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Utility Jacket show down

Scarlet

Veteran

To follow up on my last post, the Madewell jacket arrived. It is a very nice jacket, but it fits a bit too tight, and I will send it back. I feel like if I order the next size up it will just look too big. For reference I wear a 6-8 in tops. The Madewell jacket is a small, the g-star is a large. I noticed that LLBean also has a nice-looking utility jacket, but I am getting impatient to make a decision because the weather for the jacket is now.

Opinions welcome.

Photos: modeling G-star utility jacket, Madewell utility jacket, and also two scarves--one was a pick from Angie's blog. The other I picked up in the process of browsing.

P.S. Sorry for the mess. Children are on school break, parents are working full-time from home. I must pick my battles.

Edit: I am considering ordering the LLBean jacket. Please vote for a color if you feel so inclined.

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30 replies

Latest reply was from Scarlet

Sloper

Veteran

Maybe it is the curved bottom, but the G-Star jacket feels more like a shirt to me. I like both the Madewell and LL Bean jackets and vote for the olive green (a personal favorite).

The scarf is very pretty and would work well with olive.

And you should see MY house!!!!

Anonymous

The sea salt L. L. Bean catches my eye! The scarf is lovely

rachylou

Veteran

Have to admit the G-Star seems very light weight. The scarves are beautiful!

Scarlet

Veteran

I agree the G-star reads more similar to a shirt than a jacket. Not really a bad thing to me because I run hot.

Actually reminds me of the Duluth gardening smock that Instagram is trying to sell me. Image below.

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Jenni NZ

Veteran

Well I like the G-star better by far. Much more chic to my eye.

slim cat

Veteran

Something about the G-star jacket is very appealing - more feminine maybe than traditional jacket.
L.L.Bean in pinkish color - for contrast and prettiness . The scarfs are great!

Sally

Veteran

I love the denim shirt and the scarf...look fabulous together. I do like the madewell jacket, but i am quite traditional as far as structure goes. The other is more interesting in shape.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I really like the GStar on you Scarlet, I like the curve at the hem and slight nip at the waist. It also looks like there's interesting detailing next to the placket. If it's warm enough for you it's a winner.

Liesbeth

Veteran

I love the Gstar jacket, it's the only one with a unique design. You look great in olive too. However, if it doesn't serve the function you're after or if you prefer the classic look (or even a different color), by all means keep looking.

Diana

Veteran

I like both but they are VERY different vibes to me. The gstar looks more like a shirt than a jacket when it’s buttoned up so I think if you wanted a classic utility jacket vibe that would go with everything I’d go for madewell or bean. On the other hand the gstar is a really unique, striking look. I just think it may be less versatile.

I think the madewell looks good on you here but if you need to size up I agree it may look overwhelming...

kkards

Veteran

I love the llbean rose color one...and the navy is nice, for some reason the green not as much, but as we all know color can be hard to judge online...
its hard to tell from the pictures, but the madewell seems to fit in the shoulders, so wondering if sizing up because of the tightness will make it to big in other places....this is an issue i have with madewell, if it fits in the shoulders its tight in the bust, if it fits in the bust it looks sloppy and oversized everywhere else of course YMMV
i love the Gstar one, but, for me wondering if this length works for what you are looking for? It’s just very much shorter than both the madewell and the llbean one, just something to think about.
Maybe the Gstar one and the llbean in the rose?

unfrumped

Veteran

I think it depends on whether you want it to be a more robust jacket with usable pockets and hip length. And whether you can use more than one or need “ the one”. And how casual or dressy !
Ha- that doesn’t sound very helpful!
If it won’t drive you crazy you could try the LLBean. Not much help on color here. Even the 2 greens at LLBean might not be “ your” greens. My only generic advice is to stay focused on your color palette for what jacket you really will reach for & goes with your coloring and the tops & bottoms you wear in those seasons, and get the fit that works for you. If you find the right one you will likely be able to wear it for years.
That doesn’t mean not trying an interesting or “ wild card “ color , but just trying it on with your actual outfits.
It is frustrating because there really are a lot of such jackets out there, but a chore to try to sort out what might fit and the true colors.

JAileen

Veteran

The short jacket is cute, but it’s not really a utility jacket, except maybe for color. As Unfrumped said, it depends what you’re looking for. Of the greens, I like the short one best. But navy is a useful color, and the pink is pretty. I love the military vibe of the others, plus pockets! But then I have two dogs.

