Banana Republic’s Tailored Fit Cotton Blazers – $100 – $225
The end of the year means it’s time to hand out some awards. No, there’s no little statues to pass along, but over the next few days we’ll still highlight some of the best in affordable men’s style from this past year. And it was a good one. Feel free to send in additional nominations here.
Worst. Brady Bunch episode. Ever.
A few blazers & sportcoats found the sweet spot of fit, fabric, and attainability in 2012, with the cotton or cotton-blend options from Banana Republic’s “Tailored” line leading the way.
When on sale (say, 30% off) they dipped into the mid $100s, and plenty could get away without any extra tailoring at the sides. Shoulder pads were minimal, and with a natural fiber like cotton, you get just enough polish without an insane price (see J. Crew’s terrific, but painfully priced Super 130s wool Ludlow). Plus, you can always dress them down with jeans.
Here’s to hoping BR keeps making more of these in 2013. And a note to their design team: keep it up with the linen blends in the summer, and consider upping the availability of navy options the other three seasons.
Suggestions for how to treat these things here, and why jackets in general work via Real Men Real Style here.
What the eff?
Where’s the Merona Kensington???
Joe, have you guys looked at the Anderson Little classic blue blazer? I don’t own one, but It’s right in the price point above, made in USA, and people seem to report a phenomenal experience with their customer support and ordering process (most report receiving a call from the president of the company at some point in the process to make sure all is well). http://andersonlittle.com/
I’m assuming not here because it wasn’t the best…
I like my Kensington a lot, but I honestly don’t wear it nearly as much as the mid-grey tweed BR jacket I’ve owned for the past 3 or so years. It was one of my first “real” clothing purchases and still a regular go-to piece.
They don’t make a very good case for their product with the picture of the guy in ripped jeans and square toe shoes on the landing page; he looks pretty bad.
It’s true! The owner posts on Ask Andy About Clothes semi-regularly and got plenty of (good humored) ribbing for that photo, especially from the Trad forum – he took it well though, and everyone who has got one seems to love them.
Heartily agree with this choice. When I read the headline, I thought to myself, “It had better be the BR Tailored fits…”
Have you seen their new Navy Birdseye blazer? I saw it in store the other day and it looks great. It’s got a nice texture to it, soft shoulders and elbow patches it, making it a great casual/business casual option. Waiting for a 40% code to snag it.
As good as the Kensington is for the price, it also looks the price.
It looks like they sell only two products: a blue or black blazer. I’m also not a fan of the website design.
And yes, puddling trousers begging for a hem isn’t a good look.
It’s a new rebirth of a very old company that had gone out of business and was bought by the family of the original owners. The company is still small, but growing organically, adding new products as the company expends (originally it was a blue blazer only). Sometime in 2013 they will add a line of polo shirts, according to the owner, made in USA as well.
Do you have one? The photos make them look really boxy…
I tried this on in store and it fit pretty perfectly. Does anyone know if their online selection matches their in-store one or are they different products?
I realize what they are going for in that picture: The model represents what many young American males think of as “trendy” and he would totally be appropriate in most nightclubs and bars. It’s an accessible and appealing image to those that might not get a blazer.
IMHO, I think once you get people looking like that picture, the next step of tucking in one’s shirt, having proper break on dressy jeans, more shoe options, etc. is much easier. Then replacing graphic tees with some polos, etc.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve been on a blazer hunt for several months, and these are hands-down the best in this price range. It’s been hard to wear others after I got ahold of the taupe tweed 2-button from BR.
I have a full tailored suit from Anderson Little handed down to me from my father from one of their original stores. I remember going there as a little guy with my father when he would get fitted for a suit. Good quality and I hope they make a successful comeback.
Does anyone know how sizing works? I’m at 36s Will a Small fit or be close enough to get tailored? Thanks
Hey this is Scott Anderson. Feel free to contact me through our website http://www.AndersonLittlle.com with any question you have about our Classic Navy Blazer. I appreciate all your comments and take everything I read about my company very seriously. Just wanted to thank you, let you know I’m a real guy and introduce myself to you.