JCF: Extra 70% off FINAL SALE w/ TAKE70 (exp 1/27)

Sat. 1/24 UPDATE: This post originally ran in early January, but they’ve brought the sale back, and their clearance section is still pretty stocked up. Code TAKE70 now ends Tuesday January 27th.

Why anyone would want to wear only clothes mainly from one store, I don’t know. BUT. It does make for a fun experiment, especially when it comes to showing the versatility of some classic (or even trendy-ish) pieces. Or maybe you already have similar gear, and this can act as inspiration.

WARNING: This one’s for the gamblers. The true deal hunters… who are also willing to come up empty (or worse). Because all of the J. Crew Factory stuff below is FINAL sale. No returns or exchanges. None. Zilch. Once you purchase it, it’s yours, for better or for worse. But… tis the season for End-of-Winter clearance blowouts. And at 70% off… this is one of those. 

Cold Office Layers

JCF
Waffle-stitch shawl-collar sweater – $35.40 FINAL ($148)
Slim Flex OCBD – $21.60 FINAL ($89.50)
4-season poly/wool blend trousers – $47.40 FINAL ($198)
Polar Bear socks – $4.80
Suede Lace-Ups – $42.60 FINAL ($178)

Others
Timex Weekender – $36.30 ($45ish)
Johnston & Murphy Briefcase – $127.47 ($299)

Smart-Casual Winter Textures

JCF
Slim-fit plaid wool-blend patch-pocket blazer – $119.40 FINAL ($498)
Slim Flex OCBD – $21.60 FINAL ($89.50)
Straight-fit cords – $30.60 FINAL ($128)
Waffle socks – $4.80 FINAL ($19.50)
Woven braided belt – $16.80 FINAL ($69.50)
Suede Boots – $59.40 FINAL ($248)
*WARNING: Soles are pretty smooth and slick on these boots,
so be mega careful when new on carpet/outside on wet surfaces.
Sizing seems true. A 10.5 fits my normally 10.5 feet pretty well.

Others
Invicta 1953 – $124
(Review here)

Professor Jones

JCF
Slim-fit Donegal wool blend jacket – $108 FINAL ($450)
Slim-fit Donegal wool blend trousers – $71.40 FINAL ($298)
Brushed twill shirt – $23.40 FINAL ($98)
Suede Boots – $59.40 FINAL ($248)

Others
The Tie Bar Wool Bow Tie – $28
Seiko GMT – $625
Darn Tough Socks – $24
(*Ophidiophobia exposure therapy)
GAP Belt – $28 w/ ADDIT ($44.95)

Budget British-Isles Style

JCF
Cotton-blend field jacket – $60 FINAL ($298)
Merino-blend quarter-zip – $28.80 FINAL ($120)
Brushed twill shirt – $23.40 FINAL ($98)
Straight-fit cords – $30.60 FINAL ($128)
Leather camp boots – $54.60 FINAL ($228)
Cotton ribbed socks – $3 FINAL ($14.50)
Suede belt – $19.20 FINAL ($79.50)

Others
Timex x Bespoke Post Field Watch – $199
Line of Trade Weekender XL – $125 ($98 for members)

The J. Crew Factory Extra 70% off Final Sale Clearance items code TAKE70 is set to expire Tuesday 1/6/26 1/27/26.

SCORE70 = Extra 70% off JCF FINAL SALE items

Tuesday AM Update: In case you’re a little late and still want to take advantage, this got kicked down to an extra 60% off. Code is now SCORE60, which is now set to expire tonight, Tuesday 8/12.

Usually when J. Crew Factory runs a big clearance blowout, their stock levels are so paltry that it’s not worth a mention.

That, oddly enough, isn’t the case this time.

Just like BR Factory, J. Crew Factory is mainline J. Crew’s “step down” brand. So keep those expectations reasonable, as the quality, fabric, and fit might not be what we’re all used to with big brother J. Crew. That and as all of this stuff is final sale and can’t be returned or exchanged, it’s a big risk. But if you’re up for a (cheap) flutter/gamble, here we go. It’s a quick one. Extra 70% off code SCORE70 is set to expire this evening, Monday 8/11. And yes, all picks below had at least a decent size selection at post time. But as it’s a final clearance blow out, sizes/common colors could move extra quick.

