Should I get a tweed jacket from Bookster?

Basically, the title is my main question. A bit more detail: I currently have only two odd jackets: a navy blazer that I had made-to-measure, and a light brown moleskin-ish jacket that I got at Uniqlo a couple years ago (not the most versatile color, but I've found ways to make it work). Having acquired a decent start to a workable collection of shoes, I thought maybe I'd refocus and get a tweed jacket and some other seasonal items in the near-term. I've seen Bookster brought up here and elsewhere, and they seem like good value for the money. As this will be my first tweed jacket, I thought it might be best to start out with some inconspicuous designs. My #1 choice would probably be a grey Donegal (like this one), follwed by brown herringbone, brown Donegal, and grey herringbone. Whichever one I get, I'll probably get the other color / pattern next winter, though I'm open to other suggestions. As for fit: I usually take a (frustratingly difficult-to-find) 37 short in U.S. sizing, but the measurements of my MTM jacket suggest I'd be a better fit for their 39, though their 39 is half an inch longer, slightly narrower at the waist, and with much longer sleeves. The website says they'll work with me to help ensure proper fit, but I'd like to hear reports from past experiences as well. Finally, bespoke options: I think the button tab on the collar is a pretty cool feature, so I'd probably go with that. I'm on the fence about a ticket pocket, though: I realize it's meant to be casual, but I worry that it's too "suit-like" for a jacket I intend to wear with a variety of clothes. So, what do all of you think?

I've ordered from them (have an overcoat in the works right now) and believes they have amazing customer service. If you want something done they can do it, I think you can send your jacket in and have a pattern drafted from that for a fee (I'm not sure I have to check).

I suppose the best thing to do would be for me to contact them directly, then.

That said, any comments on their sized garments? Are they really that much smaller than the norm?

Also, does anyone have any suggestions as to fabric other than the ones I mentioned above?

This is very interesting - I put up a post about Bookster a few months back. They come recommended by an English chap I know who owns a lot of tweed.

Can you post the links of other threads on Bookster for me please Dasai?

I would have 2 reservations about online MTO however - not seeing the cloths in person to pick the colours, and not being able to talk measurements through with a tailor, and try on a similar style to see what their work looks like on me.

Dasai, with such measurements, it would be best not to use their website, but instead, contact them directly. They can easily accommodate you if you tell them what you want, but their website can't yet. I went and was measured by them directly, but you can also tell them exactly what you want just short of 'true bespoke'.

I also have a ticket pocket on my casual jackets and I find it's not too 'suit' at all.

no

you Should Not

I ordered a trial jacket from Bookster a few weeks ago - the fabric and construction was very nice. My only reservation, which ultimately prevented me from ordering, was that the shape itself was not particularly flattering to me, in a way that would not be changed by altering sleeve length or waist measurement (for me it was the low armholes that gave the jacket an odd silhouette).

However, if they can offer a bespoke pattern as they do with trousers, I would be interested again.

Originally Posted by lee_44106

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no

you Should Not

Why?

There is a WAYWRN poster (something Rabbit) who has a bunch of their tweeds. I think he lives in Germany. Have not seen him up in a while.

I bought a vintage tweed jacket from them. It is cool, but a bit too big for me. My issue with them is that they have "stock" measurements for sizes on their vintage stuff. Every 42 jacket is listed as having a 22 or 22.5 (can't remember) chest. They only seem to measure sleeve and overall length. They do have a cool selection.

Mike

My newphew ordered from them. One thing I'll say ... the working button holes are way way too far up the sleeve ... almost two inches! That's absurd. Perhaps they are thinking those ordering don't know their sleeve length and will want them shortened.

As I recall ... a member of the Bookster staff posts on SF ... perhaps they will weigh in.

Ive ordered 6 or 7 items from them-- fine tuning the measurements with successive orders.

At this point, Ive got essentially a very close to perfect fit, and then I take the garment to my tailor upon arrival for fine tuning, including buttonholes, etc.

This system has proven to be excellent-- customer service is beyond belief.

Originally Posted by Jack2000

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Why?

yeah, why?

I'll go one further. Comments per the one below are worthless unless you tell why.

Originally Posted by lee_44106

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no

you Should Not

I have purchased items from Bookster and i am very happy with them. You might think of a full Norfolk jacket. They seem to be very rare with used ones costing about 1/2 the price of a new one. Also, its probably worth getting the swatches. Also, think about ordering a matching driving cap, for the fun of it.

Originally Posted by TheDarkKnight

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This is very interesting - I put up a post about Bookster a few months back. They come recommended by an English chap I know who owns a lot of tweed.

Can you post the links of other threads on Bookster for me please Dasai?

I would have 2 reservations about online MTO however - not seeing the cloths in person to pick the colours, and not being able to talk measurements through with a tailor, and try on a similar style to see what their work looks like on me.

You can order cloth samples through the site, and you can order a trial jacket for sizing purposes.