First, before you pedantic purists get your ascots in a twist, yes, there is a difference between a blazer and a sportcoat. Suit jackets are different too. But for the sake of argument, let’s just accept that most normal guys use the term sportcoat and blazer pretty interchangeably. Also, most acquire a navy blue blazer first, and then might be wondering what to move onto after that. Here are three suggestions to do just that. After all, there are a ton of advantages to wearing a sportcoat or blazer.

Light to Med. Grey All Season Wool or Linen

• Bonobos Italian Wool Sportcoat in Light Grey (above) or Grey (top left) – $400
• J. Crew Unstructured Ludlow Blazer in Stretch Cotton-Linen – $168
• Suitsupply Havana Fit Linen Sportcoat – $399
• Black Lapel Cool Gray Wool Sportcoat Blazer – $449

Terrific in the summer with white or off white chinos or linen pants, and perfect for the cooler months in jeans to achieve that perfect “Northern Lights” look. Most men rely on blues, greys, and browns for the foundation of their wardrobe. A medium or light grey sportcoat will fit in just fine. And it doesn’t have to be solid. Subtle patterns can look great here too.

Medium Blue Wool or Cotton

• J. Crew Factory Thompson Unstructured Flex Chino Blazer – $99.50
• Black Lapel Baltic Blue Wool Blazer – $399
• Bonobos Unconstructed Italian Wool in “Bright Navy” – $400
• Suitsupply Havana Fit Blue Wool Sportcoat – $399

The “new blue” if you will. Not sure how to wear it? Here’s how. They’re more versatile than you might think. If a navy blue wool blazer isn’t your first purchase, then something like this might be. Probably in chino.

Earthtone (Brown/Green/Grays) with Texture

• Suitsupply Havana Cotton Jacket – $259
• Spier and Mackay Harris Tweed Sportcoat – $339 ($448) 
• J. Crew Factory Moleskin Sportcoat – $99 (above, sold out, from a few seasons back) 
• Brooks Brothers Regent Fit Large Check Sportcoat – $299 ($598)

Something for the cool to cold months. Can be wool or cotton (think moleskin or corduroy). Another style of jacket that doesn’t have to necessarily be solid. Patterns can work here as well. Looks great in the fall and winter, and will add a much needed layer when it’s cold out.

It’s just not fair. A guy in a well tailored sportcoat or blazer has an unfair advantage vs. the rest of the room. A jacket cleans up your lines. It makes you look stronger and smarter. And fall is the prime season for sportcoats. Wear em’ with jeans, cords, dress trousers, etc, With a balance of quality & affordability in mind, here’s this season’s best. Note: All in-person shots show the blazer or sportcoat in question straight off the rack. No tailoring (yet). Wanted to give you guys an accurate feel for how each jacket would look pre-tailoring. Also, for a fit perspective, here are the measurements of the wearer. Sizes shown are a 40R unless otherwise noted.

Suitsupply Havana Fit Sportcoats – $399 – $639

Half canvas. Terrific fabric. More than a few pattern options in this “Havana” fit, which features a more athletic template as well as patch pockets on the lower half. Sleeve buttons are functional, but at least they ship and return for free. That steep $639 price point? That’s for the all cashmere stuff. Jacket shown above, in a 40R, goes for $399.

J. Crew Moon Mills Tweed Sportcoat in Ludlow Fit – $298

Another return of a favorite. Partially unconstructed, and you notice as soon as you slip it on. Lighter and easier to move in than other tweed sportcoats. Fabric blend is a 55% Wool / 45% Cotton mix that’s nubby enough to feel like an all wool tweed. Patch pockets. Available in a highly tempting “woodland green,” a standard medium gray, as well as navy. Size shown is a 40R. Most will want the sleeves to be shortened, but that’s easy to do thanks to their non functioning sleeve buttons. Shown above is a 40R in their Ludlow fit.

Bonobos Unconstruced Italian Wool Blazer – $400

Still one of the best, and most unique, wool sportcoats on the market. Pretty unique and flat out incredible. Made from Italian, Barberis wool in a looser style of knit, these things are extremely breathable, unbelievably flexible, and can be worn year round. Lots of colors to pick from too. A terrific blazer to pack for a trip. Only lining is the sleeves. Ultra soft shoulders. 2.5″ lapels. Available in standard or slim. Non functioning, easy to tailor sleeve buttons. Does go on sale during high threshold promos, but, those are pretty few and far in between.

Spier & Mackay Slim or Cont. Fit Moon Mills Tweed – $326ish USD

Half Canvas, 100% Merino wool, just butterfly lined in the back, and easy to tailor non functioning buttons at the sleeve cuffs. We’ve got another winner from Canada based Spier & Mackay. Size shown above is an unaltered, 40R in the contemporary fit. Remember, prices on their site are listed in CAD. Also, your first suit or sportcoat purchase ships and returns for free. But just your first.

Spier & Mackay Slim or Cont. Fit Moleskin – $255ish USD

English milled cotton moleskin. What’s moleskin? Moleskin is like velvet with a crew cut. So you lose the shine and fussiness, and you get a warm cotton fabric that’s extremely touchable. Like, good luck having your date keep their hands off your jacket. Unstructured, just 1/4 lined in the back, and the shoulders are unpadded.

Target Goodfellow & Co Deconstructed Knit Blazer – $49.99

Cheap? Yes. But beware the fits. Seems like there’s quite a gulf between sizes. Size shown above is a medium, and I’m feeling more than a bit squeezed here. Yet, a large in their other blazers is way too big. 58% cotton / 42% polyester. Not lightweight. Some will consider it leaning towards the heavier side (although it’s not super thick or tweedy). Center vent in the rear. Poly/cotton butterfly-style partial back lining with poly lined sleeves. Sleeve cuff buttons, unfortunately, are functional.

J. Crew Factory Navy Moleskin Blazer – $100 – $120ish

More moleskin, just for much less. This could be something. A sportcoat, so, not excluded from all promos and codes like suits are. Thompson fit, so slim without being super skinny, and 2.5″ lapels.

Gap Classic Cotton Stretch Blazer – $48.57 w/ FAMILY & MORE ($89.95)

Not bad for the price, as long as it fits you pretty well off the rack. Why? Because GAP continues to insist on putting functioning sleeve cuff buttons on their sportcoats. So, good luck shortening them. Size shown above is a medium, and note that I have average length arms (70″ tall, 70″ wingspan). And I’m swimmin’ in that sleeve length. Gap’s site says the fabric is all cotton, but the tag says 98% cotton and 2% spandex. Chino, not Moleskin, yet a bit thicker without being overly stiff or weighty. Lined, but at least the body is lined in cotton. Also available in khaki and navy. For the two codes, they stack. FAMILY knocks 40% off, and then MORE takes another 10% off the remaining.

J. Crew Shawl-collar Workwear Jacket in English Wool – $328

Still no idea what to think of these things. They’re like smoking jackets for the rugged types. English wool. Zero lining in the back. three button front and a shawl collar up top. From their upgraded “Wallace & Barnes” line.