Knit 97% Cotton/3% Poly Blazer – $50.99 FINAL ($169.99)

JCF’s take on the knit blazer/swazer thing. Does appear to have some structure. And cotton based instead of all poly based. So cautiously expect these to be a (now mega) affordable version of the Bonobos Jetsetter knit blazer. Would look great layered over an OCBD (as shown) or even a t-shirt as a (much) smarter looking alternative to wearing a hoodie.

Short-sleeve linen-blend shirts – $23.97 FINAL ($77.99)

Six colors, some of which are actually wearable! Like the deep blue shown above. 79% linen/21% cotton. Button down collar keeps the points from flying away with wear.

Performance knit oxford shirts – $17.99 FINAL ($59.99)

Note that these are knit and not woven. So they’ll feel different. More flex and less structure. 55% cotton/45% polyester with moisture wicking properties.

Suede Camp Mocs – $41.69 FINAL ($138.99)

Final sale shoes = almost always a terrible idea. Because if they show up and don’t fit as expected, there’s not a darn thing a tailor can do to make poor, painful shoes fit better.

*looks at price tag*

Well. Dang. Those look awfully similar to the excellent mainline J. Crew suede camp mocs from a couple years ago. And if they’re like their autumnal suede boot brothers from last season, they could be serious winners. But again. Final sale. Real gamble.

Leather Camp Mocs – $38.39 FINAL ($127.99)

Ditto. Again, final sale. That’s the case for all of this stuff. But they sure look the part (as shown at the very top of the post).

Short-sleeve textured camp shirt – $18.89 FINAL ($62.99)

Also shown at the very top of the post. Running a bit short on “camp shirt” time as we’re now heading towards fall, but it’s still hot. Real hot. VERY hot in many locations. So a white button up camp shirt with some texture might just be the (cheap) ticket. 100% cotton.

Garment-dyed tees – $10.49 FINAL ($34.99)

Select colors only, but some cooler/icy shades like those shown above are available in S/M/L at post time. For now. Until they’re not. “Comparable Value – $49.50”. Oh come on. Really? Fifty bucks?

Twill Chore Jacket – $37.49 FINAL ($124.99)

70% cotton/16% viscose/12% lyocell/2% elastane. So an educated guess is that this might have more of a soft hand feel than a rugged feel to the fabric.

100% Linen Sportcoat – $58.49 FINAL ($194.99)

Like a more affordable cheap version of mainline J. Crew’s Portuguese cotton/linen sportcoat. Although this one is 100% linen, so it’ll wrinkle more. Like a lot more. Does have a matching pair of trousers if you want to make a suit, but it’ll be easier on the eyes if you pair the jacket with a simple pair of chinos in gray or off white.

Suede slip-on sneakers – $24.89 FINAL ($82.99)

In case you need a pair of easy-wearing/slip-on shoes for around the house which can also look good for a quick stroll or pedal over to the local ice-cream shop.

Straight or Slim-fit garment-dyed five-pocket pants – $26.99 FINAL ($89.99)

In “vintage laurel” / desaturated green. Color, but a little different. Those’ll work as an alternative for those of us who wear too much blue.

Classic-fit Thompson plaid wool-blend blazer – $56.99 FINAL ($189.99)

A guy can dream about fall, can’t he? Poly/wool blend, darker glen plaid with a lighter over check, and patch pockets give it a “sporting” look. Classic fit, but that’s why (insert preferred deity of choice) made tailors. Like, immediately made tailors. Right away. Because who was gonna alter Adam and Eve’s fig leaves? Couldn’t let them go tromping out of the Garden of Eden with a sloppy off-the-rack leaf. No way. Gotta get that dialed in.

The Extra 70% off FINAL SALE (no returns or exchanges) code EXTRA70 is set to expire tonight, Monday 8/11/25.

