Help me buy an Navy overcoat : Hickey Freeman or Belvest

[rrothsch]

I need a navy overcoat and I'm really torn between a Belvest or Hickey Freeman. Honestly, the overcoats are vastly different but the pricing is too. The Belvest was originally $3,000 marked down to $1,800 and will probably go down to $1,200 in the next few weeks but it could sell before the next round of discounts. Whereas the Hickey Freeman is $2,000 marked down to $1,000 but I can probably get this for around $600 plus tailoring which should run another $100. Both overcoats are cashmere and the length is right above the knee. The Belvest fits like a glove, a lighter shade of navy which I love, horned buttons, notch lapel, two pockets, and pretty traditional single breasted 3 button overcoat. The Hickey Freeman is a chesterfield coat with a midnight navy suede collar, color is midnight Navy that almost looks black, ticket pocket, plastic buttons, peak lapel, 3 button, and will need to be taken in a bunch because I'm slender. Below is a link to the Hickey Freeman overcoat but can't find a picture of the Belvest.

http://www.hickeyfreeman.com/mens-overcoats/navy-cashmere-overcoat/

Everything being equal, I'd buy the Belvest but it's 2.5 times the price of the Hickey Freeman. In terms of quality, I know both brands but I have never owned anything from either company. Belvest seems to be higher end and more respected but I've also seen both brand on Gilt before. Both feel nice and would appreciate any opinions on either brand or if anyone has any familiarity with overcoats from either brand? I already have a nice Black overcoat and if I decide to go with the Hickey Freeman because of the pirce, do you think the midnight Navy is too close to my black? The intention of the navy overcoat is to wear with navy suits and grey suits.

Any feeback would be appreciated

 

[bourbonbasted]

Belvest may be more expensive but, IMO, is in an entirely different league of quality from HF. HF is a fine maker for beater/interview suits. Belvest, on the other hand, is one of the most underrated makers out there. Their stuff is top notch. Great quality, loads of hand finishing and a fit that is always perfect for me.

I say spend the extra and get the Belvest. Sounds like that's the one you want anyway.

 

[lee_44106]

Belvest, without a doubt.


Much higher quality. And your heart tells you to get the Belvest. Go with your heart, because you will regret the HF purchase later and wasted the money on something because you chose to settle.

Don't settle.

 

[Patek]

Link to the Belfast coat?

 

[rrothsch]

I don't have a link to the Belvest coat, tried to find it on the internet but failed

 

[taxgenius]

Belvest is great stuff no doubt, but I personally would save the $ and go with the HF.

 

[comrade]



I need a navy overcoat and I'm really torn between a Belvest or Hickey Freeman. Honestly, the overcoats are vastly different but the pricing is too. The Belvest was originally $3,000 marked down to $1,800 and will probably go down to $1,200 in the next few weeks but it could sell before the next round of discounts. Whereas the Hickey Freeman is $2,000 marked down to $1,000 but I can probably get this for around $600 plus tailoring which should run another $100. Both overcoats are cashmere and the length is right above the knee. The Belvest fits like a glove, a lighter shade of navy which I love, horned buttons, notch lapel, two pockets, and pretty traditional single breasted 3 button overcoat. The Hickey Freeman is a chesterfield coat with a midnight navy suede collar, color is midnight Navy that almost looks black, ticket pocket, plastic buttons, peak lapel, 3 button, and will need to be taken in a bunch because I'm slender. Below is a link to the Hickey Freeman overcoat but can't find a picture of the Belvest.
http://www.hickeyfreeman.com/mens-overcoats/navy-cashmere-overcoat/
Everything being equal, I'd buy the Belvest but it's 2.5 times the price of the Hickey Freeman. In terms of quality, I know both brands but I have never owned anything from either company. Belvest seems to be higher end and more respected but I've also seen both brand on Gilt before. Both feel nice and would appreciate any opinions on either brand or if anyone has any familiarity with overcoats from either brand? I already have a nice Black overcoat and if I decide to go with the Hickey Freeman because of the pirce, do you think the midnight Navy is too close to my black? The intention of the navy overcoat is to wear with navy suits and grey suits.
Any feeback would be appreciated

I don't like the Hickey Coat. It looks skimpy. As far as the Belvest, the quality is very high.
I own several Belvest suits and sport coats, no overcoat(s). I personally like traditional
overcoats. I recommend O'Connells for a very wide selection:

http://shop.oconnellsclothing.com/outerwear.php

 

[Artking3]

Take the Belvest. They make tailored clothing for Hermes, thats how good they are. And finding a Belvest overcoat on sale, in your size, is no simple matter. You can probably find the HF overcoat again, but not the Belvest.

 

[Mute]

Belvest is in a different league, no insult to HF. I'd willingly pay more for the Belvest.

 

[taxgenius]

FWIW, I just saw a HF 100% Cashmere overcoat at C21 for $400.

 

[Slippybee]

That uncomfortable feeling you get of knowing you settled for second-best will be with you long after the pain of paying the extra for the item you really want has faded.

 

[jamesny]

the hickey freeman coat looks more polished though

 

[Mute]

Keep in mind that Navy will be a little more versatile than black.

 

[Klobber]

What we are talking about here is a overcoat made presumably out of winter weight thick cashmere. Assuming two coats are stylistically similar, I would settle for the Hickey Freeman, it makes no sense paying double for Belvest - particularly for a longcoat. I guess maybe I do not appreciate the finer aesthetics of handmade longcoats, but in my opinion, I can live without pick stiching on ultra thick lapels - particularly when talking about a coat weighing 5 or 6 LB's. Only reason to reject Hickey Freeman in favour of Belvest is sartorialism - style trumps all in my opinion. If you prefer the style of Belvest, get it. Otherwise, Hickey Freeman all the way, no regrets .........