Brooks Brothers Regent Fit Wool and Cashmere Sport Coat – $498

These things are works of art. Barely constructed, and has a really soft feel to the fabric. Just butterfly lined in the back. The Regent Fit from Brooks Brothers is also perfect for broader fellas. Size shown above is a 41R. Shown above in the lighter blue, and also available in a lighter grey.  Note that while this will go on sale, at some point (and was already 30% off during their most recent wardrobe event) you can find a few alternative colors from last year lurking about in the sale section. Sizes are scattered there though.

B.R. Slim Olive Wool Tweed Blazer – $160.92 w/ FAMILY & BRMORE ($298)

Haven’t gotten hands on with this one yet (no standard fits at post time, just slim), but it is 100% wool, appears to be… 100% lined (drat), and if past is prologue you can expect the sleeve cuffs to be functioning. Yet you’d think it’s popular for a reason. Not many sizes left at post time. Double codes here too. First one is for 40% off, and the next is for an additional 10% off what’s left.

J. Crew Ludlow Unconstructed Corduory ‘ $198

J. Crew’s unlined corduroy sportcoats are back. Again. Fine wale, so, the lines of corduroy aren’t super thick or plush like that couch your parents/grandparents have had since 1971. Finer wale = more refined. Just the sleeves are lined with bemberg. Super versatile. Nicely affordable for what you get, even without (gasp) a discount. And navy corduroy can be quite dashing. Even with denim. Used to be small/medium/large sizing, but they’ve (thankfully) made the move to measured chest sizing. Navy or Dark Chocolate Brown this year.

L.E. Wool Flannel Sportcoats in Grey, Wheat, Dark Olive – $249

Yes, there are matching pants available in case you want to make a quite reasonably priced cold weather suit, but the jackets should do just fine on their own as well. Lands’ End is claiming a true half-canvas with these things, so, that’s something new. 100% wool shells, Rayon body lining and Polyester sleeve lining. Drops to $150 with a 40% off code and pin. Shown above in their “tailored fit” option, but they have regular fit too. UPDATE: Try the code PINECONE and pin 7204 for 40% off one item. Thanks to Andrew for the tip!

JC Penney Stafford Merino Wool Sportcoats – $80ish

Is $80 for an all merino wool sportcoat a deal? Most would think so. There’s just two issues. First, these are lined in all polyester. So that’s a bit of a drag. And it’s not even the best feeling stuff either. Second, the shoulder pads are pretty substantial, and the traps-area is pretty structured. So expect buckling and denting as shown above. Do most people notice this kind of thing? Not really. But it can become a bit of a comfort issue for the wearer. might want to check in store at this point, being that this year’s crop is just starting to hit the web.

JCF Sportcoat in Charcoal Herringbone or Blue Tweed – $120ish

That charcoal herringbone option is a nice addition to the Thompson Tweed Blazer staple. Wool, poly, and viscose shell. Fully lined. Meanwhile, this year’s blue tweed option doesn’t have any elbow patches, so, that’ll please plenty. Also fully lined. 50% wool/50% poly shell. Size shown above is a 40R.

Todd Snyder USA Made Unconstructed Wool Sporcoat – $598

Incredible looking sportcoat, but we need a sale. A major sale. Six bills is what many are shelling out for their monthly rent (and some in the big cities wish they were paying). That’s a lot of dough. Still, made in the USA from Italian wool. One day perhaps. One can dream.

The Reminder: Check your local thrift stores

Want to source a fall or winter blazer on the cheap? Scout your local thrift stores. Some areas are better (like, much better) than others when it comes to thrifting, but finding a dozen or so tweed blazers ready for a cleaning & tailoring isn’t too uncommon. Just depends on finding your size and color/fabric preference.

And that’s just the first crop. There will certainly be more blazers & sportcoats worth a mention in the coming months, so watch for those in future posts & features. We miss something? Feel free to email in any further suggestions to joe@dappered.com.

It’s just not fair. A guy in a well tailored sportcoat or blazer has an unfair advantage vs. the rest of the room. A jacket cleans up your lines. It makes you look stronger and smarter. And fall is the prime season for sportcoats. Wear em’ with jeans, cords, etc… With a balance of quality & affordability in mind, here’s this season’s best. Note: All in-person shots show the blazer or sportcoat in question straight off the rack. No tailoring (yet). Wanted to give you guys an accurate feel for how each jacket would look pre-tailoring. Also, for a fit perspective, here are the measurements of the wearer.

Banana Republic Heritage Unlined Wool Sportcoat – $250.00

Almost completely unlined. Just the sleeves are lined. And it’d be in contention for the best of the season… if it weren’t for the darn functioning sleeve buttons. Arms run a touch long, and will cost a chunk to get shortened thanks to those functioning sleeve buttons. But the fabric is outstanding. Very felt-like, and that fabric pairs well with the lack of construction. Super comfortable. Slimmer than their “tailored” fit. Size shown above is a 40R. Might be tough to get on sale since it’s from their “heritage” line, and those items are more often than not excluded from codes.

J. Crew Factory Navy Tweed Elbow Patch Sportcoat – $128

Beyond pleased with this one. Probably best in show. Think of a tweed sportcoat and you’re almost certainly going to picture one in an earth tone like brown or green. Not the case here. Has the texture of tweed, but instead comes in a shade of blue. 70% wool, 30% nylon, and a 100% acetate lining. Very impressed with the feel of the fabric. It’s substantial, but not stiff or cumbersome. Drapes nicely and moves well. Non functioning sleeve buttons and a bit of a taper at the waist. Elbow patches as well. Sized in more exact chest sizes, instead of the ballpark S/M/L/etc. Size shown above is a 40R. Can be had for under $100 with codes.

UNIQLO Unconstructed Wool Blend Jacket – $89.90 ($99.90)

What the hell UNIQLO? They made a change this year, and now the damn sleeve buttons are functional. BUT… the good news is that if you’ve got average to short arms, the sleeves run so friggin’ long that you should be able to have the whole end chopped off, and then maybe sew the buttons directly to the jacket after. Size shown is a Large. Wool / Other blend percentages depend on the pattern you pick. Shown above is the “wine” plaid. Totally unlined back. Button stance is noticeably higher than, say, a J. Crew Ludlow. But the price is right, and often with tailoring, a UNIQLO jacket can be dialed in.

J. Crew Ludlow Moon Mills Unconstructed Tweed Sportcoat – $298

Partially unconstructed, and you notice as soon as you slip it on. Lighter and easier to move in, yet not flimsy or odd draping. Half lined. Ludlow Fit. Fabric blend is a 55% Wool / 45% Cotton mix that’s nubby enough to feel like an all wool tweed. Patch pockets, and also available in a highly tempting navy. Size shown is a 40R. Most will want the sleeves to be shortened, but that’s easy to do thanks to their non functioning sleeve buttons.

