The unofficial Drake's London Appreciation Thread

Wim said:

Would you wear the new jungle jacket? I think its such a cool piece. But whereas games suits and chores fit my daily environment, I rarely discover new continents in (sub)tropical zones, and I really want to avoid looking like Melania Trump in Egypt…

Click to expand...

Well, yes, as a transitional jacket, for a walk in the coutryside (in winter it would be the casentino fleece).

chiggyv said:

Happy to provide an update once I have a resolution.

Judging from the back and forth this seems to be the first time someone has raised an issue with their refund process for Canadians.

Click to expand...

Mind you, this was probably 1-2 years ago, but I’ve returned items to Drake’s from Canada where duties/taxes were paid up-front/included in the price and I was refunded the full amount I paid to Drake’s (I.e. including the duties/taxes they presumably paid). I have only had to handle duties/customs refunds personally where the retailer hasn’t handled them (I.e. the courier has charged me directly)…

chiggyv said:

Speaking of Drake's in Canada...

I recently made my first purchase through their website and was surprised to find that they cannot refund taxes paid on returned items. Rather, they expect the buyer to claim a tax refund through the government (which can take months)

Quite a disappointing experience at this price point. No mention of this on the website so Canadian buyers beware.

Click to expand...

I think this is Brexit related, as this happened with me as well a few times, around 2020-2021. I live in the euro area. I believe the UK renegotiated things with us pretty quickly because this period of not being refunded back the tax only lasted a few months at most.

Wim said:

Would you wear the new jungle jacket?

Click to expand...

No, not the Drake’s one. It’s a nice jacket, but not at that price. Plus you can get a similar jungle jacket from other suppliers, eg Orslow. And hardcore fashionistas will respect you more if you just buy vintage, lots of nice ones on marrkt.

wahnamhong said:

I think this is Brexit related, as this happened with me as well a few times, around 2020-2021. I live in the euro area. I believe the UK renegotiated things with us pretty quickly because this period of not being refunded back the tax only lasted a few months at most.

Click to expand...

That makes sense.

To be clear I wouldn't take issue if they were transparent about this on the returns page.

Question: I’m looking for a cheaper alternative to Drake’s merino wool v neck navy jumper. Anyone know a good alternative, preferably below 200 euro? (Instead of 395 at Drake’s…)

wahnamhong said:

Question: I’m looking for a cheaper alternative to Drake’s merino wool v neck navy jumper. Anyone know a good alternative, preferably below 200 euro? (Instead of 395 at Drake’s…)

Navy Merino Wool V Neck Jumper

Effortlessly versatile and beautifully constructed from pure Merino wool, the V-neck jumper is an essential piece of transitional layering. With ribbed cuffs and hems, raglan sleeves, and a V-cut neckline, the clean construction of this classic piece affords a balance between the casual and the...

www.drakes.com

Click to expand...

I would have recommended Rubato's jumpers, although it seems like they've increased their prices significantly. They make nice knitwear though, and it's still a more reasonable price compared to Drake's. One thing to note, the waist on their knits tapers for a nicely shaped fit from the chest down, so depending on what you're looking for I might size up one:

astrobuoy said:

I would have recommended Rubato's jumpers, although it seems like they've increased their prices significantly. They make nice knitwear though, and it's still a more reasonable price compared to Drake's. One thing to note, the waist on their knits tapers for a nicely shaped fit from the chest down, so depending on what you're looking for I might size up one:

Standard V-Neck in Navy

Rubato V-Neck standard knitted sweater. Mid-weight. Navy. 100% Lambswool. Made in Scotland. Our fit is meant to be worn slightly loose rather than too slim. When in doubt opt for the bigger size. SEE OUR FITS HERE The Standard from Rubato means a boxier cut, shorter in length and overall a...

www.atemporubato.com

Click to expand...

