Who makes the perfect down vest?

[freelance robotics]

I've decided my one major piece for this spring is going to be a down vest, but I haven't been able to find one that's quite what I'm looking for. I would just get one vintage, but I don't want something that looks to "ski-jacket" or "western" (i.e.; chevrons, pointed shoulder patches, shirt-collars or corduroy).

Basically I'm looking something in a solid color, with good handwarmer pockets, and a slim enough fit that it's not hanging off me. I don't mind if it's big enough for layering, but the pictures of L.L. Bean or Lands End vests look gigantic, and I don't want to end up with something that's hanging off me even with another jacket or sweater layered under it.

I actually mostly like the styling on the Bean waxed-cotton vests, they just look huge. There's also that great Polo one that I didn't have the money for when they had it online, but I can't find it anymore. Are there any other decent options for around $100?

 

[chiral]

I've got the waxed LL bean vest, and I absolutely love it. You'll definitely have to size down, so if you're a small guy already it might not be an option. It does have a waist drawstring to help with the shape, though.

You can always get one and return it if the size is no good, nice thing about bean.

 

[freelance robotics]

Originally Posted by chiral

I've got the waxed LL bean vest, and I absolutely love it. You'll definitely have to size down, so if you're a small guy already it might not be an option. It does have a waist drawstring to help with the shape, though.

You can always get one and return it if the size is no good, nice thing about bean.

Yeah, I'm already a size small, otherwise I would've just done that.

 

[joel_954]

Eddie Bauer

 

[BBSLM]

Lands End down vest http://men.style.com/gq/features/sli...=52&play=false

 

[erdawe]

If you're a 38-39 you have a good shot at fitting a Land End down in sz S. Classic and pretty good quality considering how damn cheap they are at sale. If you're a 36 I don't think it will fit well. :/

 

[bigbjorn]

Western Mountaineering Flight Vest.

 

[Ritchee]

I got the LL Bean waxed vest and yes, size down. Other than that it's built to last.

 

[Robertito]

http://www.nau.com/mens/categories/j...t-308M421.html It's half price at the moment, but you'd have to like this color. Nicely made, though, and runs true to size.

 

[dfagdfsh]

NAU is great

 

[ahjota]

+1 for Nau.

LL Bean's a reasonable, cheaper alternative, and I think Crescent Down Works makes a couple of vests as well.

 

[jet]

Originally Posted by ahjota

+1 for Nau.

Crescent Down Works makes a couple of vests as well.

Wait til you see the one I got.

 

[Spencer]

Moncler.

They should be going on sale at Bloomingdales, Saks, Barneys, etc soon.

 

[nonissue]

Originally Posted by BBSLM

Lands End down vest http://men.style.com/gq/features/sli...=52&play=false

damn that's actually really nice. never though i'd like a down vest. i like this fit more than the nau one... edit: i just ordered it. i blame you all.

 

[xchen]

I have that Land's End vest and I wore the hell out of it in FW07. It's pretty awesome, especially for the price of ~$25.00.