Hunting for the Perfect All-Purpose Jacket

Submitted by trufflewedge t3_ykt5ip in BuyItForLife

So I'm on the hunt for a quality jacket that I can take and wear in most situations (which I could layer underneath for whatever climate) and is passably fashionable/classy (for whatever my sense of fashion is these days). I imagine my ideal look would be wearing it open most of the time.

5'10", 155lbs, west coast environment, looking for something to wear on the plane, at work, in light rain, a short hike in the pacific northwest, traipsing about the countryside, etc.

I've struck out a few times, although the closest I've found is:

Winscombe Jacket: https://www.roddandgunn.com/us/clothing/jackets-coats/winscombe-jacket/004666.html The small issues were: out-facing zippered pockets aren't my thing, there were no slide-in hand pockets (though not a deal breaker), and inside pockets were too small to carry much; fit was also a little big

I also liked the Barbour Powell Quilted Jacket: https://www.barbour.com/us/barbour-powell-quilted-jacket-mqu0281bk11, although it's a little heavier than I'm looking for and I'm again not a fan of zippered out-facing pockets, also the lack of slide-in hand pockets without undoing the bottom button clasps.
Any recommendations, either in particular jackets or the category / style to look more into? Or just a good knock to the head about what's reasonable for a jacket.

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einsq84 t1_iuvawjk wrote

Did you ever consider a M65 jacket? This jacket was originally made by alpha industry. Now these are available from different manufacturers.

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F-21 t1_iuv2pz4 wrote

Here are my jackets. I bought the bottom one brand new (~500€) years ago, and the top one I got for 15€ on a flea market and had the lining swapped for 30€ (someone also sewed extra pockets on that one). Both made by a local tailor. The bottom one has a warm winter lining, and the top one has a more breathable spring/autumn lining.

They're awesome for me, I wear the "cheap" one daily to work, and it's slowly getting a nice worn leather finish. The bottom one... Well, I paid a lot for it and I always worry about it more so it is worn less commonly. Both are made from thick but surprisingly supple cow leather and should outlast me. TBF the photo isn't the most flattering, I just took it when I bought the second jacket and didn't clean them or anything... They're really pretty much without a fault.

I do not think you should order the ones I have (not practical...), but you should look for any local leatherworkers, it's often surprising what talent you can find nearby. Fuck brands, a classic leather jacket like this will be made way better if it's not made by a brand that looks to cut corners everywhere possible and stuff you with branding.

Before I got the first jacket, I was eyeing these. TBH disregarding the movie association it's a very classic jacket that will age and wear nicely, and the price is okay too.

As for being fashionable/classy... Well depends on what you're going for. In my opinion people who'd disregard a good leather jacket are idiots, but I can understand if you want something more formal.

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Quail-a-lot t1_iuv34td wrote

Those are super sweet looking...but leather jacket weather is pretty short here.

I would not choose either of his picks for that matter since they aren't waterproof, but it sounds like OP doesn't really go outside much.

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F-21 t1_iuv3w6v wrote

Hmm, maybe it would also be worth considering a nice canvas jacket. Like something like this.

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couldbeyouornot t1_iuy17we wrote

https://www.privatewhitevc.com/products/ventile-harrington?variant=39760463069245 any of the items made in this fabric sound like good choices, but based on what you posted and mentioned, this might be a good design for you

https://www.privatewhitevc.com/products/ventile-harrington?variant=39760463069245 I like this too plus I love a hood personally

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YFS8HN7/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07YFS8HN7&pd_rd_w=0Impb&content-id=amzn1.sym.88097cb9-5064-44ef-891b-abfacbc1c44b&pf_rd_p=88097cb9-5064-44ef-891b-abfacbc1c44b&pf_rd_r=JAHDD2C5BA61BV6ANWFN&pd_rd_wg=8VimX&pd_rd_r=e5b06352-cf6b-415c-b801-751e6bc56663&s=apparel&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw same with this one, but it's a little sportier

I love a waterproof trench coat, too, if you don't mind something longer.

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w650az t1_iv3mjsg wrote

My current favorites are the Barbour Ashby (in black) because it's more tailored and if I need something warmer, I can throw in a liner or just layer. My other for versatility is the Best Made Barn Coat found at Duluth Trading here. I find I use this most of the time when it's not too cold. Might not be great in the rain but this canvas could be waxed if you wanted (DIY). Stylish, functional and reasonably priced. Mine is a deep dark yellow which they don't carry any longer but the available colors are nice.

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Dracomies t1_iv2ufi3 wrote

LT Hoody would be my suggestion. It looks sleek but is lightweight and keeps you warm and unlike other jackets you don't look like a Michelin tire mascot.

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