Please note that the Rubato v-neck is deeper. Also, check the measurements, as they have recently increased the length. However, it's still on the short side, designed with high-waisted trousers in mind.

wahnamhong said:

Question: I’m looking for a cheaper alternative to Drake’s merino wool v neck navy jumper. Anyone know a good alternative, preferably below 200 euro? (Instead of 395 at Drake’s…)

Navy Merino Wool V Neck Jumper

Effortlessly versatile and beautifully constructed from pure Merino wool, the V-neck jumper is an essential piece of transitional layering. With ribbed cuffs and hems, raglan sleeves, and a V-cut neckline, the clean construction of this classic piece affords a balance between the casual and the...

www.drakes.com

Click to expand...

I would just get something from William Lockie.
Either the merino geelong or if you want thicker they have two lambswool models

What's the general consensus on how a jungle jacket should fit, with regards to length, chest, and sleeves?

Rnam said:

What's the general consensus on how a jungle jacket should fit, with regards to length, chest, and sleeves?

Click to expand...

I’d suggest sizing up one size compared to standard size here! Tried it on in store yesterday. Think it looks good with a little more room than usual.

Thought it was cut very nicely but just couldn’t convince myself to part with £695 for it

K. Nights said:

I would just get something from William Lockie.
Either the merino geelong or if you want thicker they have two lambswool models

Gordon 1 Ply Geelong V-Neck

Key Features• 1 ply Super Geelong lambswool• 100% pure wool• Made in Hawick, Scotland Care Instructions• Machine wash at 30 degrees, using a gentle wool wash, with good quality neutral soap. Gets even softer as you wash and wear. • Do not tumble dry. Leave to dry flat, away from direct heat and...

us.ahume.co.uk

Leven 2 Ply Lambswool V-Neck

Key Features• 2 ply Lambswool • V-neck sweater with saddle shoulders & straight cuffs• Made in Hawick, Scotland Care Instructions• Machine wash at 30 degrees, using a gentle wool wash, with good quality neutral soap. Gets even softer as you wash and wear. • Do not tumble dry. Leave to dry flat...

us.ahume.co.uk

Rob 2 Ply Lambswool V-Neck

Key Features• 2 ply lambswool • Set-in shoulders & turn back cuffs• Made in Hawick, Scotland Care Instructions• Machine wash at 30 degrees, using a gentle wool wash, with good quality neutral soap. Gets even softer as you wash and wear. • Do not tumble dry. Leave to dry flat, away from direct...

us.ahume.co.uk

Click to expand...

I second the William Lockie recommendation. I have several pieces from them and the quality is excellent, especially for the price. Definitely my current go-to for knitwear basics. I got most of mine from Frans Boone.

You might also look at A&S.

NB: the Rubato model recommended above is lambswool, not merino. I really want to like Rubato, but have found the taper and abbreviated length are not really for me. Definitely aimed at committed high-waist aficionados.

Wim said:

Would you wear the new jungle jacket? I think its such a cool piece. But whereas games suits and chores fit my daily environment, I rarely discover new continents in (sub)tropical zones, and I really want to avoid looking like Melania Trump in Egypt…

Click to expand...

Wim said:

Would you wear the new jungle jacket? I think its such a cool piece. But whereas games suits and chores fit my daily environment, I rarely discover new continents in (sub)tropical zones, and I really want to avoid looking like Melania Trump in Egypt…

Click to expand...

I love them and don’t think there’s anything costume-y about them in daily wear. I have both the ripstop and herringbone versions in several colors (they did a great version in French Blue ripstop about four years ago, I guess. Mine has faded and worn in really nicely in the interim). I wear the ripstop versions a lot in the warmer months over an OCBD, and the herringbone with a knit added when it’s cooler. Both versions are eminently wearable and versatile. The herringbone model is heavier and the quality is more obvious than the ripstop models.

FYI I also have Orslow’s version, which is also very nice. I bought it before Drake’s introduced theirs. The main difference is the collar, which is shorter, the overall fit (it’s noticeably longer and more fitted) and the hip pockets, which are gusseted and feel more prominent. It also has a weird triple placket that makes it a little clumsy to button, IMO. But still, it’s a great option and arguably more “accurate” if you care about that sort of thing.

Thanks @woO @wahnamhong @Kid_Icarus for helping me to rationalise expanding my wardrobe with a jungle jacket. Much obliged