What do you do with odd suit jackets when the trousers wear out, especially striped?

[babygreenspots]

I realize that ideally one has extra trousers made. Often this is not possible due to bargain-shopping etc. What do you guys do? It is not often easy to find a matching fabric and near matching can be awful.

Thicker fabrics are probably easier to convert into sport coats, but what about really obvious suiting?

 

[babygreenspots]

Perhaps in times of economic difficulty or for people with limited means, a sort of suit-sportcoat makes more sense. Wasn't Manton coming up with something along these lines?

What details would make a standard medium weight worsted into something that can be worn with odd trousers?

 

[greyinla]

This is a good argument for having your suit jacket cover your butt. When the seat of your pants gets shiny, no one will be able to tell.

Beater suits can be handy; I've got a couple that have seen better days that I save for when the weather is nasty or I have a long flight.

Sadly, I think that for "really obvious suitng," once the pants become truly unwearable, it's time to retire the jacket. If you haven't already been tempted to wear the suitcoat as a sportcoat, it probably won't get any better once the pants have gone.

 

[Felix Krull]

You do what Pat Riley does, you mix and match! Mind you, if you don't have Riles' sense of style you'll look like an idiot but if you can pull it off you'll have women amazed at your eye for color coordination. In life there are no rewards without risks.

As for stripes, you're headed to Goodwill.

 

[voxsartoria]

Originally Posted by babygreenspots

Perhaps in times of economic difficulty or for people with limited means, a sort of suit-sportcoat makes more sense. Wasn't Manton coming up with something along these lines?

Yes: Manton's concept was founded in poverty.

Sad, but true.


- B

 

[Fuuma]

Just add elbow patches or wear your stripes with jeans. To be honest I don't see why a navy striped jacket shouldn't be worn with grey pants. If people say it's not rule appropriate tell them odd jackets started this way and you're more Igent than them.

 

[davidmross]

I wear them with a pair of jeans and a dress shirt and no tie.

 

[darkoak]

Or you could donate them to Goodwill.

 

[babygreenspots]

I think this is a larger problem than people are admitting.

 

[JTA]

Replace all buttons (front and sleeve) with country style buttons and contrast colour to the coat.

 

[babygreenspots]

Originally Posted by JTA

Replace all buttons (front and sleeve) with country style buttons and contrast colour to the coat.

Perhaps have the button-holes redone in contrast color also?

 

[apropos]

Depends on the cut of the jacket, but usually: swap out the lining for a contrasting or 'fun' colour... and done!

 

[babygreenspots]

What about just having suits made up with patch pockets and perhaps very obvious pick-stitching on the lapels and collar?

 

[Master-Classter]

In future,
consider having 2 pairs of pants made with each jacket... or if sold as seperates in a store, picking up a second at the time

 

[babygreenspots]

Originally Posted by Master-Classter

In future, consider having 2 pairs of pants made with each jacket... or if sold as seperates in a store, picking up a second at the time
Obviously and I do this....but it is not always possible and the price of doing this often bugs people, despite the practicality of it. Moreover (not saying this is me), many people who aren't quite as devoted to their wardrobes really do want to get more use out of the coat. The fact is that most people don't wear a full suit every day, but might like to look good in their jacket. Some people actually only want one suit in total, and would like to have the jacket double as a sport coat. For those who are bargain shopping - e.g. in the forum's buy and sell area - an extra pair of trousers is rarely an option.