Scarlet

Veteran

Wow, so many helpful thoughts in these responses. Such a pleasure to be on the forum again.

This has been a journey for me. I really ordered the G-star on a whim. I thought the cut would be all off for me. But I was attracted to the feminine details. I agree with everyone who pointed out that it looks a bit more shirt-like, and it is less versatile than a classic utility jacket.

I think my decision is I will keep the G-star jacket and enjoy it now. It’s an emotional purchase. My old utility jacket that I loved very much was an Easter present from my husband, but two kids later, hitting middle age, and a pandemic, it’s time for a new jacket.

I also ordered the pink LLBean jacket because I really want to try it.

kkards, interesting to hear your fit challenges with Madewell. I have similar issues unless it is something with an intentionally oversized cut.

Wishing a very happy Easter to all who celebrate, and to those who do not, a happy spring celebration that may have passed or may be coming up.

Jonesy

Veteran

Seems like the decision has been made! I really like the G-Star jacket--it's interesting, versatile, fits you well, nice and lightweight (which is what you want), and maybe it's nice to veer in a different direction after saying goodbye to your beloved old utility jacket :). I think that Duluth Trading Post gardening jacket is pretty good-looking as well!

I have the same Madewell bandana in the cream print--it's cute and seems to yell "summer!" to me. I too have fit issues with Madewell tops--I think I have finally given up trying to order shirts, sweaters, or jackets from them, because there is always something amiss and back they go (usually too tight in the shoulders for me, or too short + tight, sleeves too short, and sizing up doesn't fix the weird fit for me).

It's so nice to see you again!

Anonymous

I’m so glad the G-Star made the cut - it is adorable on you!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I like the extra style twists on the G Star and think you will enjoy it a lot this spring.

notsaf

Veteran

I'm with others who prefer the more traditional khaki green chore jacket look. I wear mine a ton and appreciate that it's slightly oversized. If you try the LL Bean one, let us know!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I’m late to this but I like the GStar jacket — sort of a classic with a twist vibe. I’m glad you’re trying the pink one too.

I find Madewell tees fit me ok since they are stretchy and I can loosen them up a little after they are laundered (I have the pocket V neck tee in several colors), but have not had success with their shirts — I suspected they were cut too straight for a significant bust and sizing up just mean they still fit my shoulder but were too boxy in the body.

Anonymous

Glad you're ordering the pink! I like both jackets on you, but I like the shape of the G Star more. Admiring the rust scarf too!

Kathie

Veteran

Glad you're getting both! I got two utility/worker jackets a couple years ago- different colors and slightly different styles/lengths, and haven't regretted it. I love the G Star on your, and the LL Bean in the coral/rose is a lovely color. I almost got the LL Bean jacket myself, but the Garnet Hill that I ended up buying was a slightly better fit for me. If it's the same as a couple years ago, it's a great jacket.

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yay! I preferred the G-Star and am glad you chose that one too

Thumbs up on pink! I have the chore jacket in pink and love it.

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Style Fan

Veteran

I love the G-star jacket. Good choice. Both look like they would work in your wardrobe.

Scarlet

Veteran

Interesting to hear people’s fit challenges with Madewell. Nice to know I am not alone.

Jonesy, happy to be your bandana twin

Kathie, good to hear you have gotten good use out of two jackets. Good tip about the Garnet Hill jacket. I actually remember that pink coat from when Angie posted it on the blog. It is SO adorable.

Angie, that pink jacket of yours has stayed in my memory ever since you posted about it. So cute.

Thanks again, everyone. I had family over the weekend (hurray vaccinated grandparents!), so I wasn’t on much.

I will try to report in on the LLBean jacket when it comes.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

I love the G-star I love flare but You have to decide what's in your heart

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yay! I'm waving at my potential pink utility jacket twin

rebekahphoto

Veteran

I love those pleats on the Gstar.

I have the LLbean Utility Jacket & can vouch Its soft, has great pockets and good fit. Love the pink--!

Joy

Veteran

Late but a jacket more like a shirt will be good to have in warmer weather. I like both olive and pink as colors.

Bijou

Veteran

So glad you are keeping the GStar jacket and I have high hopes for the rose LLBean coat - such a beautiful colour and it says "Spring". I have a pink denim jacket and really like how the colour softens the tomboy style of the jacket.

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