J. Crew Field Mechanic Jacket – $198
“Pockets, pockets! We’ve got pockets here! See nobody cares.”
Chances are Dennis Nedry wouldn’t be impressed with so many pockets, but you have to appreciate the practicality and almost utilitarian nature of such outerwear. The Mechanic Field Jacket is J. Crew’s homage to the original M-1965 design, now in a more fashion forward version.
Fit
At 6’0” and 170lbs I went with a size medium (fit on my frame can be seen at top of post). The sleeves are on the longer side, which is great for my long arms, but might be problematic for those with more of an average arm length. Overall the fit offers room for layering without appearing too boxy like some of the cheaper field coats on the market. Plus you can cinch the waist in for a bit of shape if wanted.
Mechanic Field Jacket shown in Hillside Green. Pockets on pockets.
Color
The color shown here is what J. Crew calls “hillside green”. In real life this translates to something between military green and moss green. Some of the online reviews mention the color being a bit bright, but I find it to be extremely versatile when paired with fall attire. And if green doesn’t work for you, there’s a navy option.
Brighter than many expect, but still versatile.
Construction and Build Quality
The field coat is unlined except in the arms, which is great for breathability, but not so much for water resistance since the cotton shell is not treated. Thankfully I’ve managed to stay dry in most wet weather. When paired with an oxford shirt and sweater, you should be able to stay warm down to the mid to upper 30s. It won’t be able to stand up to freezing temps though.
No lining. Foldable zip hood.
Pricepoint
I managed to snag this coat during a 30% off Fall Sale. I was originally prepared to pay full price, but seeing as how J. Crew seems to always have some sort of discount code running, waiting for this jacket to go on sale was best. At post time, this jacket isn’t part of their currently running promo, but we all know how quickly those codes turn over.
Final Thoughts
After spending well over a month with the field coat so far, I find myself wearing it at every opportunity when I’m not wearing a suit. The color, fit, and price far outweigh all concerns regarding the amount of pockets. This is a military coat after all. From the office to bar hopping with the wife, the field coat has honestly been the most versatile item in my fall closet. Not even Dennis Nedry can deny that.
About the author: Patrick L.is a Chicago-based Information Technology administrator by day. On the weekend he shifts gears to wedding photographer, and makes his contributions to the world of style bloggers anytime in-between. Check out his photography site here.