J Crew Suits. . . Full, Half, or No Canvas?

[iamprov76]

So I called the J Crew Liquor Store in NYC the other day and asked the clerk about the canvassing on the J Crew suits, and the guy told me that they are full canvassed. I found this very hard to believe. I could see them being half-canvassed in the lapels and chest, a-la Brooks Brothers or Burberry (in which case they are a good deal at about $600 new), but fully canvassed? Is this true at all?

 

[sho'nuff]

I don't know too much about their suits but just letting you know take whatever retail person says to you with a grain of salt.

I once called a store to find out about what shoes they had in a sale and asked if they had any oxfords and he said they are all 100 percent oxford.

 

[Parker]

On a side note: it's too bad the armholes are so big/low on J Crew suits. Because I actually like the general 60s slim cut and fabrics they use.

 

[iamprov76]

Originally Posted by Parker

On a side note: it's too bad the armholes are so big/low on J Crew suits. Because I actually like the general 60s slim cut and fabrics they use.
I agree... and frankly, even if they are half-canvassed, they're still a lot cheaper than $900 for a Brooks Brothers or $1200 (!) for a Polo suit. Not to mention that students get 15% off always plus there are often sales.

 

[KA1555]

Originally Posted by Parker

On a side note: it's too bad the armholes are so big/low on J Crew suits. Because I actually like the general 60s slim cut and fabrics they use.

Is this true of their Ludlow line, as well?

I've been meaning to try a 38s, but I rarely venture into a J.Crew retail location since outside of New York it seems as though the men's selection is lacking.

 

[deveandepot1]

J Crew is my favorite SW&D brand, but I would never wear a J Crew suit.
The lapels are so narrow you would need a 1" tie to make it work.

 

[MORNINGSTAR777]

The Ludlow suit which launched with the Liquor Store is supposedly half canvassed. I own it in grey flannel, but am no longer happy with the jacket.

Working buttons + Long Arms = Limited alterations

 

[iamprov76]

I think that the consensus is half-canvas... any other reasons you aren't pleased with the suit?

 

[hommedumonde]

Originally Posted by MORNINGSTAR777

The Ludlow suit which launched with the Liquor Store is supposedly half canvassed. I own it in grey flannel, but am no longer happy with the jacket.

Working buttons + Long Arms = Limited alterations

The Ludlow jacket is full canvassed in the front. and if you want to alter it do it from the cap. It will cost more money but in the end will look better.

 

[Recoil]

From the cap?

 

[The Louche]

Originally Posted by deveandepot1

J Crew is my favorite SW&D brand, but I would never wear a J Crew suit.
The lapels are so narrow you would need a 1" tie to make it work.

Agree. I like their casual clothes a lot, but buying tailoring from a company that isn't - well, a tailoring company - is never a good idea. J. Crew suits are comically trendy, poorly constructed, and have gigantic armholes. For what they charge retail, why not put a little effort into getting something made from a place like MyTailor, or, if you like the whole Mad Men thing, thick As Thieves?

 

[Made in California]

Originally Posted by sho'nuff

I don't know too much about their suits but just letting you know take whatever retail person says to you with a grain of salt.

I once called a store to find out about what shoes they had in a sale and asked if they had any oxfords and he said they are all 100 percent oxford.

omg

 

[Vento95]

Originally Posted by The Louche

Agree. I like their casual clothes a lot, but buying tailoring from a company that isn't - well, a tailoring company - is never a good idea. J. Crew suits are comically trendy, poorly constructed, and have gigantic armholes. For what they charge retail, why not put a little effort into getting something made from a place like MyTailor, or, if you like the whole Mad Men thing, thick As Thieves?

I bought a ludlow grey flannel suit on sale for $300 in the Spring. It fits great, though I'm on the small side (36r). I've received numerous compliments while wearing it. The ludlow has has high armholes and is slim fitting. I think they're decent value in the sub $400 range (on sale).

 

[KingOfTheForum]

lol@"liquor store." So, you think that a partially canvassed suit at $600 is a good deal?

 

[amplifiedheat]

Careful. Less-reputable makers often use innuendo to make their suits sound like better quality. For instance, there is a considerable difference between having a piece of canvas and being genuinely canvassed. My $80 seersucker jacket from Lands End has horsehair canvas in the chest, but it's still a fused garment.