[Speas]

The hunt is on for a camelhair sportcoat for fall. (I was watching the In-Laws and Shelly's/Alan Arkin's jacket pushed me over the edge - the movie is an all-time best comedy if you havent seen it). The target jacket must be a 3/2 roll sack with swelled edges and patch and flap lower pockets. This knocks out O'Connells jacket. Also, the BB version I've seen in recent years (if it is still available) is made of thin wrinkly cloth. Dont know if J Press has one this year. The southwick that Cable Car has on its site looks nice (but silly priced) so I'm leaning toward an MTM Douglas model (from LS). Anyway, any pointers or suggestions would be appreciated.

Also, camel hair sportcoats seem to work best with gray/charcoal slacks. Not sure what else - thoughts?

 

[vwguy]

I think camel hair looks good w/ olive pants.

Brian

 

[DocHolliday]

Contrasting shades of brown can be nice too. And camel and (horror of horrors) black work well together.

 

[Reddington]

The hunt is on for a camelhair sportcoat for fall. (I was watching the In-Laws and Shelly's/Alan Arkin's jacket pushed me over the edge - the movie is an all-time best comedy if you havent seen it). The target jacket must be a 3/2 roll sack with swelled edges and patch and flap lower pockets. This knocks out O'Connells jacket. Also, the BB version I've seen in recent years (if it is still available) is made of thin wrinkly cloth. Dont know if J Press has one this year. The southwick that Cable Car has on its site looks nice (but silly priced) so I'm leaning toward an MTM Douglas model (from LS). Anyway, any pointers or suggestions would be appreciated.

Speas -

I too am on the hunt for a camelhair sport coat, with the same criteria as you. Let's us know if / where you find one.

Not sure what size you wear, but Orvis has one on sale, but only in long sizes. Good luck with your hunt.

Cheers.

 

[Flanderian]

I like camel hair and -

Charcoal flannel
Olive cords
Chocolate cords
Olive flannel
Rust cords
Chocolate flannel

 

[jamgood]

If you're going the MTM route, before manufacturers cut corners these things had (3/16-1/4"?) welt sewing on:

collar, lapel and front edges
shoulder seam(s)
outside sleeve seam
pocket edges
pocket flap edges
back center seam

Johnstons ? www.cashmere.org/cm/members.php

 

[dshell]

I've been looking for a Camel hair sportcoat to the OP's spec, but additionally with a patch breast pocket. I've seen them in pictures but never anyone who sells them like that.

I suppose MTM is the only route, which is out of my price range at the mo'. Actually, when I say "looking", I really mean searching ebay relentlessly.

jamgood: do you have a picture of a coat with shoulder and sleeve seam welt that you describe? (I can see at least two ways of interpreting outside sleeve seam.)

 

[Jim In Sunny So Calif]

I would think that if one wanted the 1/4 inch stitching and lapped seams that Jamgood mentions (I would), that they might also want a hooked center vent (I would again).

Cheers, Jim.

 

[hbs midwest]

I would think that if one wanted the 1/4 inch stitching and lapped seams that Jamgood mentions (I would), that they might also want a hooked center vent (I would again).

Cheers, Jim.

The look/detailing described above (most topstitching/lapped seams come in at about 5/16") was ably provided by the now-defunct Huntington Clothiers and Shirtmakers of Columbus, OH...Their camelhair sack had all The Right Things.

Requiescant In Pace!

hbs

 

[Harris]

I would think that if one wanted the 1/4 inch stitching and lapped seams that Jamgood mentions (I would), that they might also want a hooked center vent (I would again).

Cheers, Jim.

Didn't Ben Silver offer one a few years ago with all the above?

edit: Speas, I'm guessing there are a at least a couple of camel hair swatches in the fall Southwick box. As you already know (after having the Southwick hopsack blazer made), you can definitely get the hook vent and 1/4 inch stitching and I think lapped seams as well. Southwick will also heed instructions having to with button placement, FWIW.

 

[tinytim]

Contrasting shades of brown can be nice too. And camel and (horror of horrors) black work well together.

I used to think black and tan was reserved coloring for **** dogs and beer. Surprisingly, it doesn't look bad for clothing.

 

[Speas]

Didn't Ben Silver offer one a few years ago with all the above?

edit: Speas, I'm guessing there are a at least a couple of camel hair swatches in the fall Southwick box. As you already know (after having the Southwick hopsack blazer made), you can definitely get the hook vent and 1/4 inch stitching and I think lapped seams as well. Southwick will also heed instructions having to with button placement, FWIW.

I was very tempted last year on the camel jacket at LS when I bought the blazer. Last year they had a 13oz camelhair fabric - it was what I had in mind though perhaps it might be a bit warm. I recall it was priced the same as the cashmere. Perhaps they have a slightly lighter weight one too? They will do the hook vent and 1/4 stitching right if you ask for it - came out perfect on my blazer (on the stitching on sleeves and shoulders too). I guess I need to find a reason to visit midtown soon.

 

[Cruiser]

I like the camel hair jacket with navy pants and a blue shirt. It's hard to find jackets that look good with navy pants, but I think this is definitely one that does.

Cruiser

 

[Harris]

I was very tempted last year on the camel jacket at LS when I bought the blazer. Last year they had a 13oz camelhair fabric - it was what I had in mind though perhaps it might be a bit warm. I recall it was priced the same as the cashmere. Perhaps they have a slightly lighter weight one too? They will do the hook vent and 1/4 stitching right if you ask for it - came out perfect on my blazer (on the stitching on sleeves and shoulders too). I guess I need to find a reason to visit midtown soon.

Right on.

 

[Untilted]

izzy @ LS told me my MTM woodbridge blazer will be delivered around mid september. if i like the work, a camelhair one will be next.

BB does have the camelhair sack coat this year, but why not add 100 bucks and go for MTM?

 

[Natural Sole Brother]

Picked up a mint Brooks camel sack from the clearance outlet on ebay last year and must say that it's an excellent garment.

It doesn't have a hooked vent or shoulder-lapping, but it appears to be Southwick-made in a very nice Loro Piana camelhair. The cloth is not too heavy, but not flimsy or insubstantial either. This would appear to be a coat that Brooks does not carry any more, a shame as it has a pleasing shoulder and great overall silhouette.

I would add blackwatch pants to the list of appropriate accompaniments, but probably only with a solid tie or navy rollneck.

 

[Speas]

Untilted - what in your recollection was the difference on the MTM between the Douglas and Woodbridge? Since on the mtm you can specify most dimensions and the Douglas fits me well, I'm curious but not inclined toward changing. Izzy has a book with the stock measurements on each model - perhaps I'll look at it next week.

NSB - good call on the blackwatch trousers

 

[prof]

What is "LS"?

Pardon my ignorance, but what is "LS"?

 

[Speas]

Good prices on Southwick and H Freeman MTM in midtown. Also does Individualized shirts.

 

[Flanderian]

Good prices on Southwick and H Freeman MTM in midtown. Also does Individualized shirts.

Just to be a pickey PIA, their site doesn't seem to mention Southwick under the MTM button. I assume you've had experience otherwise?

Still, H. Freeman of decent fabrics in Midtown for the quoted prices is remarkable! If there's a problem with this deal, it surely isn't apparent. :icon_smile_big:

Having thought about it, why would anyone walk over to Brooks for their MTM with this a few blocks away?