Suitsupply Havana Fit Soft Tweed in Blue or Burgundy Check – $399

A bit spendy, but the “soft tweed” is that nice. Has some good texture, but it’s not rough or rigid. Far from it. Super easy to move in and soft to the touch. Just half lined. Does have functional sleeve buttons though. Cut in Suitsupply’s more relaxed “Havana” fit. Size shown on the left is a 38R (not a 40r) on 5’10” / 185lbs. Shipping & returns are free for US customers.

JC Penney Stafford Merino Wool Sportcoat – $84.99 w/ PUPPY

More of a classic fit so plenty are going to need some extra tailoring, but the merino wool shell really is pretty nice. Lots of different colors and patterns to pick from too. Lightweight and feels good in your hands. Full poly lining of course, since it’s JC Penney, but not bad for around $80 – $100 with sales and codes. Sleeve buttons are non-functioning, but there is some accent stitching around them. Nothing overly heavy, but still might cause some problems. Made in Vietnam. Size shown above is a 40R. Usually “on sale” for $99, and then codes can knock an extra 15% – 20% off on top of that. (For example, today’s code PUPPY takes 15% off orders under $100. Tip that threshold and it jumps to 20% off, so, might wanna grab some cheap socks.)

L.E. Tailored Fit Donegal Windowpane Sportcoat – $174.30* ($249)

It’s a looker for sure. Lands’ End seems like they’re trying to make a comeback in terms of being a bit more stylish, and this is one of their new arrivals for the fall. Shell is 86% wool, 10% nylon, and 4% rayon. Not overly heavy, but still unmistakably fall or winter appropriate. The description says it has a full “Aerocool” lining. It’s 100% poly, and doesn’t feel all that special? Can’t really tell. Size shown is a 40R. Buttons are non-functioning, but there is a bit of accent stitching around them. Seems like you’ve got about an inch to work with though. Been going on sale for 30% off with some regularity. *And it is going for 30% off today. Code is THRILLED and pin is 5800 which is good for 20% off $100+. and 30% off $150+

John W. Nordstrom Regular Fit Jacquard Cotton Sport Coat – $198.00

A new arrival, so haven’t seen it in person yet, but it seems to have some pretty good potential (plus the free shipping & returns = risk free). They call it a “regular” fit, but boy it sure looks pretty tailored in the online pics. Doesn’t mean they haven’t pinned it back for photo shoot purposes, but still. Button stance appears to be a bit high, but that Jacquard texture to the cotton is appealing. Self-fabric, subtle elbow patches. Patch pockets. Might end up in the sale section at some point?

J. Crew Corduroy Sportcoat – $198.00

Pictured above is last year’s version, but this year’s looks virtually identical. No back lining, great versatile shade of grey, and a wale that’s not too wide. One difference this year is that they’re sized in exact chest sizes, instead of the ball park S/M/L sizing from 2014. So, that’s an improvement. Does go on sale with codes. Size shown above is a medium on 5’10” / 175. Full review of last year’s version here.

JC Penney Stafford Camel Hair Sportcoat – $89.59 w/ PUPPY

An annual favorite. Just arrived, and just marked down to half off (which is where most JCP items get to after their initial pricing.) Shell is nice and soft with the lining being acetate. It’s a classic fit, but if it’s the same as last year’s, it shouldn’t be enormously boxy. Also available in navy and charcoal. Sure looks like the arms run long if those pics from their website are any indication. Gonna need those sleeves shortened to show some shirtsleeve cuff. Extra 20% off with the code PUPPY is good through today, 10/5.

J. Crew Crosby Fit Italian Wool Sportcoat – $328

Yes, another friggin’ J. Crew option. But until the other brands figure out that functioning sleeve buttons are a pain, and/or a full poly lining isn’t desireable, and/or a super chopped tail looks goofy on many guys… then J. Crew, who does seem to get all that, will get more mentions than most. Back to this sportcoat… it’s very professorial. But not nerdy. Something that Dr. Indiana Jones might wear while teaching class. More subtle in person than what J. Crew’s images project. 75% wool and 25% nylon Italian cloth. Half lined. Crosby fit, so it’s cut for the guys who are carrying a bit more strength around than those who fit better in a Ludlow. Perfer the Ludlow cut? They’ve got the same fabric in a Ludlow cut too. Size shown here is a 40R.

The Cheap, but Chopped Duo: GAP Dobby or Cord Blazer – $89.95

They’re inexpensive, but man are they short in the tail. When they say “hits at hip” they mean it. Like, the top of your hip, and not much more below that. Always on sale. Currently sold out, but the  full review of the dobby cotton option over here.

C. Tyrwhitt Tailored or Classic Fit Moleskin Jacket – $180 w/ 10OFFCT

Moleskin is velvet’s more subtle cousin. Matte instead of having a sheen, with a shorter nap. Warm and soft, and has an unmistakable visual texture to it. Unconstructed here, which many will find to be a plus. Corozo nut buttons. Sleeve buttons do function, so be aware of that going in. Dual vents in the back. Usually $200, but 10% off with the code 10OFFCT.

Bonobos “Academy” Blazer – $395

One of the few blazers that Bonobos actually offers in not just their slim, but also their standard cut. A bit pricey to start out. Might have to hold out for the rare sale code on this one. Offered in a few different shades. Ships & returns free. Big fan of the lighter-grey shade shown above.

Brooks Brothers Italian Merino Wool Knit Blazer – $498.00

Okay, so, half a grand is not what the vast majority of us would consider “affordable…” but there might be an opportunity coming up to get it for 30% – 40% off. For the last few years, in early December Brooks Brothers has done a week of one-day-deals to kickstart the late holiday shopping rush (here’s last year’s 40% off suits & tailored clothing day). And if they do that again, it’d drop this thing to just under $300. Still steep, but those peak lapels, the easy construction of a knit blazer, and that texture all make for an awfully tempting combo.

J. Crew Legacy Sportcoat in Ludlow or Crosby Fit – $388

Hasn’t gone on sale yet, but boy… they’re something. The Italian milled, Super 130s wool is spectacular. Extremely soft and supple. Super easy to move around in thanks to its natural stretch. “Topstitching” along the lapels and collar keep it from looking too much like an orphaned suit jacket. Available in either the lean and mean Ludlow, or the more accommodating-for-thickerness (not a word) Crosby fit.

The Reminder: Check your local thrift stores

Want to source a fall or winter blazer on the cheap? Scout your local thrift stores. Some areas are better (like, much better) than others when it comes to thrifting, but finding a dozen or so tweed blazers ready for a cleaning & tailoring isn’t too uncommon.