JCF: 17% off w/ LUCKY + addit. 20% off $100+ w/ BESTDRESSED

Lucky indeed. Nothing like getting a snail mail flyer from J. Crew Factory on St. Patrick’s Day, only to find out it’s stacking with their one-day 17% off LUCKY code:

BESTDRESSED does stack with the one-day St. Patrick’s day LUCKY code.
Thanks Mr. Postman!!

Combines for an extra 33.6% off

Note that the 17% off code LUCKY is set to expire tonight (3/17), but the 20% off $100+ deal BESTDRESSED is scheduled to run clear through April 30th.

OUTTA THE WAY, CHUCK T. J. Crew Factory has a fistful of shamrocks and they’re not messing around.

Knit 97% Cotton/3% Poly Blazers – $132.13 ($199)

JCF’s take on the knit blazer/swazer thing. Does appear to have some structure. And cotton based instead of all poly based. So cautiously expect these to be affordable versions of the Bonobos Jetsetter knit blazer.

Four-season Wool Blend Thompson Fit Trousers – $66.73 ($100.50)

A hard to pass up deal on some smart dress trousers. 58% polyester/40% wool/2% elastane blend. Four colors. And they come in a couple different inseam lengths, so if you’re lucky, you may be able to skip any extra post-purchase tailoring. A mere fifty cents north of the extra 20% off threshold ($100), so a max deal this time around.

Suede Camp Mocs – $78.64 ($118.50)

Too early for camp mocs? Perhaps. Yet those look awfully similar to the excellent mainline J. Crew suede camp mocs from a couple years ago. And if they’re like their autumnal suede boot brothers from last season, they could be serious winners. But it’s a bit of a gamble with shoes at this price.

Classic-fit Thompson University Wool-blend Blazer – $158.36 ($238.50)

Full review here. That’s a very, very good price for this blazer. Hasn’t dipped this low in quite a while if memory serves. 40% wool, 29% poly, 28% viscose, 3% elastane mid-weight twill exterior. Fully lined. 100% poly back & front. 51% poly/49% viscose sleeve lining. Non functioning sleeve cuff buttons which are easier to tailor. Size shown above is an off-the-rack/untailored 40R on 5’10″/185.

Twill Chore Jacket – $82.66 ($124.50)

70% cotton/16% viscose/12% lyocell/2% elastane. So an educated guess is that this might have more of a soft hand feel than a rugged feel to the fabric.

TWO pairs of “TruTemp365” Chinos – $78.35 total (Norm. $60ish per pair)

Works out to $39.18 per pair once you apply both codes. These appear to be J. Crew Factory’s take on BR’s popular Core Temp pants. Description reads: “TruTemp365 fabric offers year-round comfort in warm or cool weather with temperature-regulating technology.” Ah yes, yee ole’ “temperature regulating technology.” Like a smart thermostat, but for your butt. Slim or straight fits. Lots of colors ready for the warmer weather ahead. You will have to buy two pairs to use and therefor stack that extra 20% off $100+ deal.

100% Linen Sportcoat – $184.92 ($278.50)

Like a slightly more affordable version of mainline J. Crew’s Portuguese cotton/linen sportcoat. Although this one is 100% linen, so it’ll wrinkle more. Like, a lot more. Does have a matching pair of trousers if you want to make a suit, but it’ll be easier on the eyes if you instead pair the jacket with, say, a simple pair of those TruTemp chinos in gray or off white.

The J. Crew 17% off code LUCKY is set to expire today, 3/17/25. But the stacking 20% off $100+ code BESTDRESSED is set to run through 4/30.

J. Crew FACTORY Suede Lace Up Boots – $99.20 w/ FAMILY ($140ish)

It’s one of those “sign in or sign up for their rewards program“ deals. But it’s a simple log-in/password creation (no brand-specific credit card application required) and these suede boots are pretty great. If memory serves they haven’t dropped under $100 yet.

Could be the best (truly) affordable boots of the year. Clearly modeled after the Alden Indy, these are from J. Crew’s cheaper step-down brand J. Crew Factory. And the quality seems impressively solid right out of the box. Made in India, the suede is good and plush, they’re lined in leather, and the Vibram branded mini lug sole is a nice surprise. Not quite as rich “orange” in person compared to the pics on the J. Crew Factory website, but that makes them more versatile. Color can shift a little depending on the light they’re being worn in, but that’s the norm for suede. Usually hovers around $125 – $150 depending on the usual sales and promos.

