ I’m guessing the sleeves will be far too short as well as the body.
Oh CLAD. You were so young…
With the picture at the top, I imagine one of you with a Conan O’Brien/old-timey-Irishman-voice saying “I’ll give you a thrashing, I will, I will!”
If that can help, here are the measurements for the XS : length from bottom of collar is 27.5″ and sleeve length is 24.75″.
I’d only just managed to get that painful memory out of my mind. Thanks, Joe.
They do have large-tall and XLT sizes online. I’m 6’4″, so I’d like to try one on first, but it looks like the tall sized give an extra inch on sleeve length and an extra two inches on the body.
I’ve never done much online shopping, so I wonder what their return policy is like. I’m awfully tempted to give this one a try.
Sorry Sir. I know. Thems were the days.
can they be worn with chinos/dress slacks or are they too casual to match up?
Picked this coat up a couple of weeks ago. Steal at $99. Great material, modern cut. Fits me very well off the rack…not even sure I will get any alterations.
They have a grey herringbone blazer at my local store, as well as the navy. Which should I get for wearing with dark jeans and cords?
Mine just came in the mail. Got it during their sale for $45 shipped.
Comparing this with some similar sized jacket, I would say the fit is slim in some places but boxy in others. The sleeve is definitely slim, but as mentioned previously, the torso is a bit boxy and could be brought in a little.
The material is scratchy, the tag says 50% “recycled wool”. Its definitely not a summer blazer.
I think overall, for what I paid for it, its a good purchase. But I don’t know if I would go back and pay the full price for i considering the material. Though at the same time, it is a pretty good deal, IF you are not one to hunt for bargains. On most average days, even 90$ is not bad for this blazer. But if you wait for sales and shop carefully, then I think you can do better.