The Year-Round, Worth Another Mention: J.C.F. Navy Chino – $118

Again, there’s a ton of J. Crew and J. Crew factory stuff on this list. But they seem to avoid the pitfalls that so many other brands/retailers (plenty of which didn’t even make this list, despite being scouted out) make with their sportcoats. This one gets it all right. The fabric is a nice and smooth, mid-weight chino. The off the rack cut is trim, but not bone crushing slim. The button stance isn’t too high. It’s half lined and decently breathable. And perhaps most importantly, the sleeves are easy to tailor. Wear it over an OCBD now. Wear it over a sweater when it gets cold. Wear it with a lightweight linen or chambray shirt in the spring & summer. Size shown above is a medium. Full review here.

And that’s just the first crop. There will certainly be more blazers & sportcoats worth a mention in the coming months, so watch for those in future posts & features. We miss something? Feel free to email in any further suggestions…

J. Crew Crosby Sportcoat in Italian Tick-Weave Cotton – $248

“The Power of Tailoring” is a series that champions finding a tailor and developing a relationship with him or her. Fit is key, and a little tailoring can go a long way in the world of affordable off-the-rack clothing. Here are four basic alterations your tailor should be able to accomplish with little trouble, depending on the garment’s construction. Note: Perfect is the enemy of good. Nothing will be perfect. Especially when viewed through the frame of a still image on the web. So for those who love offering their personal preferences / hyper-critiques on fit? No one is asking for it here. Shove it.

About the Sportcoat: Introduced a couple of years back, the Crosby Fit from J. Crew is the Ludlow’s “Athletic” fit brother. If you enjoy lifting things up and putting them down, you may find the Ludlow’s dimensions to be constricting. The Crosby aims to solve those problems.

The new tick-weave Italian cotton Crosby is outstanding for warm weather. Totally unlined in the back, cotton lined front, easy construction and light-color makes it lightweight and easy to wear when it’s hot. But, with most off-the rack stuff, tweaks can be made depending on your frame:

Before: 40R Crosby on 5’10” / 185lbs. Good in the shoulders, but a bit boxy everywhere else.
A little long in the arms too. No shirt cuff showing.

After: Better. A little bit of waist suppression and shortening of sleeves.
Could have asked for more sculpting up by the pits, but since it’s a summer jacket, I wanted a bit more air flow

$32 was the total cost for tailoring the jacket. Pricing can vary greatly depending on location.
Is it perfect? Of course not. Nothing will be perfect. But it did extremely well on a recent trip,
kept me real comfortable in 100+ degrees, and looks sharp with lighter pants, loafers, & monk straps.

Seventy Five dollars. That’s a lot of money. It’ll get you a couple pairs of Levi’s, a nice dinner out, or a couple months at your local gym. Seventy Five dollars. It is a lot of money, especially if you spend it right. Ten picks follow, all for $75 or under, and some of them are much, much less.

The Old – $29.98 & New $??? Target Merona Blazers

Many thanks to Markus D. for sending in a style tip about Merona’s new navy (!) cotton blazers for spring. Reports are that the sleeves are unlined, the back is half lined in cotton, there’s patch pockets at the bottom with a welt at the chest, and…unfortunatley… the sleeve buttons are functional. DAMMIT WHY DO THEY ALWAYS DO THAT. Anyway, if the sleeves hit you right, it could make for a go-to laid-back blazer for cheap. Buttons are a warmer yellowish/brown standard plasic, not a faux-brass, so it doesn’t look overly preppy. They haven’t appeared on Target’s website yet, and seem to be slowly trickling into stores. Meanwhile, the old Merona blazers are on mega clearance.

Todd Snyder Made in the USA Camo Leather Card Case – $50

Dead simple design, but the camo leather is just different enough and plenty unique. That, and an embossed trademark like that could make even the most passionate anti-logo person consider changing their mind. Maybe. Made in Brooklyn.

Ninkasi Spring Reign Northwest Pale Ale

A brilliant beer for when the sun finally comes back out, yet it’s pleasant instead of hot. A really nice balance between malt and hops, with some bright bitterness that arrives, and leaves, without crushing your palate. It’s refreshing but not weak. Plenty flavorful without being syrupy. A perfect beer for the March – May window where it’s sunny during the day, yet it’s cool enough for pants and a sweater in the evening.

Bonobos Engineer Stripe Belt – $50

A different take on the standard spring/summer casual belt. But at fifty bucks… eesh. Might want to wait for this thing to hit the sale section.

Lamy Safari Fountain Pen – $20 – $25

More permanent and durable than a disposable fountain pen, yet nowhere near the cost of some fancy-pants fountain pens. Plastic body. Metal clip. Nice nib that writes well, and a window that lets you know how much ink is left. Lightweight too. A fantastic every-day-carry pen. Available in medium, fine, and extra fine nib options. Full disclosure: Upon first taking this out of the box… I was disappointed. Now I love it. You may experience something similar.

Todd Snyder + Champion Thermals – $29 – $39 FINAL ($88)

Yep. Two Todd Snyder mentions in one best bets. Thirty bucks for a thermal still isn’t cheap, but they’re down from eighty-eight, made in Canada, and have that terrific old-school athletic wear look to em’. Perfect for hanging around the house or going out and throwing a football around. Seven colors to pick from. Throwback Champion “C” at the left wrist. Final sale.

Nordstom Smartcare Trim Fit Grey Stripe Dress Shirt – $69.50

White shirt, blue shirt, white shirt, blue shirt, white shirt… maybe a gingham or a tatersall, back to blue shirt. Ain’t there anything more to life? Sure. Grey. And in very, very small stripes. Wear it with a black silk knit tie, a navy suit, and black shoes. Yes, black shoes with a navy suit.

The Black Keys “Chulahoma” – Streams Free w/ Prime

A tribute to blues musician Junior Kimbrough, it’s purposefully raw, contemplative, and showcases a corner of the foundation which The Black Keys have built their career on. The EP clocks in at just under half an hour, but it’s the kind of thing many of us might spend 2-3 hours at a stretch listening to on repeat. Streams free if you’ve got Amazon Prime. $7.19 for the physical CD.

Timex Waterbury Chronographs – $96 – $100

Hot. Dog. They took their vintage-look Waterbury series and made a chronograph in the same style. Big fan of the black with silver case, while the brown leather strap and ion case could see some serious work on the casual side. Glad they used their dark-background date option on these, since a stark white background would stick out poorly. Obviously not $75 or under, yet, but you guys know how it goes. Once these work their way over to Amazon, or if Timex runs a sale of some sort, they should get close. Shades of the Antoine Arnaud Spirit of St. Louis, only for half the price. Efforting an in person.

UNIQLO Dry-Fabric Button Down Polo in Stripe – $24.90

There was such a run on these (GIVE ME BACK MY TUPPENCE!) in the solid option that they went out of stock, quickly (don’t worry, they’re back). But don’t sleep on the micro-stripe options either. Much better looking once you zoom in (or see them in person) and eliminate that pesky moire effect. And even though they’re horizontal stripes, the cut is trim enough that you won’t look… well, y’know.

BONUS: The Beckham H&M Linen Car Coat is now in stock – $69.95

It’s in stock, for now, and for some reason it’s only in stock in sizes 40R and up. No 36 or 38. But H&M runs pretty slim and trim, so sizing up might be a smart idea. Got one on the way for an in-person.