For sizing: These run narrow. My normally 10.5D yet borderline wide feet feel a little squeezed through the toe box from the jump, but with a little break in time a size 10.5 has started to settle in. If you’re a wider foot or prefer thicker socks, strongly consider sizing up.

Code FAMILY is good for an additional 20% off at J. Crew Factory, works on much more than the boots, and is set to expire this upcoming Tuesday, 10/22/24.

That’s all.

Carry on.

JCF University Blazer – $149.25 w/ FALLFEELS ($199 – $240ish)

NOTE: Full original review can be found here if you’re interested.

This is the current entry level standard for a timeless navy blazer. It normally hovers in price right around $200. Sometimes it’ll drop to $175ish during bigger sales. So to see it drop to $150 after you apply that extra 25% off $150+ code FALLFEELS is significant.

Details

• Fabric: 40% wool, 29% poly, 28% viscose, 3% elastane mid-weight twill.
• Lining: Fully lined. 100% poly back & front. 51% poly/49% viscose sleeve lining.
• Sleeve cuff buttons: Non functioning (which are cheaper to tailor).
• Tail Length & Vents: Not chopped. Double vents.
• Lapel Width: Timeless, 3.5″ at widest point.
• Pockets: Chest = welt. Lower = flaps.
• Shoulder padding: They’re there, but they’re unobtrusive. Not thick. Slim.

No it’s not some fancy Italian wool. It’s not even 100% wool. What it is is a reasonable blend of 40% wool, 29% poly, 28% viscose, and 3% elastane which feels good, doesn’t look shiny or cheap, wears and drapes well, and doesn’t feel flimsy. It’s a mid-weight twill, and while it’ll probably get stuffy in the absolute dead of summer out-doors… you’re probably gonna wear a hopsack wool or linen blazer (or no blazer at all) in conditions that specific. For the other 40-50 weeks out of the year, this feels like a legit workhorse that you can come back to time and again.

Size shown: 40R on 5’10″/185. 
Fresh out of the box. No tailoring has been done to the blazer shown.

Fit leans classic without being overly boxy. It’s not a true slim fit. So if you’re a true slim it’ll need some tailoring. But if you’re an “athletic” body type you’ll be grateful for the template that leaves more room in the shoulders and torso. Tail length is timeless/classic, and thankfully not chopped. The sleeve cuff buttons are non-functioning. That’ll make for easier and cheaper tailoring if you need them adjusted.

Cuff buttons are non functioning, which makes for cheaper tailoring.
(Watch is by Dan Henry.)

Full review can be found here if you’re interested.

Not everyone needs or wants a fancy, expensive, $400, $500, or $600 blazer. Of course some compromises have to be made if you’re gonna score something like a classic navy blazer for under $200. But being careful about what you choose at this price point matters. You don’t want some synthetic, stiff feeling, wonky fitting, chopped tail disaster. This J. Crew Factory University Blazer is the opposite. The wool-blend fabric, accessible fit template, and timeless style details make for a sound and versatile foundation piece, of which you’ll be able to wear often and with lots of other stuff in your wardrobe.

Code FALLFEELS runs through Tuesday, and is good for an additional 25% off purchases of $150+.

That’s all.

Carry on.

JCF: Extra 20% off $100,  Extra 25% off $125+ w/ AUTUMN

Yesterday it was mainline J. Crew, and now it’s their cheaper brother J. Crew Factory’s turn. And it’s easy to argue that this is the superior sale. They’ve dropped a bunch of brand new fall arrivals, many of which are substantial pieces in the triple digits. The just launched code AUTUMN should knock an additional 20% off $100, or an extra 25% off a total purchase north of $125. That stacks on the usual ~40% off (or more) they run more or less in perpetuity.

Let’s build some outfits to specifically maximize the deal with the additional 25% off. If nothing else maybe you’ve got something similar already on hand and this can act as inspiration. Note that for the first day of this sale (Wed. 9/25) JCF is offering free shipping no minimum. Not bad being that normally purchases under $99 will set you back $7 for basic shipping.

