More suit snaps (i.e. I haven't decided either...)

Took more photos of the suit with the two jackets up for contention (I am most likely going to keep the pants in any case, they will be very versatile). I also tried the jackets with my tube skirt, bootcuts, and BF jeans. Last are a few mismatched suit looks with jackets I already own. As you can see, I don't currently own a classic looking blazer.

1-10: comparing the two blazers. Odd numbers are 2 button, evens are 1 button.
11-13: pants with other jackets I own.

Some points:
--The sleeves on the 2 button are an inch longer than on the one-button. Hence I've cuffed them on the 2 button only. That makes the two jackets easy to tell apart in the photo!
--The front center is the same length on both, but the sides of the 2 button slant upwards slightly, while the 1 button does not. That and the higher stance makes the 2 button appear shorter.

Seeing these photos, I actually think I am finally coming to a decision. There is one that I like better, but I'll withhold my judgment for now.

--ETA: The 3 jackets in my "mismatched suit" outfits are a pretty good representation of my entire jacket collection. Shorter, fitted, and rather arty/not classic.

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12 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

I'm still on Team Two-button. But very curious to see what you decided! In the end it's what works for you and makes you feel fab.

DeclawedJaguar

I prefer the 2-button. Is it just me, or are both jackets asymmetrical in the front (i.e. one side is longer than the other)? It really bothers me in the buttoned-up shots.

Diana

Ha, no DJ, I was very careful to check the alignment of the sides after Sveta's experience. In the photos, it's actually the side of my shirt that's sticking out crooked (it's not ironed) and making it look like that. And I'm sure my slouch/slight scoliosis isn't helping. So I guess it's me, or my shirt, but not the jacket, that's crooked.

Suz

Diana, this is so instructive. Thank you for posting these and also for weighing in on my thread. It's really interesting to get the exact measurements. And WOW you look splendid in black.

Aren't these pants great? I am also considering keeping them even if I don't keep the jacket.

I prefer the 2 button one on you. Will be curious to hear your observations. It is helpful to try mixing up the pieces a bit, too, don't you think?

Ah, okay. Glad it's not the jackets.

I think I'm going crazy, because looking at the photos again, I found myself preferring the one-button in all the casual outfits with just the jacket. It just comes across as a more easy, modern fit in those photos. Buttoned up I still prefer the two-button. Ack! I'm very curious to hear what your decision is.

bumping.

My preference is for the 2 button, by the way. I think it looks just a little more shaped on me, and I need that to avoid looking like I'm playing dress up in Mommy's clothes.

Are you going to keep it then?

I am still so torn!!

It is hard for me to ignore Angie's wisdom.

But it is also hard for me to ignore the difference between:

98% wool vs. Theory at less than 50% wool on a similar jacket this year.
$140 (give or take a few) vs. $400 US.
A bird in the hand vs. one in the bush that I might not ever get to visit.

I think so (but I'll see what everyone says here too). I know what you mean about the 98% wool. It's so hard to find, and pretty much impossible at this price point. Also, lined wool trousers. You wouldn't believe how many otherwise nice suit trousers are not lined. I used to have a nanette lepore pair that was some percentage wool and unlined. Sold them as I could not deal with the itchy. (This is one reason why I don't own the Nanette pants that go with the grey blazer. once bitten...)

ETA: will have to figure out the sleeve shortening thing though. J. thinks I need to have the sleeve buttons redone if I shorten the sleeves by an inch. And I don't have a tailor I trust... BR has one that they use but SA told me that he only does basic alterations. Perhaps I will start another thread later about this.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Go for the two-button - but don't do it up. I think you can go either way, so if that's your preference Diana, you are sorted.

HOORAY. We are there.

Diana, I hear you on the alterations. Adjusting the cuffs should not be too difficult but it might mean doing a new buttonhole and moving a button up for it. I was thrilled to find sleeves that actually fit me for a change -- another reason I am loathe to return this.

If you look for a tailor who does men's suiting, that person should know what to do.

And I completely agree about the pants. Mr. Suz says keep the pants, regardless, and I think he's probably right.

Sveta

Well, at least ONE of us is getting the suit this time!
The fabric is very nice, I really like it. On the other hand BR suiting is usually done in this kind of fabric so I hope for another gem down the road.
As for the trousers I wish they were a better fit for me. If smaller size works I will keep them too!

Deborah

Diana, I'm not sure why but I find the two button to be most flattering. I like the suit a lot. It looks stunning on you. I would keep. The fact that you can mix and match so easily that it is a great investment.

Anonymous

I like the 2 button open the best! And the trousers are great too.

Mander

I haven't been following all the suit sagas, but I like the two button one, too. I find that single button jackets can sometimes gape unattractively at the bottom, which annoys me to no end.

rachylou

I really like your jacket in #13.

I guess the vote is for two-button, so I'll go with that too - altho, I feel it's more conventional. Either you'd get tailored, no?

Rachy, I kind of figure a plain black suit is just going to be more conventional anyway. And I would want to be able to wear it for interviews and the like. So to me, the one button jacket is not unconventional or arty enough to justify the lesser degree of figure flattery. I have, as you can tell, plenty of arty/unconventional jackets already.

I was only going to have the sleeve shortened. Is there anything else you see that needs to be tailored? I don't much care about the slightly off fit when buttoned, since I won't be wearing it buttoned much anyway.

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