Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

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

In Review: Banana Republic’s new STANDARD Fit Blazer / Sportcoat

August 8, 2016 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Banana Republic Standard Fit Patch Pocket Blazer – $230.00

NOTE: This drops to $115 if you were lucky enough to get one of those user specific F&F 50% off codes.

Kudos to BR for attacking not one, but now two body types with their blazer / sportcoat (and hopefully suit jacket?) fits. A few of us were sad when they killed off their old “tailored fit” in favor of the much slimmer “modern slim” which now peppers their inventory. And that’s all they had for a while. The very trim, modern slim. Twas not a good time for those on the thicker side. But this brand new “Standard” fit? It’s pretty much the old tailored fit.

Meaning: both the old Tailored fit and this new “Standard” fit look like they’ve been sculpted by a scissors and sewing machine wielding pro… but they’re not tight either. Sculpted, yet won’t squeeze the broader / strength training crowd. That is, unless you’re a hulked out monster / freak beast (NSFW language, yet hilarious satire), then, well, you’re probably all custom all the time anyway.

In Review: Banana Republic's new STANDARD Fit Blazer / Sportcoat | Dappered.com

An un-altered, fresh out of the box, 40R on 5’10” / 185lbs. Not bad.

THE GOOD

  • More room in the arms and chest, plus a waist that can accommodate the barrel-torsoed. But it can also be brought in for the inverted triangle types.
  • Larger arm holes to accommodate biceps and triceps, yet aren’t anchored overly low. The arms move freely and easily without pulling/tugging on the body of the jacket.
  • Nice button stance. Not too high or too low.
  • The tail is a good length. Not chopped. Which is great, because shorter tails can make broader dudes look boxy. The X axis and Y axis above the waist start looking almost identical. Sorta Sponge Bob Square Pants like.
  • Underarm shields are now made from the same fabric the shell is made of, not stuffy polyester.

In Review: Banana Republic's new STANDARD Fit Blazer / Sportcoat | Dappered.com

Fully lined. Not ideal for many of us.

THE NOT SO GOOD

  • BR, along with many other retailers, continue to insist on using difficult to tailor, functioning button holes. And the sleeves seem to run perhaps a touch long. (I’m 70 inches tall with a 70 inch wingspan, so, dead on average, and I’m showing no shirt cuff in the above front/back side by side shot.)
  • Fully lined. Again. (At least on this particular model.) 61% poly, 39% viscose for the interior body. 100% poly for the sleeves.

In Review: Banana Republic's new STANDARD Fit Blazer / Sportcoat | Dappered.com

They seem to be sticking w/ functioning sleeve buttons, which are tougher to tailor.

The BOTTOM LINE

It’s a welcome addition to their lineup, but BR’s continued dedication to full linings and functional sleeve button holes are gonna turn a lotta guys off. Those two details might even send many in the direction of alternatives like the J. Crew Crosby fit or Spier and Mackay’s “Contemporary” Fit (both of which are similar to this “standard” fit, but come with non functioning sleeve buttons and more breathable half-linings and/or breezier lining fabrics).

In regards to this particular blue cotton sportcoat: It’s not something you’d want to wear in the heat. The cotton is a soft, almost brushed/short nap like flannel. Nice, but thick. A touch stiff due to that thickness. And when combined with the full lining, it can get quite sweaty, awfully quick. The back of my shirt was nicely soaked post photo shoot. Which is not what happens when wearing minimally lined lightweight wool or linen jackets that have been previously featured on this site. Even in 95+ heat.

In Review: Banana Republic's new STANDARD Fit Blazer / Sportcoat | Dappered.com

Worn above with BR’s lightweight, vintage straight chino, Wall + Water Suede Single monks,
a Ledbury white fine twill shirt, and the Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph.

Filed Under: Clothing, Reviews Tagged With: Banana Republic, Banana Republic Standard Fit, Banana Republic Standard Fit Review

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

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.

Spier launches new $298 Half Canvas Suit Line – The Best Wedding Suit under $300?

Spier launches new $298 Half Canvas Suit Line – The Best Wedding Suit under $300?

They’re calling it their Red Label line. So… why another line? And how?

The 2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Her

The 2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Her

Idea starters including neck massages, pickleball, and a little Sherlock Holmes.

The problem with AI, algorithms, and robots trying to sell us clothes

The problem with AI, algorithms, and robots trying to sell us clothes

Why having Siri, Alexa, and ChatGPT as stylists probably isn’t a great idea.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

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.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • 10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Rugged Boots, Italian wool trousers, & More
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Italian Traveler Wool Blazers, Nordy’s NOT final sale section, & More
  • The Dappered Space: 5 Essential Home Decor Items for any grown-guy’s home
  • Style Scenario: It’s still winter. (Nothing over $100 edition)
  • MTO Suits, Goodyear Welted Boots, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • The 2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Her

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

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

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.