Action back?

[CTGuy]

I am just wondering if someone could explain what an "action back" is. I was looking at some of the tweed lambourne jackets on STP which are now down to under $200 and they look kind of interesting, except I hesitate due to the description that states the jackets have an "action back for better movement".

Can anyone explain?

 

[shoreman1782]

They probably have a fold where the shoulder meets the back to allow for more movement with your arms raised (common on shooting jackets for this reason), and sometimes a similar pleat in the center of the back. They often (always?) have a half belt, as well. I have one cord jacket with these details--it's nice so long as the jacket is very casual.

A bi-swing shoulder, from Ott's engineered garments jacket:

 

[dah328]

I saw a great example of one on the train a couple days ago in a heavy dark green tweed that wasn't as extreme in detail as the one above. It had pleats over both shoulder blades and a non-functional half belt sewn directly onto the back. It would make a great casual jacket for cool spring or fall days.

 

[CTGuy]

Hmm...that makes me a little hesitant. I wonder if I can pull that off at work...

 

[shoreman1782]

I should add that the Lambourne version will be much cleaner than that cotton EG jacket. I've seen some very sharp versions of this, but it is technically a country detail.

 

[dopey]

Originally Posted by CTGuy

Hmm...that makes me a little hesitant. I wonder if I can pull that off at work...
If you work at a jacket and tie kind of place, I would say the answer is no. If you are wearing a jacket because you like to but your workplace is basically casual, then an action back is fine. I can wear whatever I want to work on most days, but I always wear a coat and tie and usually a suit. I have only worn a jacket with an action back on Friday or the last day before a holiday weekend.

 

[CTGuy]

Originally Posted by dopey

If you work at a jacket and tie kind of place, I would say the answer is no. If you are wearing a jacket because you like to but your workplace is basically casual, then an action back is fine.

I can wear whatever I want to work on most days, but I always wear a coat and tie and usually a suit. I have only worn a jacket with an action back on Friday or the last day before a holiday weekend.

My office is fairly casual unless we are seeing clients. I generally wear at least a tie and blazer every day, but at least one of my bosses generally wears whatever he feels like when we do not have meetings or the like.

I like the jacket on STP, but the action back is sort of a strike against it...it would be outweighed if it had a ticket pocket...

 

[dopey]

Originally Posted by CTGuy

I like the jacket on STP, but the action back is sort of a strike against it...it would be outweighed if it had a ticket pocket...
Everyone is different, but to me, an action back and a ticket pocket both push in the same direction rather than cancel each other out. Since ticket pockets are now pretty common, I would say the action back is much more obvious.

See if you can talk yourself into buying it for weekends. If it makes it to the office on a Friday, nobody will die. I only have the cords and moleskins from Lambourne (also via STP) but the quality is very good and I would exoect the same from the coat. You won't be getting a fully canvassed bespoke jacket, but I bet the tweed is nice and $200 is probably good value if it fits.

 

[Ed13]

I have an action back, Lambourne jacket from STP. It has double vents with no half belt. It is a heavy, course tweed. I wear mine with moleskins and cords. More of a casual, weekend jacket or Friday/casual office attire.

I have been very happy wth the purchase so far at deep discount on STP.

 

[CTGuy]

Originally Posted by Ed13

I have an action back, Lambourne jacket from STP. It has double vents with no half belt. It is a heavy, course tweed. I wear mine with moleskins and cords. More of a casual, weekend jacket or Friday/casual office attire.

I have been very happy wth the purchase so far at deep discount on STP.

Thanks-- that is very helpful info.