Seeking out the most sincere pumpkin patch

JCF:
Walker Quilted Vest – $76.50 ($128)
Merino Crewneck – $39.95 ($89.50)
Slim-fit Five-pocket Tech Pant – $58.50 ($98)
Leather Moc Toe Boots – $102 w/ AUTUMN
(Total for all JCF items w/ extra 25% off $125+ code AUTUMN = $233.21 ($310.95)

Others:
Timex Expedition Scout – $41.73
Darn Tough Midweight Boot Socks – $27
Carfia (via Amazon) Sunglasses – $29

Office Blues

JCF:
Slim-fit Thompson Plaid Linen Blazer – $95.20 w/ AUTUMN ($298)
Merino Sweater Polo – $58.50 ($98)
Slim-fit Flex Chino Pant – $29.50 ($79.50)
Suede Belt – $39.50 ($59.50)
(Total for all JCF items w/ extra 25% off $125+ code AUTUMN = $184.87 ($246.50)

Others:
Orient Bambino Bauhaus – $170ish
Nordstrom Socks – $12.50
Nordstrom Double Monks – $99.95
Boconi Slim Briefcase (via Nordy Rack) – $119.97

“I’ll do my best” – Skyfall

JCF:
Waxed Twill Jacket – $111.37 w/ AUTUMN ($248)
Merino Crewneck – $39.95 ($89.50)
Straight-fit Flex Chino Pant – $39.95 ($79.50)
Suede Belt – $39.50 ($59.50)
(Total for all JCF items w/ extra 25% off $125+ code AUTUMN = $200.92 ($267.90)

Others:
L.L. Bean Irish Lambswool Scarf – $49.95
Seiko Watch – $575
Wigwam USA Made Merino Blend Socks – $21
J. Crew Field Boots in English Leather – $229.60 w/ SHOPFAST ($328)
(code SHOPFAST expires 9/25. Picks here) 

Obligatory Jeans + Blazer Outfit

JCF:
Slim-fit Thompson Plaid Wool-blend Blazer – $178.87 w/ AUTUMN ($398)
Slim Flex Oxford Shirt – $44.50 ($89.50… c’mon, $90 is the “regular” price??)
Athletic Slim-fit Jean in Signature Flex – $58.50 ($98)
Desert Boots – $94.40 ($198)
Suede Belt – $39.50 ($59.50)
(Total for all JCF items w/ extra 25% off $125+ code AUTUMN = $356.55 ($310.95)

Others:
Dan Henry Dress Chronograph Watch – $290
Darn Tough “The Standard” Cushioned Lifestyle Socks – $26

Staying in with a good book

JCF:
Quilted Half-Zip – $58.50 ($98)
Striped Long-sleeve Washed Jersey Tee – $22.50 ($45)
Slim Fleece Sweatpant – $26.50 ($89.50)
(Total for all JCF items w/ extra 25% off $125+ code AUTUMN = $86 ($107.50)

Others:
Casio Dive Watch – $50ish
Nike x Todd Snyder Killshot 2 – $90
The Perfect Mile: 3 Athletes, 1 Goal, and Less Than 4 Minutes to Achieve It – $12.29

The J. Crew Factory additional 20% off $100, 25% off $125+ code AUTUMN runs through Sunday 9/29/24. The free shipping no minimum deal expires Wednesday 9/25.

SHOP24 = Additional 24% off at J. Crew Factory (exp 9/10)

So when is something a deal? Short answer: That depends.

Long answer: For J. Crew FACTORY, this quiet and not shown on their website SHOP24 code appears to be a deal. JCF is almost always running a 40% off sale, so when they open it up a bit to 40% – 60% off, and then drop a quiet additional 24% off code, it’s worth a look. We’ll do the math so you can decide. Most picks below will be limited to items listed at half off or more pre-code, with the additional 24% off tipping them into “well okay then!” territory.