For other best bets under $75 from previous months, click here.

It’s just not fair. A guy in a well tailored sportcoat or blazer has an unfair advantage vs. the rest of the room. A jacket cleans up your lines. It makes you look stronger and smarter. And with the market explosion of casual sport-coats, you can access all of these blazer-advantages even while wearing jeans. There’s no doubt that fall is the prime season for blazers and sportcoats. With affordability in mind, here’s this year’s best bets. (Note: For a fit perspective, here are the measurements.) 

J. Crew Italian Flannel Ludlow Sportcoat – $328

Nowhere near as electric blue as it appears on J. Crew’s site… but still fantastic. Lighter-weight flannel, slightly marled, and certainly not a dark & deep navy. Kinda a fall/winter version of their Italian Cotton option from the spring. Size shown above is a 40R, and will need the sleeves to be shortened. But no issue there since the sleeve buttons are non functioning, and there’s no accent stitching around them either. Half lined. Hang out for a 25% off select items sale (and this ends up as one of those select items) and it’ll drop into the mid $200s.

GAP Wool Blend Herringbone Blazer – $73 w/ MONDAY ($118)

One of the better blazers GAP has made in a while. The tail isn’t chopped, the sleeves don’t seem to be crazy long, and the 90% wool fabric is decent. Body is lined in a lighter weight chambray. A real nice casual blazer for fall. Always on sale, and the $45 off $100+ code MONDAY drops this one to $73 through today, 10/6/14.

Banana Republic Tailored-Fit Navy Corduroy Blazer – $180 ($198)

Maybe the sharpest looker on this list. If the navy shawl collar tux is the at present “it” getup for an event requiring evening-wear, then a navy cord blazer might be the “it” getup for those nights out when you’re dressed in the so-called smart-casual way. It’s pretty darn dashing, without going into velvet territory. And this option from Banana Republic is a very safe play. Their Tailored-Fit jackets are slim without being tight, and while fused, can be had for the mid to low $100s depending on sales and codes (you just have to wait for a code where blazers aren’t excluded). Sleeve buttons are functional on this one, but they don’t seem oddly long or short. Plus, they offer short and long options in the jacket. The wale (width of each line of cord) is nice and small. Not 70’s Anchorman fat & plushy. Upper body is lined in acetate/viscose, lower body is lined in poly/viscose. Drapes nicely. Size shown: 40R.

L.E. Tailored Fit Patterned Wool Blazer – $148.50 w/ FALLGIFT + 1387

Terrific fit (size 38R shown here), drapes well… but a full poly lining. Also availble in a herringbone option. Might want to wait for these to go on sale and then use an additional code on top? Color in person does seem to lean more green than it does on the Lands’ End website. Code should get you 25% off through 10/8.

UNIQLO Slim Fit Corduroy Sportcoat – $69.90

CHEAP! And if they fit anything like last year’s option, they’re an incredible buy at $70. Looks to be partially unlined on the back as well? Sadly, no “wine”/burgundy option this year. As always, UNIQLO blazers are pretty short in the tail.

J. Crew Corduroy “Club” Sportcoat – $198.00

Maybe one of the best off-the-rack fitting blazers of the year. Despite being sized in the S/M/L/XL sense, this blazer has real sculpting at the sides (sometimes J. Crew blazers with this sizing system can be real boxy). Almost completely unstructured. Comes in a hugely versatile shade of grey. Side vents. Non-functioning buttons. Sometimes gets a 25% off during those every-so-often J. Crew select item sales. Size shown is a medium.

UNIQLO “Tweed” Slim Fit Jacket – $89.90 ($99.90)

40% wool, 30% nylon, 30% rayon, a 100% poly full lining… but still pretty darn great. It’s got very little structure to it. The fabric moves incredibly well and doesn’t feel stiff. It’s basically a winterized version of a cheap, rumpled chino blazer (like Target’s Merona Kensington). Size shown above is a large, and it needs some serious work at the tailor. Standby for a potential before & after post featuring this thing if it works out. Medium on 5’10”, 185 just wasn’t gonna cut it anymore.

J. Crew Factory Unconstructed Cotton Sportcoat – $80ish – $120ish

Lightweight but still wearable in the winter if you layer (or, just run hot). Unlined back. Much more of a slate-grey with blue tones than the “navy” it’s listed as. Micro-stripe keeps it from looking flat and boring. Non functioning buttons at the sleeve cuffs make for easy tailoring. A basic, for sure, but a basic that gets so many things right where others get it wrong. Looks fantastic with jeans. Price depends on what sale or promo they’re running. Size shown is a medium.

Target Merona Tailored Fit Cotton Blazer – $59.00

Speaking of cotton, unstructured blazers… still a great option. Can’t understand why they aren’t making one in navy at present, but, they aren’t. These do have a bit of a micro-stripe to the cloth, so zoom in if you want an idea. The kind of blazer that won’t look out of place with sneakers or clunky classic work boots. Beat the crap out of these things.

JCPenney JF J. Ferrar Slim-Fit Velvet Sport Coat – $59.49 w/ OCTDEAL

Extremely nice for the price. A true slim fit (size 40 shown above), and the velvet isn’t high-sheen. It’s not matte (it is, after all, velvet) but it’s not going to blind anyone either. Unfortunately fully lined in poly. Side vents. Nice button stance. Sleeve buttons are non functioning, but they do have accent stitching around em’. Takes a little chutzpah to wear velvet, but in the right situation (say, a holiday party) it can look all kinds of right. “Retail” price is $140, but with the ever present JC Penney sales + codes, it’s now down to sixty bucks.

EXPRESS Grey Knit Blazer – $103.50 w/ 1833* ($228)

First featured in last Thursday’s handful. Yeah, it’s all synthetic (poly/rayon body) but man is it soft, flexible, and… avoids the flaccid look many a knit sportcoat suffers from. Doesn’t look like a sweatshirt cut in a blazer pattern, but still more relaxed than most. The kind of blazer one would wear to a workplace where nobody wears blazers, but you want to wear a blazer anyway. Armholes are a little low, but not terrible. Size shown here is a 40R. *Note: Here’s how to get that price:  Grab a pair of socks for the gym to tip the $150 threshold, apply the $50 off $150 code 1833, and this’ll drop to $103.50 before shipping & taxes.

Gap + GQ Brooklyn Tailors Cord Suit Jacket – $128

Perhaps a more affordable option than the J. Crew cord club blazer? Looks a little short in the tail. There is a matching pair of pants though. Might look pretty sharp worn as a suit with a bold gingham shirt. The GAP + GQ items are usually excluded from codes, but they eventually go on sale.

