Best Affordable Style of 2015 – The Blazer / Sportcoat

The end of the year means it’s time to hand out some awards.  No, there’re 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.

J. Crew Factory Thompson Unconstructed Chino Sportcoat – $100ish

Note to JCF: This should be an “evergreen” item. Don’t mess with it. Just keep making this season after season after season. It gets everything right where other brands get it wrong, all for $80 – $110ish depending on codes and sales.

All kinds of right, without asking for all of your cash.

There’s no shoulder padding, but it’s not totally unconstructed thanks to a decent (but not cumbersome) weight to the crisp chino fabric, a self-fabric lined front, and an acetate lined upper back and sleeves. It’s got just enough backbone to help it drape well, yet it isn’t a fully lined & stiff blazer like you’d find, at say, Banana Republic. And the sleeve buttons are non-functioning. That makes for inexpensive, easy tailoring.

It’s a J. Crew Factory “Thompson” fit, so expect a lowered button stance and  a slightly shorter tail. But that tail is nowhere near as chopped as something you’d get at UNIQLO or Gap. The sides are nicely contoured off the rack, and many will be able to get away without having the waist suppressed.

Well made, perfect color, and easy to tailor. Versatile enough that it helps anchor this year’s $1500 wardrobe.

Also Receiving Votes: Brooks Brothers Fitzgerald Fit, wool or wool blend Sportcoats (when on sale.) J. Crew’s Legacy Blazer in Super 130s wool. Banana Republic’s completely unconstructed, reversible sportcoats. Bonobos Unconstructed Wool Blazers. Suitsupply’s Havana Fit Sportcoats.