Ready for (mostly) cheap basics? Remember that this is JCF and not mainline J. Crew. So don’t expect things to feel quite the same on arrival. Also, Passport members don’t get free shipping no min. over at JCF. Free shipping kicks in at $99 for everyone. Code SHOP24 expires tonight, 9/10/24. Off we go…

Slim-fit flex chinos – $22.42 ($79.50)

Already on sale for 63% off that (inflated) MSRP of $79.50, and the extra 24% off that sale price helps quite a bit. 99% cotton, 1% elastane. Five colors to pick from. 4.6/5 stars after 673 reviews. One of their bestsellers. They are what you think they are, and twenty-two bucks and some change seems pretty good. Shown at the very top of the post, at left, in “slate” grey.

Cotton washed jersey pocket tee – $7.22 ($34.50)

100% cotton, jersey knit, washed for softness. Chest pocket keeps it from looking overly basic. Shown at the very top of the post, at right, in “vintage sage.” Currently under ten bucks without the code. Drops to $7.22 with the additional 24% off. $34.50 MSRP is about four miles down from “raucously optimistic” and around the corner heading towards crazy-town.

Long-sleeve henley in slub cotton – $20.90 ($59.50)

Half off has them listed at $27.50. Extra 20% off drops them to just under $21. All cotton. Slubbed to give it that texture and well worn feel.

Waxed twill jacket – $112.86 ($248)

Barbour-like-style, budget-conscious price. British country estate looks without the zillions of dollars it costs to possibly have such a piece of property.

Flex oxford shirts in slim, classic, untucked, tall – $33.82 ($89.50)

Because sometimes you just want an oxford cloth button down that also is made in various fit templates like slim, classic, tall, and untucked.

Flex casual shirts in slim, classic, tall, untucked – $33.82 ($89.50)

And now the poplin fabric button downs. A little lighter, crisper feeling than oxford cloth. Some patterns here too, although there are solids as well.

Suede Lace-up boots – $128.44 ($248)

Mentioned in Monday’s tripod but getting more run here because they’re a few bucks cheaper. They also look great from here. Full disclosure: No personal experience with J. Crew Factory shoes or boots. Full honesty: Try not to expect that much? Especially not some of the greatness that J. Crew mainline has churned out in the boot department these last few years. But maybe they can be on par with the old (very old) JC Penney Deacon/Camlin or something like that. Outbound shipping for these is free as they eclipse the $99 free shipping threshold. Returns through the mail will set you back a $7.50 return label.

Walker Quilted Vests – $58.14 ($128)

It’s the JCF more-affordable alternative to the popular Sussex Quilted vests at mainline J. Crew. Button tabs at the back in case you want to streamline the look a bit. That deep red would be a good way to get your Marty McFly Halloween costume ready well in advance.

Suede Belt in Dark Brown – $26.98 ($59.50)

Cheap suede > cheap smooth leather. Almost universally. Perhaps something to throw in the cart to trip the $99 free shipping threshold if you’re not quite there.

Garment-dyed five-pocket pants in Slim OR Straight Fit – $37.96 ($128)

No clue why these are priced even higher than other JCF pants ($128 MSRP!) but they’re 63% “off” before the code. Bottom line: Sub $40 for some garment dyed five pockets seems good. Think of them as significantly cheaper alternatives to the famous Huckberry Flint and Tinder 365.

Jersey-lined quilted jacket – $86.64 ($228)

Half off and listed at $114. The extra 24% off drops these under $87. Not bad, but there’s also plenty of puffers on Amazon for less. The “shacket” style is cool though. Lined in a jersey knit (t-shirt like) fabric.

Classic-fit Thompson university wool-blend blazer – $181.26 ($398)

Full review here. That’s a good price for this blazer. Not a great price. Has dipped into the $160s in recent memory but that could be tough to replicate.

Thompson wool blend trousers – $37.62 FINAL ($168)

Throwing these Final Sale (no returns or exchanges) trousers in here at the bottom. A risk, because they’re final sale, but the price is nice. Decently reviewed as well. Fabric is a blend: 54% wool/41% polyester/5% elastane. Weirdly these are final sale but NOT on “clearance” therefor the additional 60% off clearance items code SALE60 won’t work.

