[Andrew Christopher]

Has anyone, by chance, laid eyes or hands on this J Press blazer? https://jpressonline.com/collections/blazers/products/navy-tropical-wool-blazer

I'm looking to purchase a new lighter weight blazer, but I can't get a good read on the shoulders just from the picture

Looking back through old posts, I know there had been shoulder issues with Canadian made jackets from Cohen, but also that some Press jackets from Canada are Empire and have a nice shoulder. I'm not sure which one made this one, though.

 

[never behind]

My best advice is the just call them. I've spoken with James in the New Haven shop several times, and he has always been extremely helpful. Hopefully they have the item in store; I'd think there's a good chance given it's a navy blazer.

I did just order the chambray sport coat and it has a nice, natural shoulder. It was made in Canada.

I do know O'Connell's has a Southwick blazer that may fit the bill. The description notes it is a tropical weight.

https://oconnellsclothing.com/south...lid-lining-super-120s-725oz-solid-lining.html

 

[drpeter]

I have three Press blazers, two are single breasted, 3 roll 2, and one double breasted. But they were acquired more than a decade or two ago! And they are the standard length. The one you've linked appears to have the short length that's the fashion these days. Are you in favour of that style? I ask because this is the Trad Style forum and most of us are inclined to prefer standard lengths in our jackets and blazers -- a tad more timeless that way, LOL.

The O'Connell's Southwick blazer suggested by @never behind looks perfect to me, from a Trad perspective. And it is priced very reasonably as well.

 

[Andrew Christopher]

I have three Press blazers, two are single breasted, 3 roll 2, and one double breasted. But they were acquired more than a decade or two ago! And they are the standard length. The one you've linked appears to have the short length that's the fashion these days. Are you in favour of that style? I ask because this is the Trad Style forum and most of us are inclined to prefer standard lengths in our jackets and blazers -- a tad more timeless that way, LOL.

The O'Connell's Southwick blazer suggested by @never behind looks perfect to me, from a Trad perspective. And it is priced very reasonably as well.

Definitely not in favor of the short length, though it's listed as their classic fit, so I assumed that the stylist intentionally put them in a shorter length than you or I would choose. I often notice this on many store sites (even some more traditional ones) that they might list something along the lines of "model is 6'2 and wearing a 40R." I'm 6'2 and find most 40Ls too short these days.

I've definitely looked at the O'Connells Southwick line as well as their store branded offerings. But, my trad heresy is that I don't like patch pockets on a blazer. Plus, while I love O'Connells, I'm always hesitant to spend that much on something that can only be returned for store credit, since I'm too far away to go to the store and try anything on.

 

[drpeter]

More than one member of the Trad forum has said that the O'Connell's website is not an exhaustive listing of everything they have. You would be well advised to give them a call. I have had recent experience with how supportive they are, when ordering some grey flannels a few months ago. They might well locate a sack style blazer with standard flap pockets.

Your concern about returns is certainly a valid one. Since fit is the most important aspect for any item of clothing, perhaps a prudent approach might be to find a nearby shop with a decent selection of blazers. The trouble is that very few shops offer Trad clothing. Something similar can be had at Ben Silver's shop in Charleston, SC. You can also check out their offerings at their website, and give them a call if you find something you like.

 

[August West]

Definitely not in favor of the short length, though it's listed as their classic fit, so I assumed that the stylist intentionally put them in a shorter length than you or I would choose. I often notice this on many store sites (even some more traditional ones) that they might list something along the lines of "model is 6'2 and wearing a 40R." I'm 6'2 and find most 40Ls too short these days.

With due respect to drpeter, the blazer appears to be an acceptably traditional length, even in the photo which as you mention doesn't alway represent how it will look in real life.

I've purchased a few jackets from Press over the last several years and the shoulders have been very natural.

 

[never behind]

Definitely not in favor of the short length, though it's listed as their classic fit, so I assumed that the stylist intentionally put them in a shorter length than you or I would choose. I often notice this on many store sites (even some more traditional ones) that they might list something along the lines of "model is 6'2 and wearing a 40R." I'm 6'2 and find most 40Ls too short these days.

I've definitely looked at the O'Connells Southwick line as well as their store branded offerings. But, my trad heresy is that I don't like patch pockets on a blazer. Plus, while I love O'Connells, I'm always hesitant to spend that much on something that can only be returned for store credit, since I'm too far away to go to the store and try anything on.

The only time in the past 1-2 years that a Press jacket has been too short is if I had a "trim" version. The non-trim jackets are normal length (to me).

On the O'Connell's jackets, I've never had anything I've returned been for store credit. They have always credited my credit card. Unless something has changed in the past 6-9 months.

I believe the O'Connell's "brand" jackets have jetted pockets. Of the two I was told the "Worsted" version is the lighter weight.

