When I was in college, I had a beautiful Harris Tweed jacket that my sister had gotten me as a gift from Bergdorf Goodman. From a distance, it registered as a rich brown, but it was really a small check pattern of brown, olive green and deep red on a tan background. It had three buttons (though rolled as two), two pockets and a tan lining. It was beautiful. Being the college idiot that I was, I didn’t understand the value of a Harris Tweed. I mistreated it, lent it out a few times, and ultimately lost it.
Since then, I’ve harbored a yearly autumnal urge to get another one. Last week, I finally did.
My friend Jim and I like to go on sartorial field trips every couple of weeks to our favorite clothes haunts in Manhattan. Friday, we went to J.Crew’s Ludlow Shop in TriBeCa where he had to pick up two new tailored suits he’d bought. (They looked great on him.) Among the innumerable Fall/Winter offerings in the shop was a selection of beautiful Ludlow Fielding Sportcoats in Harris Tweed. Just for fun, I tried one on.
The 38R looked good and would have fit better with a little tailoring in the midsection. Then Nick, our guy at the shop, suggested a 36. Thinking it would be too small, I was highly skeptical but I indulged him. Wow.
In more than 25 years of wearing suits and sportcoats, I cannot recall a time when a jacket didn’t require at least some tailoring. This was a first. In a recent piece I wrote about how I like a jacket to fit, I focused on the perfect fit for me in five specific areas. This jacket nailed every one, right off the peg. The fit in the shoulders, chest, sleeves, waist/hips and length were all perfect. Even Nick took a moment after looking it up and down and said “I really don’t think you even need this tailored.” I agreed. And like any jacket or suit (or any garment, for that matter), this would get “broken in” and get even better over time. Sold.
The jacket is cut in J.Crew’s signature Ludlow fit, with a slightly wider notch lapel of three inches at its widest. It’s a three-button jacket, but rolled like a two-button, and features patch pockets, a double vent, charcoal gray collar felt and a throat latch for those extra cold bike rides in the city. The interior is lined with midnight blue bemberg and pick-stitched. There’s an interior breast pocket on each side, as well as a pen pocket and a smaller lower pocket.
And then there is that Harris Tweed Certification Trademark label. What is Harris Tweed? It’s a fabric handwoven from local wool by masters of Scottish wool – islanders in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. That label is a mark of rich heritage, deep tradition and true excellence.
Unless you’re a little college-age asshole who doesn’t appreciate the value of things, one understands that a garment made with Harris Tweed is something to be worn well, worn proudly, cared for and enjoyed for life. This one, my friends, is a keeper.
9 Comments
Very dapper George. Always enjoy your articles. Will indeed give J.Crew a more serious look next time!
Great looking jacket! I want one 😉
Beautiful colourful article which clearly explains how Harris Tweed captures a person!
Fantastic! We’re so pleased you are happy with your new jacket. It looks great.
Thank you from Lorna, the Harris Tweed Authority staff, the weavers and the mill workers here in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.
Thank you so much, Lorna! I truly admire your work.
Hey George, I really like this jacket! Looks great on you! You mentioned that you originally tried on a 38 but then went to a 36 and it fit perfectly. Do you normally wear a 38 or are you usually between sizes? Trying to figure out if these run large.
They’re pretty true to my size (38R). This particular 36 jacket is form-fitting. No thick sweaters or layers under it. Dress or casual shirt, t-shirt or thin sweater only. If I were to get a second one, I’d go 38 for “fit variety.”
Smashing jacket, George. I had seen it in the catalog a few months ago and forgot about it. I had to chat with J.Crew on line this morning but they still have some left (not listed on their website any more). I ordered one and can’t wait to get it. I am a 38R as well, I hope I don’t wish I downsized to a 36R as you did.
I’m reading this blog post late, but I can relate to your story. I had a beautiful chocolate-rust brown Harris Tweed jacket that I found at a thrift shop while in college twenty years ago.
For some foolish reason, I felt it was worn in parts and donated it. Now I’m constantly regretting my decision as well. I’m still looking for that perfect brown color, but haven’t found anything as good, but will keep looking because, like you, I’ve come to appreciate the look and feel of a genuine Harris Tweed wool. Sigh.