The quiet J. Crew Factory extra 24% off code SHOP24 is set to expire tonight, 9/10/24.

J. Crew Factory University Blazer – $168.75 w/ PARTY ($240ish)

Pricing note: It appears J. Crew Factory has gotten hit particularly hard by inflation/tariffs. And these blazers have really skyrocketed in price. That said, Mid $100s – $200 is still quite good for them, even if them dropping that low is an increasingly rare occurrence. Through 11/9 the code PARTY knocks an additional 25% off purchases of $150, which drops the blazer to just under $170. 

Details

• Fabric: 40% wool, 29% poly, 28% viscose, 3% elastane mid-weight twill.
• Lining: Fully lined. 100% poly back & front. 51% poly/49% viscose sleeve lining.
• Sleeve cuff buttons: Non functioning (which are cheaper to tailor).
• Tail Length & Vents: Not chopped. Double vents.
• Lapel Width: Timeless, 3.5″ at widest point.
• Pockets: Chest = welt. Lower = flaps.
• Shoulder padding: They’re there, but they’re unobtrusive. Not thick. Slim.

Price lives around $200 – $240, but goes on sale often as it’s J. Crew Factory.
(Pants are lululemon ABC trousers. | Chukkas are Sanders. | Umbrella = Totes.)

Where have all the (cowboys, good times) sub $200 navy wool blazers gone?

A navy wool blazer is as foundational as it gets. There’s a million reasons to wear one, and there are many, many, many ways to wear it.

But thanks to the pandemic torpedoing society’s overall desire to dress up (it’s clearly bouncing back), and inflation causing prices to jump (it’s slowing down), finding a decent navy blazer for under two hundred bucks has been almost impossible these last few years.

Enter J. Crew’s step-down, more affordable brand J. Crew Factory. And while this Thompson fit navy wool-blend blazer requires a couple of compromises to be made, it’s a really good entry level blazer at a satisfyingly reasonable price.

Size shown: 40R on 5’10″/185. 
Fresh out of the box. No tailoring has been done to the blazer shown.

No it’s not some fancy Italian wool. It’s not even 100% wool. What it is is a reasonable blend of 40% wool, 29% poly, 28% viscose, and 3% elastane which feels good, doesn’t look shiny or cheap, wears and drapes well, and doesn’t feel flimsy. It’s a mid-weight twill, and while it’ll probably get stuffy in the absolute dead of summer out-doors… you’re probably gonna wear a hopsack wool or linen blazer (or no blazer at all) in conditions that specific. For the other 40-50 weeks out of the year, this feels like a legit workhorse that you can come back to time and again.

Mid-weight wool blend “workhorse” twill. Felt undercollar.

Fit leans classic without being overly boxy. It’s not a true slim fit. So if you’re a true slim it’ll need some tailoring. But if you’re an “athletic” body type you’ll be grateful for the template that leaves more room in the shoulders and torso. Tail length is timeless/classic, and thankfully not chopped. The sleeve cuff buttons are non-functioning. That’ll make for easier and cheaper tailoring if you need them adjusted.

Cuff buttons are non functioning, which makes for cheaper tailoring.
(Watch is by Dan Henry.)

Interior is fully lined in polyester, which won’t breathe as well as viscose/Cupro. But it’s not stiff or scratchy. And at this price point, a poly lining is expected. Sleeve lining is a combination of 51% poly and 49% viscose, so there should be at least a little more breathability there. But during testing, the blazer didn’t feel stuffy or suffocating.

Back/body are fully lined in polyester, which isn’t a surprise at this price point.
Sleeves are lined in 51% poly/49% viscose.

It moves decent enough. “Is it half canvas?” Can’t imagine that it is. Maybe there’s some hybrid thing going on in there, but it’s probably fused. And at this price point that’s okay. It’s not rigid like some dirt cheap blazers can feel. Get it tailored (if necessary), wear it frequently, only dry clean when you absolutely must (a gentle steam should freshen up any wrinkles), and it should break in a bit and feel like yours in no-time. Although it’ll look just fine out of the box too.

Doesn’t feel stiff. It moves well, and should move even better with use.

