From the Mailbag: How do the new Stafford blazers compare?
I went to see the new jcp brand in person this weekend, and was definitely very impressed. Later on I was on their site and noticed that Stafford (of those boots) has a bunch of well priced blazers now. Didn’t see these in person but they have some interesting plaid versions and slim fit varieties as well. Maybe worth investigating?
– Scott
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Every once in awhile it’s good to acknowledge that this website can sometimes (okay often) get a little bit long winded… as well as use ellipses and parentheses… with reckless abandon (right?). So here’s the quick and dirty on these:
Close. No cigar.
There are plenty of good steps in the right direction, but the main issue was the proportion of these jackets. Suppose that’s not a surprise being that the same brand is making shoes a full size too big. That, and they didn’t have an 38R for comparison’s sake. All jackets seen below are 40R.
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Stafford Slim Fit All Merino Wool Blazer – $80.00
Yes shorter jackets are still in favor for plenty, but if you’re going to cut a jacket shorter, you best keep the shoulder pads minimal and the body well sculpted. The tail is cut like a 38R with a modern, shorter drop, but from the buttons up it feels much more like a traditional blazer when it comes to the guts & construction. The pads are absolutely noticeable. The proportions just seem… off. Points for the all merino wool fabric and the pattern. Lapels are a nice width and the button stance is right on. But despite the “slim fit” name and some sculpting at the sides, it has a dumpy silhouette thanks to the big shoulders and shorter tail.
Stafford Traditional Fit Corduroy Blazer – $55
Again, close, and there are some high points. The corduroy is a very small wale. Less lines of cord = less of that smushy, velvety 70s look. And they’ve made some real efforts with contrasting under-collar felt and first button contrasting stitching at the cuffs. First button works too, but the rest don’t. Odd. But the elbow patches are just unnecessary and cheap looking. The shoulder pads are too severe. Would need tailoring at the sides. Does come in black.
Stafford Tradtional Fit Dark Check Lambswool Blend Blazer – $95.00
Mostly wool and a deep & dark pattern are once again the positives. Drawbacks are those shoulders and how it lays. It just doesn’t drape well. Button stance is good, and even on this “traditional fit” it’s got some sculpting there. But like the corduroy above, which also has a little bit of shape, it’d need to come way in. And again, not a 38R to be found.
The use of natural fabrics like wool and cotton instead of all poly is a nice step. But until those shoulders get slimmed and the tail lengthens out a bit on the slim option, these will set off most people’s “this-fits-wonky-ometer”.
I got two Stafford blazers, a cotton in khaki and a wool in black/grey houndstooth, last year on sale for less than $80 and they fit better off the rack than almost any other blazer I’ve tried on except Uniqlo. I’m a small guy and they are actually pretty tailored than most and the length is almost perfect. The shoulders are not great, and the elbow patches on the wool are not the best quality, but the fit made it worth it for something I can wear casually around the city.
Nice “In Person” Joe. Had seen the Stafford line online and was curious. Of course the models picture doesnt have nearly as severe shoulder padding issues.
Was wondering about the shoulder pads. Thanks for the insights!
Sounds like JC Penney in general is trying to change their image, which is better for all of us.
Could a tailor do anything about the shoulder pads?
Give it a few seasons, I think they will evolve their line to have correct fits. Glad to see them putting in the effort. Obviously no drastic changes will come overnight.
I wish they would have contrasting elbow patches….
I agree. I’m really liking the effort toward more tailored/fit clothing. Walking through JCP is now a pleasure. They’re getting it right…slowly.
I picked up a couple when they were having a ridiculous sale (around $40 a piece) and then went straight to the tailor – got some pretty easy on the wallet, well fitting blazers now… though to get the correct fit I had to size up (typically a 42R – went with a 44R… I’m a little more on the solid side with a large chest and there was a lot of pull in their 42R) and take in the shoulder and drop the cuff a bit… which is one of the most drastic/expensive routes you can go, but since the entry price was so low I figured why not? for around $100 total each. Been very happy with them both
I poked around JCP this past weekend to see what all the fuss was about. In the suits and blazers section, I saw a single 38L in a sea of 40+ and 50+ jackets. Slim pickings for this 36R. Good prices, though.
Did you notice the blackwatch wool blazer while you were down? I don’t see it on their site, but I think it was $90 or $100 and looked pretty great. I don’t think it was Stafford, though. I think it was Izod. I was in a hurry and didn’t have time to try one on, but I may be going back.
Yes, a good tailor can, but it will cost you more than you paid for the jacket. Plus, it never really looks right when it’s done.
I imagine this Scott person to be quite handsome and knowledgeable…
Nice feature, thanks for the follow up. Being that I am on the shorter side these might have to check these out in person. Just looked, at your measurements Joe and we’re about the same height, surprised these jackets are still this short. Still, those prices….
Yes, it is Izod. I think it is $120 though. I’m planning on picking it up soon.
They do have some slim fit corduroy blazers on the website, though I haven’t seen them in store yet. I do like the black watch plaid blazer from izod, and I plan on getting it. I think over time, they will get the fit better. It is a long process to change from where they were to where they are trying to go.
Hopefully not a dumb question, but what are the first 3 color/fabric/pattern that you should get when getting some blazers and/or sport coats?
Every guy should have at least one navy blazer- unstructured cotton for spring/summer casual and a more formal one to dress up with separates or dress down with jeans (you can switch out the gold buttons for something more subtle, like horn or plastic imitations if you want the look on a budget), a tweed or houndstooth blazer for the fall and winter months, and perhaps a corduroy jacket. For something more adventurous when you have the basics, you can try other patterns, like gingham for summer or blackwatch plaid for the colder months.
Normally I completely ignore Stafford sport coats. A Banana Republic tailored-fit 40R fits me perfectly but a 40R Stafford fits me like a tent and my local JCP’s never have anything smaller than 40R. Now that they have some slim-fit options, I will check them again but based on your photos, it looks like some of the same old issues remain. Thanks for the reviews.
One thing I’ve found about having pads removed is that you then wind up with the sleeves being pulled up, so one repair becomes two if you need to have the sleeves lengthened. Long story short (no pun intended), your costs can start to spiral out of control.
Whoo-hoo!!! The Izod Black Watch tartan sportcoat for $40! They are selling at clearance prices. The only compromise is that I needed to buy the 42S instead of R. Sleeves fit perfect though and short is in today.
So today, I actually snagged one of the Stafford Slim Fit All Merino Wool Blazer’s in store at JCP for (drumroll) $12! The website is still charging over $50. I found them on clearance for $15, and had a 20% coupon. Even with the flaws… its quite nice for $12.