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Top Coat Canvassing

Gauss17

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I tried searching around the forum looking for more information on this, but it seems that if it doesn't fall into the suit/jacket category, then it is not heavily discussed. Even I have to admit when shopping around for a nice casual top coat, it did not even occur to me until a random thread popped up briefly mentioning it. My basic question is, with a top coat, how big of a deal is it whether or not it is fused or canvassed (or I suppose half-canvassed)? The top coats I was looking at are more casual, e.g. the dark brown moleskin from BR and the charcoal herringbone one from J Crew. Admittedly not the best brands in SF opinion, but they both carry tall sizes and are 3/4 length. I know someone is going to hate on me for it, but I prefer the 3/4 length coats as opposed to the longer ones.

So in Short:

1. Is the canvassing on top coats that huge of a deal in regards to drape or is the fusing in of itself a reason not to get it? Also, does it mean the coats will inherently not last as long? I know (again) that SF hates on fusing, but as has been mentioned, most people don't encounter the dreaded "bubbling" (is that even an issue with top coats?).

2. If fully-canvassed top coats are really that much better, then perhaps someone can recommend me a brand (or brands) that make a nice dark brown moleskin top coat or wool charcoal top coat that won't break the bank (say less than $500). I know someone is going to suggest navy, but I often like to wear them with dark jeans and a sweater and I dislike the navy/navy scheme.
 

Superfluous

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I was kind of wondering whether nice coats are fully canvassed all the way down. My guess is that they're only canvassed as long as most fully canvassed sport coats with the rest fused. The material is usually too thick to easily tell. I have a Caruso made car coat that I could probably check.

In regards to J Crew and BR (Battle Rifle??), I'm guessing they're either fully fused or just canvassed lapels if anything.
 

TheTukker

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I think I have asked this question before here and think that the consensus, not surprising, was that canvass is the way to go.
 

Gauss17

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BR = banana republic.

I know for a fact the J Crew coat is in fact fused and am assuming the BR one is as well. Is there an obvious brand I do not know of that would make a reasonably priced canvassed top coat? Brooks is the only one I can think of.
 

Superfluous

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Find your size and measurements and look on ebay, yoox, etc.
 

Sanguis Mortuum

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I was kind of wondering whether nice coats are fully canvassed all the way down. My guess is that they're only canvassed as long as most fully canvassed sport coats with the rest fused.


They may not be canvassed all the way to the hem, but the best coats will certainly not be fused either.
 

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How important is full vs half canvas to you for heavier sport jackets?

  • Definitely full canvas only

    Votes: 55 35.5%
  • Half canvas is fine

    Votes: 60 38.7%
  • Really don't care

    Votes: 17 11.0%
  • Depends on fabric

    Votes: 27 17.4%
  • Depends on price

    Votes: 28 18.1%

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