JCF Elbow Patch Sportcoat – $102.70 | Herringbone Sportcoat – $109.20 w/ MORE

Usually closer to the $150s without a code, the MORE code drops these by an extra 35%, and they ship free since they’re over $100. One of the more consistent offerings in the affordable tweedy sportcoat world in the last 3 or 4 years. Some years the fabric can be crummy, but it seems like JCF is starting to work their way out of that. Thompson fit. Elbow patches on navy or charcoal, or a herringbone pattern without elbow patches on charcoal or brown.

The Spendy Suckers: Suitsuppy Hudson – $469 | Havana Blue Check – $399

Good grief, that’s a lot of cash. Expecially that Hudson. Wool, silk, and cashmere though, and the not-skinny lapels and patch pockets are all classic sportcoat. Meanwhile, the Havana blue check walks the line between blackwatch plaid and professorial tweed. Half lined. Know that the Havana fit runs on the shorter side for the tail, and comes with those edged/contrast buttons.

The Reminder: Check your local thrift stores

Want to source a fall or winter blazer on the cheap? Scout your local thrift stores. Some areas are better (like, much better) than others when it comes to thrifting, but finding a dozen or so tweed blazers ready for a cleaning & tailoring isn’t too uncommon. Blazer pictured above was found for five bucks by reader Nicholas C. (whattup man, how are the kids?), and was first mentioned in his 5 favorites over here…

Your turn guys. Got a blazer or sportcoat you’re looking to pick up (or, already have) this fall? Leave those suggestions below. NOTE: Just because a store or brand isn’t listed above, doesn’t mean it wasn’t given a look. The likes of Macy’s, H&M, Kohl’s, Nordstrom, etc… were all scouted out.

SHOP = 40% off at Gap.com (expires 9/29)

They get killed every year in Store Wars. And no one is saying they’re going to mount a challenge to the favorites this year, but after a thoroughly yawn-ish spring & summer, GAP has more than a few pieces in their fall line that… might actually catch the attention of those who’d take the time to frequent a website such as this. (UPDATE: The annual GAPxGQ collection pre-sale launched today, and there are a few items that aren’t half-bad looking. Excluded from this code of course) 

Good fabrics, a blazer or two worth a shot, and interestingly hued basics in the mid $30s. And the 40% off site-wide (with exclusions like jeans & cords… cripes) code SHOP is a big help. Not 40% off full priced styles or new-styles or some other qualification. 40% off, and it’s good on the (kinda small) sale section. Remember, free shipping kicks in at $50 PRE code. So if it’s over $50 before you apply the code, it’ll get to you for free. Returns are free too. Here’s a quick dozen:

“Lived in” Slim or Straight Fit Khakis – $35.97 ($59.95)

One of their staples that exceeds the price. Great color selection in the slim, decent color selection in the straight. (C’mon GAP, want those “Palomino Brown” in the straight fits!)

Cotton/Cashmere Shawl Collar Sweater – $35.97 ($59.95)

Gotta love the persistent usage of the word “cashmere” in 5% or less cashmere “cotton/cashmere” garments across the retail industry. I’m 5% Einstein, but 95% Gomer Pyle. That said, it’s a good looking cardigan, with some texture and extra thickness around the shawl. Navy or grey. One of those sweaters you gotta just have on hand around your place.

Wool/Nylon Turtleneck – $41.97 ($69.95)

Extremely well made feeling. Good sized gauge to the knit, the 55% lambswool / 45% nylon fabric has some good texture and soft feel (although somewhat scratchy), and the fit is pretty darn good. A lot of these submariner-style turtlenecks can fit like a tent (lookin’ at you Orvis). Not this one. It’s got an authenticity to it. Which is surprising, being that it’s $42. Size shown is a medium.

Slim Fit Selvedge Twill 5-Pockets – $41.99 ($89.95)

Interesting. Code won’t work on these since they appear to fall under the “premium pants” exclusion, but they’re still almost half off. And that saturated navy, with the silver hardware (button fly too) is awfully tempting. Also available in Khaki.

“Clean” Chambray Button Down – $35.97 ($59.95)

Less of a chambray work shirt, more of a just-a-shirt. Casual. Button down collar will keep it looking good under a sweater or a blazer, or with a tie (lots of chambray workshirts don’t come with collar stay slots, or button down collars). One standard chest pocket. Three colors to choose from. Slimmer fit according to the reviews.

Basic Leather Belt – $17.97 ($29.95)

Jeans, chinos, cords. Goes with it all. The belt you’ll probably wear 90% of the time when you’re not wearing a dress belt.

Lambswool Cable Crew – $35.97 ($59.95)

Another classic knit, the cable, in a lambswool crew. Quick question though: Does your friendly neighborhood affordable men’s style website editor need to go to the eye doctor? Because, what are you seeing when it comes to the “yellow” option for this sweater?

Slim Fit Tailored Birdseye Pant – $35.97 ($59.95)

Haven’t tried these slim-fit “tailored” style pants on in-person, so not sure how really slim they are. There is a review from “jeanlover” which says, well let’s see: I love the way my bum, legs, and bulge look in these jeans. The fit is so contemporary and the cut is so tailored that it shows off the goods in such a sophisticated and modern way.” … Sophisticated? Bulge?

Wool Blend Herringbone Blazer – $70.80 ($116)

Most will need some post-purchase tailoring at the sides, but it’s one of the better blazers GAP has cranked out in awhile.  The tail, for once, isn’t chopped. The sleeve buttons are non-functioning (but there is some accent stitching around them), and the body is lined in a lightweight cotton chambray. A good casual blazer for the fall & winter.

1969 Indigo Striped Henley Shirt – $17.99 (49.95)

It’s a henley! It’s striped! It’s placed off center here within it’s frame to create some visual interest because it’s just a striped henley!

1969 Straight Fit Jeans (Natural Wash) – $19.99 ($69.95)

Totally out of season, but for some reason, the code works. And these are pretty much the dictionary definition of the oft-mentioned (during spring, summer, & early fall) “off white 5-pockets”.

Mixed Media Belt – $11.99 ($24.95)

The autmun’d up version of a summer belt. Already on sale. Roller-buckle style.

The 40% off at Gap.com (guess it’s not an in-store thing) code SHOP expires today, 9/29. Meanwhile, thoughts on GAP working its way back onto the radar? Did it never leave? Is it still thoroughly “mneh” for you? Leave it all below…

FAMILYTIME & Pin 1799 = 30% off at Lands’ End

Lands’ End has been running plenty of sales lately, but they’ve had more than a few stipulations. Most were codes that could only be applied to items that were regular price. Now, Lands’ End isn’t JC Penney, where everything is always on sale all the time, but they do mark down their stuff pretty quickly, and a good chunk of their inventory wasn’t up for those codes. That’s not the case here.

