Glen plaid jacket

[j]

I found a very nice Dunhill glen plaid jacket, 2-1/2 button, very soft super 100s worsted, full canvas, with pick stitched lapel edges, and it fits me almost perfectly. I want to wear it with jeans, etc., and I thought of those cashmere hooded sweatshirts recently discussed as a good way to use it. I failed in my mission to find one yesterday, but I will keep on it. My question is, can a 25-year-old guy get away with wearing this with jeans and not look like a dork? If so, how?

Also, it has (fake) buttonhole stitching under the sleeve buttons. I've seen this from time to time... what's up with that?

 

[Brian SD]

My question is, can a 25-year-old guy get away with wearing this with jeans and not look like a dork? If so, how?

With a hoodie, like you said. Maybe with a red graphic tee. I see lots of kids around hear wearing plaid sport coats and I think it looks great.

 

[Sevcom]

Go for it. As a matter of fact, I've been looking for a good plaid sportscoat myself; the only one I've found relatively cheaply is a Zara one, and that one's not right to me.

My only concern in your case is that the material would look too 'delicate' to be paired with jeans, but I guess the pattern draws attention away from that.

 

[j]

Luckily it's not that hard finished glen plaid like the suit I have, but a soft type that almost feels like flannel. Otherwise you're right, I definitely wouldn't try it.

 

[LA Guy]

Will work. Again, the idea is to have a casual piece under it, so as to not look like you just switched out the matching pants for jeans. And the flannelized material will definitely work. I would even go with an actual cotton sweatshirt - not a Champion, mind you, but maybe something simple from Helmut Lang.

 

[j]

Hmm.. any ideas on where to get such a thing? You have to remember that even though Seattle is a big city it's still in the stone age as this stuff goes. Unfortunately due to my price range and area I'm stuck with mall places like the Gap and BR (believe me, I wish it were different). The Gap has a cotton one that is perfect except for the color (and the slave labor) and otherwise I don't see what I'm looking for.

 

[Sevcom]

Like people in other threads suggested, try American Apparel. I picked up one of their zip hoodies last week, and it's phenomenal stuff.

 

[LA Guy]

I second the American Apparel suggestion. Also, you might try James Perse.

 

[j]

Well I lucked out and found a black one on sale at the Gap for $35. I like it but the jacket doesn't really seem to work this way. I think the shoulders are too constructed or something, and too wide. They extend a bit past my actual shoulder but the fabric hangs straight down. They fit perfectly but don't really look right for this application.

Okay, so can a guy my age get away with wearing this jacket in a more dressy way? I look good in the glen plaid suit, but as a jacket I keep thinking it will look a bit.. mature. Opinions?

 

[9_Ball_Slim]

How about a silk/cotton blend mock in a suitable color? They look great with the right jeans, and I think your jacket would dress up the look very smartly, without making you look like you're trying too hard.