Wednesday, September 24, 2008

A Jacket's Last Season


Out for its final fall comes a lightweight lambswool jacket. It's a shoulder season coat made from ten ounce cloth and unfortunately it's never been quite right. There's a green Shetland herringbone replacement in the works that will arrive, as these things usually do, the day after the weather turns too chill to wear it.

Worn with a brown on white striped shirt with a pinned club collar, a pocket square of dark red and green silk paisley, and an unlined wool necktie.

It's usually hard to see old friends off but I won't be sad to see this one go.

12 comments:

Oli said...

Awesome color - Any chance of buying it from you if it's anywhere near 42L?

mark said...

will, what about this jacket hasn't been right? curious.

John said...

Will,

I agree with oli. It looks nice enough. And I remember that shirt from a Spring post when you paired it with a knit tie, blue trousers and tan jacket. I am thinking of a brown striped shirt myself when Joe comes to town in early October.

Jeff said...

Will,
What do you do with your retired clothing?

I can only imagine the lucky man who finds your clothing (still in perfect condition, mind you) in a consignment shop.

As I have no problem buying on consignment (nor the money to buy the clothes I desire new), I dream of finding a well-dressed man my size and being his protege, receiving his castoff clothes that have nothing wrong with them.

-Jeff

Will said...

It will be in "Repeat Performance," the San Francisco symphony's resale shop, along with the rest of my seasonal cast-offs. There were a couple other jackets and some neckties, though I think the ties were snapped up by the staff.

This one is too big through the shoulders and the collar isn't right. The salesman thought he knew more about my measurements than the men who preceeded him successfully.

I am probably something like a 44 regular. If that works for someone, enjoy. The symphony can use the money.

mark said...

since fit is so important... it would be nice to follow this thread and see a picture of the jacket without the shoulders cropped if possible. one can see how the collar is a little off on your right hand side, but the shoulders are out of view.

otherwise, a very nice fabric.

Will said...

You don't need ASW for that. There are jackets that don't fit on every city street.

Noah said...

Remind us where you got such a fine shirt - please!

mark said...

will,

curious, why not bring it to your favorite tailor and have it refitted if fit is the issue? do you feel there are certain cuts that are beyond fixing?

mark

Will said...

The coat is ten or 12 years old and would have to be taken apart and recut. And then we might as well do new lining, pockets etc.

When we're done, I have a 12 year old jacket for most of the cost of a new one.

Stephen said...

Ever thought of offering up some off your castoffs on Ask Andy Trad Thrift Exchange. I'm sure your brethren on Ask Andy would enthusiastically welcome them all.

initials CG said...

Retailoring is a tough call, Will. Sounds like you want to part with this old friendship.

Personally, I'd find it hard to wear that coloring. But If you have a good tailor handy and the fabric is not terribly worn, why not fix it? You never know. In a few years you might regret it. I've had a lot of disasters drastically altered. Completely dismounted and reworked from scratch. Years later, with fabric visibly aged, they found a place in the repertoire. Of course, if the tailor is worth it, and your heart is in it.

 
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