Monday, July 27, 2015

A Tale of Two Denim Jackets

As I mentioned last month, a denim jacket has been on my summer wishlist. I recently visited J.Crew and tried on two different versions that I really like.

The first is the classic J.Crew denim jacket in Tyler wash. It is a sturdy-feeling medium wash jacket with copper buttons and whiskering on the sleeves. It fits well in the torso (mostly true to size, on the smaller side) but doesn't leave much room for layering. It's also a little stiff but could soften with wear. Neither of these two issues are that important to me, since I only plan to wear this during warm weather. Based on some sample outfits I put together, it seems to pair well with black pants, skirts, and dresses that aren't blue. I purchased it in store for $76.16 plus tax.

J.Crew denim jacket in Tyler wash in XXS
The second option is the J.Crew denim jacket in Calyer wash. It's a distressed light wash jacket with silvery buttons. It fits true to size, slightly larger than the Tyler. The length of the body also seems a hair longer. There are a number of actual rips in the jacket, but I examined them closely and don't think they're likely to get any bigger based on my experience with distressed jeans. Due to the distressed nature, the denim is naturally softer than the Tyler. It pairs well with black pants and most dresses. I purchased it in store for $96.60 plus tax.

J.Crew denim jacket in Calyer wash in XXS
Because the jackets are reasonably expensive, I only want to keep one and return the other. Plus it seems ridiculous to keep both before I even know for sure how often I'll wear a denim jacket. So which do you think I should keep? If you own a denim jacket, which wash do you reach for the most? Thanks for your help!


Which denim jacket should I keep?

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14 comments:

  1. maryebJuly 27, 2015 at 3:35 PM

    I debated between these two washes myself, recently. I went with the Tyler wash. It seemed more versatile to me. I haven't washed mine yet and have only worn it a few times, so I don't know whether or not it will soften with time.
    The $20 difference would also skew me toward the Tyler, everything else being equal.
    Hope my comments help you!

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    1. Engineer LeaJuly 28, 2015 at 8:05 AM

      Thanks for the feedback. You're right, $20 makes a difference!

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  2. lolcatgirlJuly 27, 2015 at 6:16 PM

    I have this jacket from Loft in a petite S. I don't know if a XS would be too big for you. It's on sale for $35.

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    1. Engineer LeaJuly 27, 2015 at 6:34 PM

      I think I would need an XXS based my try on of the LOFT denim jacket in western moon wash. Thanks for the suggestion though!

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  3. Kimi, Cotton Cashmere Cat HairJuly 27, 2015 at 8:18 PM

    Oooh, that's a tough one! I think the darker wash will be more versatile throughout all the seasons, whereas the lighter wash is more associated with spring/summer.

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    1. Engineer LeaJuly 28, 2015 at 8:06 AM

      Oooh good point. I hadn't considered how the light wash would look if I wore it during the fall.

      Delete
  4. RNJuly 28, 2015 at 7:44 AM

    Both are very cute jackets but that is way overpriced for a jean jacket...There are many cheaper options...especially now with summer sales

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    1. Engineer LeaJuly 28, 2015 at 8:09 AM

      Do you have any specific recommendations? The most important consideration for me is fit. I've tried on a few jackets from Old Navy and Gap that were too big and boxy. I'd rather get one that fits well and makes me want to wear it than get a cheaper one that doesn't fit well and I never reach for.

      Delete
    2. RNJuly 29, 2015 at 5:19 AM

      I mean you can try Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack...or really anywhere. I imagine it could be sort of a hunt if you are into that sort of thing. I don;t think denim jackets are a huge trend right now so I haven't seen them everywhere this year. I got a Joe's Jeans one on clearance in Marshalls a few years ago for $15... I personally would never pay over $40 for a jean jacket. I don't buy junk either...Never buy clothes at Target or those type stores... I just get bargains on good quality stuff. I do a lot of hunting though.

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    3. Engineer LeaJuly 29, 2015 at 9:32 AM

      Thanks for the suggestion. I think it'll take a long time for me to find something I like in my size at a place like Marshall's or TJ Maxx. They seem to have more for people in the middle of the size spectrum. That's why I only go there for workout clothes and accessories now. I could try looking at Nordstrom Rack though. On the other hand, I do like the Tyler jacket and can stomach the current price. Most likely I'll wait a while and watch for a promo + discount. What a steal for your jacket.

      Delete
  5. VavaJuly 28, 2015 at 8:20 AM

    I voted for the darker one, mostly because the lighter wash reminds me of denim from the late 1980s which was a cringeworthy era of fashion, IMO! LOL.....

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    1. Engineer LeaJuly 28, 2015 at 11:41 AM

      I was too young to remember the light wash from the first time around, so I don't have that association lol. I was drawn to the Calyer wash initially, because it reminded me of my faded chambray popover, which I wear all the time.

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  6. JRSConiferJuly 29, 2015 at 5:27 AM

    EngineerL, I agree with Vava. I think the Tyler wash will stand the test of time more than the Calyer. A denim jacket is really timeless in the darker wash. I bought a older version of J Crew denim jacket on EBay and just washed it multiple times and it softened up.

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    1. Engineer LeaJuly 30, 2015 at 9:20 AM

      That's good to know! Hopefully the Tyler wash will do the same.

      Delete

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