Ask Angie and others:smythe versus Rag and Bone?

PalmFronds

So one thing I have been hunting is a Smythe blazer, after reading Angie rave about them and seeing crazy good write ups on the construction. The cost ofcourse is a major factor so I will prob try to catch one at consignment or majorly on sale. I have noticed a few Rag and Bone blazers that look fab though and their price point is not always as high as Smythe. I'm hunting for a mid weight wool blue blazer that is just short of traditional so that it can easily play between work and smart casual . Thoughts on the two brands in terms if construction, worth their price, longevity ?

Thanks in advance!!

9 years ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from Style Fan

Anonymous

I have one of each, and am reasonably pleased with both. My Smythe jacket has not quite worn as well as I would have expected for such an expensive piece - it has everything to do with the fabric used though, and not anything to do with construction. Mine is a metallic blend fabric body with a black fabric inset down each side and under the arms. The black has pilled and did so within the first wear. I have to shave it and pick away at it to keep it looking fresh. The metallic blended body of the blazer has also pilled around the cuffs - the metallic was obviously a delicate yarn and has not held up to regular wear and tear . Nothing much I could do about it other than to not buy a similar one again. I get a ton of compliments on it though and it is a really unique piece. The Rag & Bone is a tweedy wool blend - and it has worn really well. More of a classic look and fit than the Smythe. Rag & Bone seems to fit me as any other brand, whereas Smythe sizing is pretty out of whack. I took at least one size larger than usual - might have even been 2.

9 years ago

PalmFronds

Active Member

Gosh thanks LisaP! That info helps alot.I am leaning towards Rag and Bone in part because the look is a bit more classic. I may end up buying a fun Smythe on the side later on;-) For now my budget for the new year will be tighter than it has been so I am allowing only one of the two unless some amazing bargain pops up. Need to get the best bang for the buck!

9 years ago

PalmFronds

Active Member

Oh and if anyone has suggestions about other brands to try I would appreciate it:-) jcrew blazers currently read about young or truly "work" for me. Ann taylor isn't quite right.

9 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I actually feel the opposite to Lisa, so unfortunately I'm a spanner.

I have a R&B blazer and two Equestrian Smythe jackets. You cannot compare the quality of my Smythes to the R&B - although the R&B is great quality too. It's like comparing a top of the line Porche with a VW Golf.

Try Boden's blazers. Better quality than R&B in my opinion. (I have a few Boden blazers too).

Boden

British Tweed Blazer

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Boden

Annabel Blazer

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Boden

British Tweed Blazer

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Boden

British Tweed Blazer

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Top Pick

9 years ago

Anonymous

Angie - I think Smythe make among the best jackets - don't get me wrong. Mine is probably a unique experience in that the jacket is not a traditional wool blend. Your equestrian Smythe jackets are a much different animal, and no doubt are head and shoulders above mine in terms of quality. I've noticed that Smythe didn't repeat the metallic after that, which may indicate negative feedback .....

9 years ago

PalmFronds

Active Member

Ah thanks Angie for your input! I have eyed Boden blazers as well and like their more classic fabrications(including those pink herringbone and grey British tweed ones you tagged above). I have heard Boden runs a bit small and their site did calculate my size one up from my current US size. Looks like I have to play a bit with the brands but atleast all three are "good" or better so no big mistake will be made

9 years ago

PalmFronds

Active Member

I think we posted at the same time Lisap! The fabrication may indeed have been the issue there, won't be the same as a wool or wool blend.

9 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I really like my Reiss blazer, too. I am not sure how it compares to the others, but the quality is lovely.

Reiss

Belmonte Dark Navy Tuxedo Jacket

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9 years ago

PalmFronds

Active Member

Thanks for the rec Suz! I have never tried Reiss of for size. Do you think they run true to size?

9 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Aha, Lisa. Thanks for chiming back in. Rotten luck with your Smythe. *sad face*. Your Smythe looks killer in the photo though.

Both my Smythes are wool tweeds, and quite heavy too.

YES. Boden runs small, PFs. Especially on their bottoms. Size up on their blazers.

Suz's Reiss and Tahari blazers are impeccable. I saw them both. K to the power of K.

Personally, I have great luck with Theory blazers. Somehow, they are a perfect fit on, and I think that might be because they run smaller on the shoulder line. (Boden too). I usually travel in Theory's one button Gabe 2 which I have in ink blue. I wore it on a 38 hour flight to South Africa from Seattle recently, and not a crease in sight. THAT is quality.

9 years ago

PalmFronds

Active Member

That's all super useful info Angie, thank you so much. I have what I think is a strong shoulder line, not overly broad but not narrow. Most blazers that fit me well( not tight) are about 16-17 inches across the shoulder but my waist is about 26-27 inches around. My rib cage is small too and outside of breast feeding I have a smaller chest. so if Boden and theory run small in the shoulder they may not be right for me.OR I need to plan on tailoring a rib age and waist region. Tricky business the hunt for impeccable fit!

9 years ago

Style Fan

Veteran

A good blazer is worth the money IMHO. I have a Hugo Boss blazer that I bought in England 8 years ago and it looks like new. It is 80% wool and 20% linen. I love it. It never wrinkles. I have been after a Smythe blazer but I wear warm tones and they don't seem to make their garments in warm colours. Sigh.

9 years ago

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