25% off isn’t mind blowing, but you don’t have to dodge the “regular price” or “good on only one item” stipulations. 25% off. Site wide, minus the usual exclusions like Allen Edmonds shoes. Buckle in for some basics. Let’s get after it…

UPDATE: Many thanks to Scott who dug up the 30% off code & pin seen above. In case that one dries up, BESTFRIEND & 1686 should get you 25% off through the 29th. Prices below have been adjusted for the 30% off. Sorry about that fellas…

L.E.C. Heritage Wool Blazer – $104.99 ($250)

Dang. Nice price. From their closer fitting, younger leaning “Lands’ End Canvas” collection. Wool body. Cotton lining (a review says it’s only partially lined?) and poly lined sleeves. Non-functioning sleeve buttons according to a reviewer. Tail looks a little on the short side, but could be a fantastic casual blazer. Sizes 40, 42, 44, and 46 available at post time.

Made in the USA 628 Straight Fit Jeans – $41.99 ($98)

About as inexpensive as a pair of made in the USA denim is gonna get. Already on sale, and the extra 25% off drops em’ under $50 (which happens to be the threshold for free shipping). 628 Straight has traditionally fit like a 501. VERY old review of the LEC Made in the USA jeans over here… no idea if these will look similar when they show up. But if they do, they’d be a steal.

Elston 628 Straight Fit Chino Pants – $17.49 – $40.60 ($58)

Both colors shown above are at the $18.74 price point. Four shades are on sale, four shades aren’t. Decent enough size selection for those that are already marked down. If you’re getting the Made in the USA Jeans, might be worth picking up a pair of these at the lesser price (if they have your size) in order to tip the free shipping at $50 balance?

Tailored Fit Pattern Wool Blazer – $138.60 ($198)

First, the good news: Fit is terrific. Shown above is a 38R on 5’10″/180. If you take into account that even the “tailored” jackets from LE can be slightly generous, then you should be able to get away with no extra tailoring.  Fit is spot on. Sleeve buttons are non-funcitonal but there is some tonal accent stitching around them (should be easy to ignore if you have to bring up the sleeves a bit and lose a button). Patch pockets. 95% wool and 5% nylon shell. Now, the bad news: It’s fully lined in polyester. Sleeve lining is a poly rayon blend, but overall the lining feels a bit cheap. Color in person leans more towards the green side of “aged olive” than grey.

Tailored Fit Plain Front Wool Flannel Trousers – $69.30 ($99)

Yep. Especially in that light grey. 70% wool /30% poly brushed flannel that’ll get you through the coldest months looking like a pro. If you’re the type who leans on nothing but jeans between October and March, take one of these for a spin. You might just channel Cary Grant, minus having the pants up around your rib cage.

Fulton Full-Grain Penny Loafers – $69.99 ($149)

A warning: These allegedly run quite large, so read the reviews before attempting to nail down a size. Awfully good looking though. Not clunky looking from above, perfect toe, and the penny strap is set far enough back on the vamp that they look more modern & young, and less stodgy and dusty.

Yarn Dye Slim Elston Pants – $47.60 ($68)

A modern throwback. Cuffs on a slim, flat front pair of pants. Combed cotton on both sides so it’ll be soft on the outside, and the inside (aw yeeeah). Busy plaid, but in a not too wild fall-ready shade. Just keep the rest of the outfit simple. UPDATE: See the comment from James below… looks like these don’t have those beefy cuffs, but instead the stylist just cuffed em’ up for the shot manually. Thanks to him for the clarification.

Tailored Fit 40’s Poplin Dress Shirt – $10.49 ($39)

Another free-shipping balance tipper (if you’re close to $50, and don’t want to shell out $8 for shipping). Tailored fit. Already on sale. Button down collar. Jeans & blazer + one of these and you’re good.

Tailored Fit Flat Front Year-Rounder Wool Dress Pants – $62.30 ($89)

Extremely well reviewed and a staple for plenty. Made from merino wool. Cut in a trim, but not inappropriate for a conservative office silhouette. Five shades and you can get em’ hemmed (cuffed or uncuffed) within a 1/4″.

Long Sleeve Racing “Shirt” – $90.30 ($129)

Interesting. Wouldn’t call this a “shirt” by the looks of it. Looks like they took the styling of a leather cafe-style racing jacket, and made it out of a “heavy duty” twill. Lined in chambray. Would you?

Wool Peacoat in Slate – $69.97 ($189)

Target peacoat price at a (hopefully?) higher level of quality. Mainly wool, with nylon and “other” filled in for a water repellent finish.

Jeanos 608 Slim Fit Pants – $17.49 ($58)

Dense cotton twill with jean-style patch pockets on the rear. Two different but not insane colors. Nice and cheap. Also, quite slim. If you’re on the fence about the 608, know that they’re cut real trim. Already on sale.

L.E.C. Long Sleeve Heritage Poplin Herringbone Shirt – $41.30 ($59)

A little on the pricey side, but from their slimmer leaning Lands’ End Canvas line. Has potential. Probably want to wait for it to go on sale. Hmmm… might as well take a quick look at the reviews ……

(So wait, if it fits, does that mean I have to go through puberty again?)

The 25% off Lands’ End code BESTFRIEND and pin 1686 is good clear through Monday 9/29/14.

Sales that deserve some attention heading into the weekend, or sometimes, a bit earlier. Might not be some massive once a year event, but still worth a look. Those are what make up these handfuls. Expect these things when necessary. Five of the better sales, one for each finger, are below. Included are a few picks worth pointing out.

UNIQLO: Merino Sweaters & Blazers Sale

• Extra Fine Merino V-Neck – $29.90 ($39.90)
• Extra Fine Merino Crew Neck – $29.90 ($39.90)
• Wool blend “Tweed” Slim Fit Blazer – $79.90 ($99.90)
• Wool Blend Navy Blazer – $79.90 ($99.90)

J. Crew Factory’s slim fit merino sweaters have some real competition. Size shown above is a medium on a 5’10” / 180 lb frame, and it fits awfully nice. On par with the J. Crew Factory slim sweaters. One thing to note though, the “extra fine” merino wool is thin. Real thin. Like, it’s a bit translucent. Some will like that flyweight material, others won’t. MEANWHILE… those new blazers. Especially in the navy windowpane. Holy sh*tsnacks. Button stance still looks awfully high. Wool blend blazer in navy looks to be just half lined perhaps?

JC Penney: 15% off, or 20% off $100+ w/ CREDIT33

• Stafford Cognac “Deacon” Wingtip Boot – $55.99 ($99)
• Stafford Black Cap-Toe “Gunner” Boot – $55.99 ($99)
• Stafford Camel Hair Sportcoat – $84.99 ($99)
• JF J. Ferrar Velvet Sportcoat – $59.49 (hey, the holidays are coming up…)

Yes SIRRRRRRR! The Camlin seems to have been resurrected, only now it’s called the Deacon. Might have a different sole on it as well. Got both of these on the way for an in-person, but word is they’re legitimate. Leather is back to being decent. Word is they might have fixed the sizing issues that happened with the Camlin? Maybe? Meanwhile, they’re also running a semi-annual men’s wardrobe sale, so a few of their suits and blazers are marked down quite nicely. There’s still some of their camelhair sportcoats left, and they fit surprisingly well off the rack.