 

[Andrew Christopher]

The only time in the past 1-2 years that a Press jacket has been too short is if I had a "trim" version. The non-trim jackets are normal length (to me).

On the O'Connell's jackets, I've never had anything I've returned been for store credit. They have always credited my credit card. Unless something has changed in the past 6-9 months.

I believe the O'Connell's "brand" jackets have jetted pockets. Of the two I was told the "Worsted" version is the lighter weight.

Wow. You're right! I don't know why I've thought that all this time, but I just checked again and it says for refund or exchange on their site. For a long time I've been too afraid to buy anything more expensive than a Shetland in case I wanted to return it and not be locked in to spending those dollars only at O'Connells.

Thanks.

 

[fishertw]

Wow. You're right! I don't know why I've thought that all this time, but I just checked again and it says for refund or exchange on their site. For a long time I've been too afraid to buy anything more expensive than a Shetland in case I wanted to return it and not be locked in to spending those dollars only at O'Connells.

Thanks.

I did think that was not the experience that I had in previous purchases from O'connells. Glad you got that sorted out and cleared up for posters.

 

[Eligius]

Has anyone, by chance, laid eyes or hands on this J Press blazer? https://jpressonline.com/collections/blazers/products/navy-tropical-wool-blazer

I'm looking to purchase a new lighter weight blazer, but I can't get a good read on the shoulders just from the picture

Looking back through old posts, I know there had been shoulder issues with Canadian made jackets from Cohen, but also that some Press jackets from Canada are Empire and have a nice shoulder. I'm not sure which one made this one, though.

J Press switched their Canadian sport coat manufacturer from S Cohen to Empire in the 2018 season I believe. The shoulder quality on those jackets has been immensely better in my opinion. I have had no issues with length either.

 

[YukonCornelius21]

Wow. You're right! I don't know why I've thought that all this time, but I just checked again and it says for refund or exchange on their site. For a long time I've been too afraid to buy anything more expensive than a Shetland in case I wanted to return it and not be locked in to spending those dollars only at O'Connells.

Thanks.

+1 on this plus I'm sure if you asked when you ordered they would provide a refund after the 14 day window if you had some concerns about the turnaround time.

 

[Andrew Christopher]

+1 on this plus I'm sure if you asked when you ordered they would provide a refund after the 14 day window if you had some concerns about the turnaround time.

Thanks all.

I went with the J Press during the 15% off sale over the weekend. I'll let you know how it looks when it arrives.

 

[drpeter]

I think you will like the J Press blazer. Their standards and style have remained fairly consistent so far.

 

[never behind]

Thanks all.

I went with the J Press during the 15% off sale over the weekend. I'll let you know how it looks when it arrives.

I'm interested in your opinion on the jacket. I am considering buying a tropical weight blazer. Trying to decide between J Press and O'Connell's (specifically upgrading to the Southwick).

 

[Andrew Christopher]

I'm interested in your opinion on the jacket. I am considering buying a tropical weight blazer. Trying to decide between J Press and O'Connell's (specifically upgrading to the Southwick).

Just came today. Overall, I like it. The shoulders are fine. The length is fine. It's a little bit darker than it appears on the website, but not too dark for spring/summer.

This is my first experience with tropical wool. It's a little bit smoother and shinier than I was expecting. But, the weight is just what I was looking for - noticeably lighter than my hopsack blazer. I live in Tennessee, and jackets between May and mid-September are an iffy proposition unless you just love being hot and sweaty. This jacket will work well on days (and nights) when the humidity and temp stay below 90. Here in the south, it would work well from spring through fall.

Of course, with the lightness you lose a lot of the drape, but that's the necessary trade off, I suppose.

I might post some pictures after I've had a chance to take it to my tailor.

 

[drpeter]

I am glad you like the Press blazer, especially the length, Andrew. Are you taking it to your tailor for sleeve alterations?

If your blazer is 100% tropical worsted wool, then I think you will still have some drape. If it is plain weave worsted, then it will wrinkle rather more than high-twist or Fresco worsted. Fresco (a trademark of Hardy Minnism but used generically) is also more breathable, in addition to being less susceptible to wrinkling. High twist wool has more space between the yarns and therefore has more "breathability" compared to plain weave wool. The weight per se is less important, in this way of thinking, than the type of weave.

The Press tropical worsted blazers I have don't wrinkle much as long as I don't wear them for too long without resting or airing them. The one wrinkle that almost gets set in after a day of wear is the one at the small of the back. I usually hang my blazers up on wooden hangers to air them and then do a light touch with a steamer to get the wrinkles out. Incidentally a simple clothes steamer is one of the best investments you can make if you wish to avoid frequent (and harmful) dry cleaning for any type of clothing.

