Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

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

In Person Review: The J. Crew Ludlow Fine Stripe Cotton Suit

July 9, 2013 By Joe | | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission, which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Ludlow Fine Stripe Cotton Suit – $416 (but $291.20 w/ the next 30% off code)

This suit is proof that the quality of the fabric can really make a difference. Because despite the really nice construction (especially the chest of the jacket), breathable Bemberg lining, slim sleeves and easy to tailor non-functioning buttons… this one is a bit of a disappointment.

Look, J. Crew can go a bit over-the-top with some of their item descriptions. And often times they can make it sound like their fabrics are sourced from some sort of divine mill, operated by centaurs and pixies. But the fact is… the Baird McNutt Linen in their Linen Ludlow breathes extremely well and is awesomely flexible. The Super 130s Loro Piana wool they use for their navy blazers is Katy Perry cleavage soft.

And the cotton they use for this suit is… well, it’s just sorta there.

Fine Stripe Close“Faded” black stripe on an off white background = sorta a khaki look.

It’s a little stiff (J. Crew prefer’s the word “crisp” in the item description). And maybe it’ll loosen up over time as you move around in it, and since it’s not fully fused, the jacket will start to conform to your body. But out of the box it just doesn’t feel all that different from the J. Crew Factory Corded Cotton Thompson Suit Separates.

And those Thompsons are terrific, being that they’re often priced under $200… as long as they have sizes in stock.

Like the J. Crew Factory Thompson, the regular J. Crew Ludlow “Classic” suit pants run awfully big through the leg. So much so that even someone with some muscle on their legs, like me, will need to get them tapered and brought in. They do offer a “slim” pant, but those aren’t on sale. Meanwhile, the jacket sides are slightly sculpted, but most are going to want to invest more in tailoring there as well.

Ludlow needs pant taperingJacket has a little taper, but will need tailoring for most. Pants need some real work.
Sizes shown: 38R jacket, 32×30 Pant.

You might think you’d be getting a greyish suit by looking at the pics on J. Crew’s wesbsite. That’s not the case. Instead of cooler, blueish/grey tones, the black stripe on off-white background leans noticeably khaki. More warm than cool. Which is fine, but don’t be surprised with the earth tone when you open it up.

Hang out for the next extra 30% off sale items code and it’ll drop under $300, but it still might be best to pass, or spend $100 less on the Factory Thompson option. Or maybe take a shot at the Italian Chino Ludlow (anyone got that one?). Better yet, cross your fingers for the Baird McNutt Linen Ludlow jacket to go on sale. The pants are already slightly marked down, and if the jacket can somehow do the same, an extra 30% off code would put that linen suit at $312.20.

That’s a bit more than the fine stripe cotton when at an extra 30% off, but good grief it’s worth it.

Especially the Linen in Navy or Grey. We’re talking Katsopolian levels of  “have mercy” there.

corded cotton alternatives Two alternatives: The Italian Chino, & the Irish Linen. Both have potential to maybe land around $300.

Filed Under: Clothing, Reviews Tagged With: Cotton Suit, fine stripe suit, J. Crew, J. Crew Ludlow Cotton review, Ludlow

CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Join the discussion on Facebook, hit us up on Instagram, or reply on Threads.  

DON’T MISS ANYTHING

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox. You can also follow us on Threads, Facebook, and Instagram.  

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.

Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – J. Crew Seasonal Clearance, Brooks Brothers Seasonal Clearance, & more

All the end-of-season events are picking up steam and adding new items.

Banana Republic Factory: 64% – 70% off most 24-hr sale

Sunday steal alert. Starts today and ends today at BR’s more affordable step-down brand.

Best Posts of 2024: Style Scenarios

What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these were (and are) for.

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.
For a fit perspective, see Joe’s measurements
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS

Copyright © 2025 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

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