Product Review: Hacking Jacket in Double-Serge Wool

Hacking Jacket in Double-Serge Wool
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Item 51884
Regular: $250.00

J.Crew describes this jacket as the following:

Inspired by traditional British riding jackets, our newest wear-with-all third piece features a longer, leaner silhouette with a nipped-in waist for a flattering effect. Crafted in the same double-serge wool we use in our sleek structured suiting, it's the kind of jacket you'll wear—and love—for seasons to come (we're wearing ours riding subways, bicycles and, of course, horses). Fitted. Notch collar. Long sleeves. Welt pockets, interior pockets. Functional buttons at cuffs. Back vent. Fully lined. Hits at hip. Import. Dry clean.

This jacket is the 2011 version of J.Crew's Solid Lexington Jacket (Item 88573; $250.00) from 2007. The 2007 version came in several great shades (as shown below): citron (bright yellow), soft azalea (pink), ivory, heather nickel, iris, and black. (Image provided by Life As a Cat's "Holiday 2007" catalog post.)

The 2011 Hacking Jacket in Double-Serge Wool comes in some pretty fabulous shades too: black, heather acorn, pine, bright turquoise, heather bright berry. It was hard deciding which one to get, because they are all so beautiful. I ended up with Heather Bright Berry and Heather Acorn. (I am very happy that I did as one is a rich red and the other a gorgeous neutral brown.)

When it comes to sizing, I found it is true-to-non-vanity-sizing. In other words, I went with a size 2 and it fit perfectly. (I am a size 34B for reference.) The measurements for this jacket are a tiny bit smaller than the Hacking Jacket in Herringbone (refer to the "Product Review: Hacking Jacket in Herringbone" post.) So you may want to double check with J.Crew the measurements in your size .

The fit is a tailored (and well-made) jacket. It is great for creating a slim frame and emphasizing a small waist. The longer silhouette is a great length too!

I want to add something about buttoning the jacket: I can only button the top one. Even the model doesn't button them both. Maybe it's because I am a pear shape, but I think the second (bottom) button is for show only.

The fabric is very nice as well. It is not as thick as the Lexington, but it is close (which is good enough for me!) The interior lining is not as nice as the Lexington- but it is not that noticeable (only when I directly compared the two jackets). Just thought I would mention these aspects in case anyone was wondering.

Which reminds me about the buttons. They have these little pineapple designed enamel buttons. The buttons do not seem like the same quality as the nautical themed buttons of the Lexington. However, I don't mind it because they are that cute in person! From what I can tell, the buttons on all of these jackets (no matter the color selected) is the same.

Also, the underside of the collar has felt like the Hacking Jacket in Herringbone. I like to flip the collar up sometimes. So I am not sure if I like the fabric used under the collar.

Lastly, the back flap did not stick up for me as much as it did in the Herringbone version. No clue as to why that is.

Overall, I adore this jacket! I can easily see it being a staple in any one's wardrobe thanks to its classic elements. I would highly recommend it.

I am especially pleased with this jacket considering the Hacking Jacket in Herringbone did not work for me. (I ended up returning the Herringbone jacket I purchased because the fabric was both too itchy for me to wear and too cheap for the price point purchased.)

For more reviews on this blazer, check out the following additional reviews & real life images:

• a fashion deliberation: "Heart to Heart." [Heather Bright Berry]
• a fashion deliberation: "Hey there, Sailor!" [Heather Bright Berry]
• a fashion deliberation: "Keeper" [Heather Bright Berry]
• Gigi's Gone Shopping: "J Crew - regular price (beg Dec 2011)"
• jcrew is my fav store: "Review: J. Crew Hacking Jacket in Double-Serge Wool" [Heather Bright Berry]
• Shopping With M: "j.crew reviews: double serge hacking jacket in berry & acorn." [Heather Bright Berry & Heather Acorn]
• The Chic Chauffeur: "Wow! This hacking jacket really is spectacular!" [Heather Bright Berry]
  

What are your thoughts on the Hacking Jacket in Double Serge Wool? Do you own this jacket? Have you tried it on at a store? Do you like this style? If so, please share with us your review. :)