In Review: J. Crew Factory’s New Moleskin Blazer

J. Crew Factory Moleskin Blazer – $100 – $130ish

NOTE: This is currently sitting at $115.70 with the code THISISTHEJAM through today, 10/18/16. Code is good for 35% off and free shipping, no minimum, through 10/18/16.

Kudos to J. Crew Factory for making what certainly appears to be the best sportcoat of the season.

Yes, better than this one from Old Navy.

Like that Old Navy option, this J. Crew Factory Sportcoat gets a lot of things right. It’s unconstructed, the sleeve buttons are non functioning, and the tail isn’t chopped. It does do better in that last point than the Old Navy sportcoat, since the JCF moleskin sure seems like their Thompson fit. So, a touch longer in the tail than the shorter (but still not chopped) Old Navy brushed twill sportcoat.

An unaltered, 40R, on 5’10” / 185. That’ll do.

It also comes in true chest measurement sizes. Not ballpark S/M/L. They carry long and short sizes too. Not just regular 36/38/40 regular (and so on). Fit for a 40R is pretty darn perfect on 5’10” / 185 off the rack. Many might need the sleeves taken up a little, but not by much.

It’s totally unlined in the back, and the front is lined in the same fabric as the shell. Sleeves are lined in a slick poly, so your shirt sleeves don’t grab on the soft, moleskin fabric.

As always with JCF, non functioning, easy to tailor sleeve buttons.

And speaking of that fabric, it’s not too thick or stiff. Some moleskin jackets can get a bit rigid thanks to the thickness of the fabric (The Old Navy Brushed Twill is stiffer by comparison). Moleskin is like a matte velvet with a buzz cut. Soft but not shined up, with a much shorter nap than velvet. Think the difference between nubuck and thick suede. Moleskin would be the nubuck comparison. Materials makeup for the moleskin is 99% cotton / 1% elastane.

Unlined in the back. Poly lined sleeves. Moves great, especially for a denser fabric like moleskin.

Patch pockets keep it casual, while the “dark olive” should be a super versatile shade for the season(s) to come. Button stance is perfect. Shows enough shirt without drifting awkwardly low. Current price is sitting a bit high, closer to $140, but has gone for as little as $99 in recent days. Should excel when paired with jeans and an OCBD or chambray shirt.

Moleskin and Oxford Cloth. Two perfect-for-fall, thicker fabrics.