Of course a hopsack or flannel blazer is going to have much better drape. I have a cashmere blazer, bought aeons ago, that is still very serviceable and has very good drape. The best blazer I have for drape is an even heavier flannel, and that is strictly a winter blazer! It was made in the US by Land's End back in the heyday of the company, and I treasure it because LE was a Wisconsin company that was well-regarded in those days.

Happy blazering!

 

[Guest]

I am glad you like the Press blazer, especially the length, Andrew. Are you taking it to your tailor for sleeve alterations?

If your blazer is 100% tropical worsted wool, then I think you will still have some drape. If it is plain weave worsted, then it will wrinkle rather more than high-twist or Fresco worsted. Fresco (a trademark of Hardy Minnism but used generically) is also more breathable, in addition to being less susceptible to wrinkling. High twist wool has more space between the yarns and therefore has more "breathability" compared to plain weave wool. The weight per se is less important, in this way of thinking, than the type of weave.

The Press tropical worsted blazers I have don't wrinkle much as long as I don't wear them for too long without resting or airing them. The one wrinkle that almost gets set in after a day of wear is the one at the small of the back. I usually hang my blazers up on wooden hangers to air them and then do a light touch with a steamer to get the wrinkles out. Incidentally a simple clothes steamer is one of the best investments you can make if you wish to avoid frequent (and harmful) dry cleaning for any type of clothing.

Of course a hopsack or flannel blazer is going to have much better drape. I have a cashmere blazer, bought aeons ago, that is still very serviceable and has very good drape. The best blazer I have for drape is an even heavier flannel, and that is strictly a winter blazer! It was made in the US by Land's End back in the heyday of the company, and I treasure it because LE was a Wisconsin company that was well-regarded in those days.

Happy blazering!

Thanks for the informative read.

Yes. I'll be taking it to the tailor next week, along with several other items. It's been over a year and a half since I've been in for any alterations (we've been very - perhaps overly - careful this whole time) and I've spent too much of that free time buying clothes.

The sleeves will need to come up, but otherwise, it fits very well.

 

[Andrew Christopher]

I am glad you like the Press blazer, especially the length, Andrew. Are you taking it to your tailor for sleeve alterations?

If your blazer is 100% tropical worsted wool, then I think you will still have some drape. If it is plain weave worsted, then it will wrinkle rather more than high-twist or Fresco worsted. Fresco (a trademark of Hardy Minnism but used generically) is also more breathable, in addition to being less susceptible to wrinkling. High twist wool has more space between the yarns and therefore has more "breathability" compared to plain weave wool. The weight per se is less important, in this way of thinking, than the type of weave.

The Press tropical worsted blazers I have don't wrinkle much as long as I don't wear them for too long without resting or airing them. The one wrinkle that almost gets set in after a day of wear is the one at the small of the back. I usually hang my blazers up on wooden hangers to air them and then do a light touch with a steamer to get the wrinkles out. Incidentally a simple clothes steamer is one of the best investments you can make if you wish to avoid frequent (and harmful) dry cleaning for any type of clothing.

Of course a hopsack or flannel blazer is going to have much better drape. I have a cashmere blazer, bought aeons ago, that is still very serviceable and has very good drape. The best blazer I have for drape is an even heavier flannel, and that is strictly a winter blazer! It was made in the US by Land's End back in the heyday of the company, and I treasure it because LE was a Wisconsin company that was well-regarded in those days.

Happy blazering!

Thanks for the informative read.

Yes, I'll be taking it in to the tailor next week, along with several other items. It's been over a year and a half since I've been in for any alterations. We've been very - perhaps overly - careful this whole time, and I've spent too much of that time buying clothes.

The sleeves will need to come up, but otherwise it fits pretty well. We'll see what they recommend.

 

[Eligius]

Just came today. Overall, I like it. The shoulders are fine. The length is fine. It's a little bit darker than it appears on the website, but not too dark for spring/summer.

This is my first experience with tropical wool. It's a little bit smoother and shinier than I was expecting. But, the weight is just what I was looking for - noticeably lighter than my hopsack blazer. I live in Tennessee, and jackets between May and mid-September are an iffy proposition unless you just love being hot and sweaty. This jacket will work well on days (and nights) when the humidity and temp stay below 90. Here in the south, it would work well from spring through fall.

Of course, with the lightness you lose a lot of the drape, but that's the necessary trade off, I suppose.

I might post some pictures after I've had a chance to take it to my tailor.

I have the prior version of this blazer (shoulders were bad but fixed nicely by a great tailor). If the material is the same vitale barberis canonico tropical wool, I have found it to be quite nice and serviceable in Tennessee summers. The wrinkle resistance of wool seems to hold, and it is good for travel. As others have pointed out before, the full lining limits its cooling properties. I avoid it on the hottest days or when I'll need to be in the hot sun. I recently wore a 50/50 wool/linen blend jacket with 1/4 lining, and it was cooler in those conditions.