Advice re: navy suit jacket

[DavideMiguel85]

Hello all...

So, the trousers to my navy suit have been completely destroyed, and I've been unable to find a replacement. And even if I could, I'm not sure they'd match up well anymore do to wear / use of the jacket. I know I should have bought two pairs of trousers from the beginning, my mistake.

The jacket is still great though, so I'm wondering what your thoughts as for usage are. The jacket itself cost me around £300 a year ago so I'd prefer it didn't go in the bin.

It's navy, herringbone, single breasted, double vent, notch lapels.

I feel like I can 'get away' with wearing it with the right pair of jeans or similar... The fit is good... And with confidence, as they say... I'm sure many of you will HATE this though. So, do you think if I had the buttons changed to mother of pearl or similar it would seem more like a blazer? Or would it be wasted effort?

Thanks!

P.s. I may be able to photograph, if that would make any difference, I'm not sure.

 

[Off My Rack]

I think changing the buttons would be the right call. I would imagine it would be perfectly passable as a blazer. As always, pics would help to give you a definite yes/no.

 

[DavideMiguel85]



I think changing the buttons would be the right call. I would imagine it would be perfectly passable as a blazer. As always, pics would help to give you a definite yes/no.

Well, that is encouraging at least, thank you. I will try to get a photo of me wearing it in the next day or two (which I imagine would be more useful than simply on the hanger!).

 

[DavideMiguel85]

Hey, I've found a photo of the jacket through my old emails (its dark here, can't take photo right now). Strange that its actually paired with jeans! I bought it with its trousers (but no waistcoat).

I'd probably wear it with lighter jeans / chinos, and a plain Oxford shirt.

 

[GBR]

It does not really suit this role - it shouts orphaned suit jacket and is nothing like a blazer. Sorry sell it.

 

[Balfour]

It does not really suit this role - it shouts orphaned suit jacket and is nothing like a blazer. Sorry sell it.

Agreed. Even a plain hard worsted jacket with swapped over buttons looks dull and unremarkable retooled as a blazer, but this jacket would look atrocious.

 

[DavideMiguel85]

Thanks guys, may have to look at selling it then by the sounds of it (new owner will likely want to replace the lining).

Would you care to elaborate on why it wouldn't work? I don't consider myself a stylish person (well, obviously, hence starting this thread), but the above photo looks fine/good to me. So it would be good to learn why this doesn't work.

Thanks.

 

[Twotone]

I'll cast the dissenting vote and say make it into a blazer. Change the buttons to brass or pewter and you are good to go. You won't get much if you sell it and changing buttons won't cost much either. It won't be an office blazer but will still look good on weekends, casual nights out or travelling. If you don't like it after the button swap, sell it then.

 

[jaywhyy]

I go against SF groupthink and sometimes use a navy worsted wool suit jacket as a blazer (swapped the buttons for a lighter brown horn), but the fabric on the one shown looks a little too orphany because of the subtle stripes. It's hard enough with solids.

 

[dapperdoctor]

Hey, I've found a photo of the jacket through my old emails (its dark here, can't take photo right now). Strange that its actually paired with jeans! I bought it with its trousers (but no waistcoat).

I'd probably wear it with lighter jeans / chinos, and a plain Oxford shirt.

I'm pretty sure that 99% of the population would think that looks very good.

 

[Ivar]

It won't work as a blazer. But it's an ugly jacket anyway, so no need to cry.

 

[Balfour]

I'm pretty sure that 99% of the population would think that looks very good.

Is that the standard to shoot for?

Looks bad as a suit jacket and would absolutely not be capable of being adapted as a blazer (as understood in any classical sense). A plain worsted navy jacket can work (with metal buttons), but is suboptimal (often very much so). This is in trainwreck territory.

 

[kulata]

Swap the button for tan corozo buttons or smoked MOP and enjoy your jacket. Not everything has to be SF standard in the real world.

 

[Willin]



Thanks guys, may have to look at selling it then by the sounds of it (new owner will likely want to replace the lining).

Would you care to elaborate on why it wouldn't work? I don't consider myself a stylish person (well, obviously, hence starting this thread), but the above photo looks fine/good to me. So it would be good to learn why this doesn't work.

Thanks.

To answer your question self-striped suiting is generally looked down upon on these forums which is what you have. The lapels are way too slim. As a general rule they should land about halfway of the distance to the shoulder. In that particular picture the jacket is too pinched in the torso which is causing an "X" creasing effect at the buttoning point which indicates poor fit. Lastly the jacket is too short and it looks like it was made for a child. It should cover the rear and the bottom of the jacket should generally be at least half way down the thumb when your arms are relaxed at your side.

I would recommend reading through the "whnay good taste" thread and taking notes to learn about more acceptable attire.

I would also recommend dousing that coat in lighter fluid and setting it ablaze.

 

[Quadcammer]

Eh, its not perfect, but I would at least experiment with changing buttons. Navy blazers are tough with jeans also. Id say with some nice horn buttons, it would go well with chinos and a gingham/checked shirt.