Buying a blazer for the spring and summer

[Makoto Chan]

Hi SF, I have already proportioned most of my clothing budget through the first half of the year (I'm saving for trip to nearby HK for a bespoke suit or two). But, with warm weather approaching, I'm thinking about buying a light blazer. My two other jackets are somewhat heavy and quite nice, but difficult to wear in the summer (not that I am required to wear a jacket every day). So what do you think? What's a young man to do with a long-term goals for dressing well but a hot summer approaching? Should I spend 300 dollars on an unstructured cotton blazer now (such as this jacket from Brooks Brothers, which might not be classified as a blazer, by the way?), or Should I spend 150 dollars on a cheaper jacket such as this from a Japanese suit retail store, or Should I save my money and have a bespoke wool blazer made for me, at the end of the sunmmer when I visit HK? Or a combination of the three? Or something else? Maybe I should just get a better blazer from Brooks Brothers or J Press and have it tailored. Thanks for your input, -Makoto

 

[Will]

Save your money and get a blazer made in HK.

 

[emptym]

Originally Posted by Will

Save your money and get a blazer made in HK.
+1, except I'd get a "blazersuit," so you get the blazer and the suit and you direct all your financial resources to getting a good one. If you're not sure what this is, you might do a search.

 

[Makoto Chan]

Originally Posted by emptym

+1, except I'd get a "blazersuit," so you get the blazer and the suit and you direct all your financial resources to getting a good one. If you're not sure what this is, you might do a search.

Informative thread... but I want a blazer! With brass buttons!

 

[emptym]

Then you might try a "Swiss Army Suit," like Vox.

 

[Douglas]

I'd wait for Hong Kong. Spend the time between now and then researching good tailors, fabrics, and details so you'll get just exactly what you want and need. You'll be able to pick a nice cool material and select smart summer details such as half-linings and more breathable linings as well. Sure, you'll go this spring and summer without, but all good things are worth waiting for.

That is, assuming budget is a constraint. If you can afford to blow $600 or more on a quality blazer and alterations in the meantime, then go for it. If your budget is the $300 for an unconstructed BB, save your money.

 

[voxsartoria]

..

 

[emptym]

Originally Posted by voxsartoria

Can OP afford the licensing fee?
Maybe you could waive it just this once.

Btw, OP, most people here, including me, will advise you to save for a classic one from HK, but if you want something quickly and more fashion forward, the Japanese one looks OK. You could also look for one from a thrift store or eBay. The advantage of that is that you could experiment for cheap. During that time you could do the research that Douglas suggests and invest in something that will last a long time and that you'll know you'll like for a long time.

 

[porcelain monkey]

Originally Posted by voxsartoria

Can OP afford the licensing fee?

- B

(Saved for the Archives)

 

[Makoto Chan]

Thanks for the replies!

Alright, so the consensus is to wait and buy something better. That's what I was expecting to hear, I suppose. Maybe I'll find something cheap in the meanwhile...

Wasn't sure about that BB jacket, thanks for steering me away.