Not everyone needs or wants a fancy, expensive, $400, $500, or $600 blazer. Of course some compromises have to be made if you’re gonna score something like a classic navy blazer for under $200. But being careful about what you choose at this price point matters. You don’t want some synthetic, stiff feeling, wonky fitting, chopped tail disaster. This J. Crew Factory University Blazer is the opposite. The wool-blend fabric, accessible fit template, and timeless style details make for a sound and versatile foundation piece, of which you’ll be able to wear often and with lots of other stuff in your wardrobe.

Also somewhat related:

• 12 Reasons to start wearing blazers and sportcoats more often
• What to Ask your Tailor to Do
• How To Wear a Blazer with Jeans
• The Dappered Essentials Shop

J. Crew Factory Tech 5 Pockets – $19.50 (normally $35 – $40)

I asked the Dappered Ops Manager (Mrs. Dappered) if we had room in the budget for a searchlight with a cutout of some trousers placed over the beam, so every time some chinos or tech pants dropped under $20, I could fire that bad boy up, throw on a cape (Suitsupply, natch), and run around singing:

“Da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da CHEAP PANTS!”

She didn’t even look up from her coffee.

Point is. J. Crew Factory (yes, Factory) is running a one day 50% off everything flash sale for St. Patrick’s Day, and their bizarrely well reviewed, best selling tech 5-pockets are marked down to under $20.

Four colors have a decent size selection at post time. All poly, of course.

You can almost certainly count on a “swish swish” sound with these. And thin, lightweight material. They are NOT gonna be amazing. But for twenty bucks?

Could be something.

Look, J. Crew Factory fell off the table pre bankruptcy. What they were cranking out around then was pretty iffy at best. But mainline J. Crew has been on a good run as of late. So maybe, MAYBE, these could be worth a shot?

That “mountain fog” color (far right) looks pretty good.

Word is they’re a true slim. So, know that. Shipping is $5 for orders under $99, and returns will cost you a $7.50 prepaid label. Returns to a Factory brick and mortar store are free.

Big thanks to Jason R. for the tip.

Time to switch the (nonexistent) searchlight off.

That’s all.

Carry on.

Thompson Blazer in Brushed Cotton – $99.00

Want a super soft, lightly constructed sportcoat for fall and winter but don’t want to shell out for some fancy pants Italian wool option?

Fair enough. Try this barely there, J. Crew factory option.

An unaltered 42R on 5’10” / 195. Not bad, but notice the bunching around the traps area.
Lapels are slim. REAL slim.

No, it’s not wool. It’s not even a wool blend. It’s 100% cotton. And boy does it ever feel like a flannel shirt that’s been cut into the shape and style of a 2 button, Thompson fit (IE read Ludlow) sportcoat.

No lining in the back. None. Just the sleeves. A little self fabric lining up front.

Some will love the almost-no-structure feel. I kinda wish there was a bit more. At least through the shoulders. Why? Because the fabric, while still feeling like a fall/winter weight, is light enough overall to bunch and gather a bit. Especially if your body type isn’t super kind to JCF’s/J. Crew’s Ludlow fit (ie, mine, with a bit of bulk, especially through the shoulders).

Super soft, brushed cotton. Warm but still kinda light weight. 
Non functioning sleeve cuff buttons of course.

Lapels are also oddly slim on this thing. While most brands are widening out their lapels, these are even SLIMMER than normal for J. Crew? I’m showing 2.25″ here. Not the normal 2.5″. Strange. And a deal breaker for some.

Slim lapels. Real slim. Like, Macy’s Bar III circa 2012 slim.

It’s priced at just under $100, and I can’t recall it going on sale… yet? JCF really tightened up their codes and promos over the last month or two. And while this seems like a fair price at $99 (depending on your body type and ability to be okay with super slim lapels), I wonder if many/most of us are just so pre-programmed to the codes and promos game at JCF, that some are dragging their feet?

Nice sportcoat. Nice price. A few issues for some, but it’s not a bad way to dip your toe in the fall/winter fabric sportcoat waters, without over committing to something pricey and/or stiff and stuffy. This thing is neither of those.