Is J Press still worth it?

[mikealvaa]

I’ve been thinking getting about a no frills two piece charcoal MTM and I’ve been considering J Press. I want an American cut suit. Not necessarily a sack, just something timeless and a bit more fuller cut. Maybe a 3 roll 2 ..

I was told by an associate that the MTM program ranges from $1900-$3000.

Is J Press still worth it? I am told the MTM are made in Rochester, NY. I’m sure there are other options in NYC for $2k. I’m not really looking for an English or Italian cut suit. I want something for all seasons that’s versatile.

 

[Club Soda]

One criticism I've read of Press and Oconnell's is that the jackets have an unnecessary amount of shoulder padding that doesn't meet the criteria of the classic natural shoulder American silhouette. While that may not matter to some, the shoulder line of those brands are what set them apart from generic coat styles and gave them appeal.

If you're on the east coast, I'd recommend you visit The Armoury. To me the jackets are just about perfect with a fullness in the chest, no shoulder padding, 3/2 roll, full canvassed, traditional jacket length that fully covers the seat, high rise trousers, etc. They're also darted so not fully a sack suit but classic all around. Many Mom and Pop stores around the US use Samuelsohn for MTM which has several jacket models to choose from, including 3/2 rolled full cut, and if you're set on something with a really classic American silhouette there's Juniors in Philly. Polo is still around for MTM and is very no frills as I've also read.

 

[jeremygo]

Agree with everything above! The Armoury is definitely worth checking out. They have a variety of models through Ring Jacket that lean from Ivy style (model 11) to Southern Italian-ish (model 3) to Florentine (model 15).

You may also like to check out No Man Walks Alone which they make with Sartoria Cararra (sp?). More Italian but a very comfortable full cut.

One thing re; J Press and shoulder padding is that their US and Canadian-made tailoring actually are fairly different. The Canadian make has some substantial shoulder padding but the US make has a softer shoulder in my experience. Very frustrating that there’s no info about this difference on the site and no way to filter besides opening the description of every item and checking.

 

[comrade]

Agree with everything above! The Armoury is definitely worth checking out. They have a variety of models through Ring Jacket that lean from Ivy style (model 11) to Southern Italian-ish (model 3) to Florentine (model 15).

You may also like to check out No Man Walks Alone which they make with Sartoria Cararra (sp?). More Italian but a very comfortable full cut.

One thing re; J Press and shoulder padding is that their US and Canadian-made tailoring actually are fairly different. The Canadian make has some substantial shoulder padding but the US make has a softer shoulder in my experience. Very frustrating that there’s no info about this difference on the site and no way to filter besides opening the description of every item and checking.

Agree on the Armoury, although they couldn't fit me with with the models
available including a made in Italy option. I told this story in a much earlier
post. My point, at least at the Madison Ave store, the sales man said that
he was not confident that ther modifications required in the model for me
to fit would be incorporated successfully. So he walked away from a $2k
plus sale. That's integrity ! On the same trip I went to the Andover Shop
for a sport coat. Came out perfectly, except for a minor shoulder tweak I'll
get on my next trip to Boston this Spring.Shoulders from Andover are pure
Ivy. I am not sure what's with my build. I am not abnormal but am thick and
top heavy and these days carry a bit more weight. At Ring Jacket trunk
shows at SF Meet-Ups a decade ago, they could never fit me. By the cut
of the jackets at the time I would have needed their "Sumo Model" .

 

[mikealvaa]

I recently picked up a J. Press Oxford shirt in a 32 sleeve length, but im wondering if I should have gone with a 33 instead. Does anyone have experience with how much the sleeves shrink after the first wash? I like the fit now, but if they shrink too much, I might need to size up. At the same time, I’m worried that a 33 might be too long, even with some shrinkage. Any insights from those who have worn them for a while?

 

[james.darley]

I’ve been thinking getting about a no frills two piece charcoal MTM and I’ve been considering J Press. I want an American cut suit. Not necessarily a sack, just something timeless and a bit more fuller cut. Maybe a 3 roll 2 ..

I was told by an associate that the MTM program ranges from $1900-$3000.

Is J Press still worth it? I am told the MTM are made in Rochester, NY. I’m sure there are other options in NYC for $2k. I’m not really looking for an English or Italian cut suit. I want something for all seasons that’s versatile.

I would recommend going to LS Mens Clothing on 49 W 45th Street. I was able to get a MTM American cut suit made by RTC using Southwick Douglas pattern. Let him know that you would like the 3/2 Douglas model and pick out the details.

Unsure about the pricing as I bought mine 3 years ago, but I suspect it might be lower than J Press.

 

[Dcr54683]

I recently picked up a J. Press Oxford shirt in a 32 sleeve length, but im wondering if I should have gone with a 33 instead. Does anyone have experience with how much the sleeves shrink after the first wash? I like the fit now, but if they shrink too much, I might need to size up. At the same time, I’m worried that a 33 might be too long, even with some shrinkage. Any insights from those who have worn them for a while?

Mine really didn’t shrink materially but I prefer the fit of O’Connellls in the same size. Close enough to not be worth and extra $125 per shirt for MTM in USA