UPDATE: Didn’t think these would go on major sale so quickly, or, at all. Seems like they haven’t been marking down their shoes to half off as of late. Many thanks to Milo in the comments who pointed out that these things got marked down to $65, and now with the code drop to almost half off.

GAP: 35% off Full Priced Styles w/ SCORE

• Wool Blend Herringbone Blazer – $76.60 ($118)
• Stripe Slub Thermal – $17.51 ($26.95)
• Lambswool Blend Turtleneck – $45.46 ($69.95)

This might be one of the better blazers GAP has made in a while. The tail isn’t chopped, the sleeve buttons are non-functioning (but there is some accent stitching around them), and the body is lined in a lightweight cotton chambray. It’s a little frumpy off the rack, and it leans heavily casual (can a wool blazer be… rumpled?) but it should do just fine this fall and winter. Size shown here is a Medium. 90% wool. The rest is nylon with a little spandex. Lots of exclusions with this code… jeans, cords, Gap x GQ, etc…

J. Crew Factory: 30% off w/ SALE30

• Wool Blend Donnegal Elbow Patch Crew – $48.65 ($69.50)
• Thompson Unconstructed Sportcoat – $89.60 ($128)

Suiting is excluded. Dang. Well, even though it’s not up for the discount this time… anyone else have their eyeballs firmly glued to the new Thompson suit separates in navy flannel? Prices are good, but not great this time around. Seems like everything is pricing a few bucks (if not more) higher than last week’s sale + gilt city voucher double down.

EXPRESS: $10 off $30, $30 off $75, $60 off $150 w/ 1529

The Picks: Merino Wool Shawl Collar Sweater – $58 ($88), Twill Blazer – $168 ($228)

Seems like these tiers are a bit more geared towards the less expensive purchases, so, might want to hold off on that blazer (or other more pricey stuff) for a bit. But $10 off $30, in store too, isn’t half bad. Nor is the $30 off $75 deal.

BONUS: Suitsupply adds two more to their $399 line

Many thanks to Greg S. on twitter for pointing out that Suitsupply has dropped the price on a couple of their Napolis (both were $469-$499 if memory serves) and those basics are now sitting at the lowest $399 price point. Still half canvas, still great fabrics. Just $399.

BONUS II: 25% off Brooks Brothers Friends & Family w/ FF25

• Filson Medium Duffel – $243.74 ($325)
• Flannel Chinos – $67.12 ($89.50)
• Green/Navy/Purple striped ribbon belt – $21.60 ($48)
• Fitzgerald Fit Tic with Windowpane Sport Coat – $373.50 ($498)

Looks like it’s working on sale stuff too. One of the better deals of the year since it’s a blanket code, but still… it’s Brooks Brothers. Ouch-worthy prices, even with the sale. Here’s a case for their Fitzgerald fit.  Filson gets the cut as well. The code, FF25, is good through Monday.

Also worth a mention

• J. Crew: Their 25% off select items sale w/ SHOPFORFALL is still running (picks here)
• Boden: 15% off new arrivals + free shipping and returns.
• Jack Spade: 20% off $175+ w/ TAKE20
• Cole Haan: $50 off $150 fall collection w/ THANKYOU
• LastCall: Extra 35% off one “regularly priced” item.
• Tretorn: They’re holding an online “tent” sale today. Sneakers starting at $25. Thanks to Ryan M. for the tip!

FLASH33 = 1/3 off 1 Item (exclusions apply) at Haberdashmen.com

This is a… take the wallet out of the pocket & throw it across the room… type situation. Based in Chicago, Haberdash doesn’t deal in cheap stuff. Their sales, like this one, are rare, and stock can move quickly. A lot of the picks below are a financial reach, so window shopping? Totally expected here.

There are Exclusions. Namely Alden. Filson, Shinola, all apothecary, and Eidos Napoli are also out. The code FLASH33 won’t work on that stuff. But there’s still plenty to pick from after those exclusions are accounted for. Know that only one item will get the cut, and it has to be a full priced item.

You’re on the hook for returns, and the window to get it postmarked and on the way back to Chicago is pretty small. More info over here. Code expires today, 9/17 at 11:59 pm Central.

UPDATE: ALL items that are up for the code can be returned for store credit or exchange only. Thanks to TJ at Haberdash for clearing that up. If you have questions about the size of an item, he said to give him a call at  312.624.8551 and he’ll take care of you. 

Red Wing Beckman 6″ in Black Cherry Featherstone Leather – $226.68 ($340)

Have mercy. In the black cherry leather no less. Goodyear welted of course, made in the USA.

Red Wing Beckman 6″ in Cigar Featherstone Leather – $226.68 ($340)

Same boot, different shade. For those who want a lighter brown option, instead of the reddish hue of the black cherry.

Barbour Heritage Liddesdale in Black or Navy – $132.68 ($199)

A basic look from a heritage brand. Quilted body, corduroy collar, and snap side vents in the rear for flexibility. Available in either black or navy. Yes, it’s a basic, but a nice price for a Barbour quilted jacket.

Ashland Leather Co. Scotch Grain Louis Card Holder – $39.99 ($60)

Texture, texture… and more texture. Made in the USA (Chicago). Simple for sure. Available in “Color #9”, navy, or Loden.

Haberdash Bespoke 607 Half-Canvas Angelico Blazer – $331.99 ($498)

Still pretty pricey, even with the discount, but it’s a half-canvas made in Canada blazer that should be a workhorse in your wardrobe for years to come. Half lined, which is real nice. Good looking button stance. Italian wool. Don’t know if the sleeve buttons are functioning or not, but at the very least they’ve got accent stitching around them that might make it a little sketchy to tailor. Available in a few long sizes, and… wait… on the left there… is that an ascot?

Haberdash Bridle Leather Belt – $45.33 ($68)

Not a bad price for a Made in the USA, full grain bridle leather belt. From their in-house line. No personal experience with Haberdash’s in-house stuff, but you’d have to assume that it has to be at least pretty decent, no? Really liking the “Havana brown” (upper right) option.

Wolverine 1000 Mile in Horween Color 8 or Brown Chromexcel – $231.99 ($348)

The competition to the Red Wings. No lug sole on these (some will like the slimmer profile, some will struggle to ever understand a work-boot style with a leather sole). Available in Horween’s fantastic burgundy-leaning Color #8, or, their Brown Chromexcel.

Torino Italian Calf Suede Belt in Tan or Espresso – $58.66 ($88)

Suede for your waist. Made in the USA. The use of a stain, not full chrome buckle, really works with the matte-texture of suede. So nice work outta them on that choice.

Wolverine 1000 Mile Rockford Cap-Toe – $251.99 ($378)

And to finish it off, the cap toe from Wolverine. Closed lacing thanks to some pretty awesome looking sweeps of stitching up and over the vamp. Goodyear welted, made in the USA… all that good stuff.

The Haberdash 1/3 off sale code FLASH33 (with exclusions) expires today, 9/17, at 11:59pm CT .