JGIC Product Review: Baby It's Cold Outside

A big "thanks!" to J.Crew Guy In Canada who is graciously reviewing Men's items from J.Crew with us. In this review, he looks at J.Crew's outerwear for men:

As the temperature drops it's crucial to stay warm and stylish, not always too easy especially when the temperatures really get cold.  Here's my take on a few offerings from our friends at J.Crew and maybe even a reference to the competition at BR.

The University Jacket (#96037) is a personal favorite.  I've had mine for over four years and while they have added 'kissing welt pockets' the coat is basically unchanged.  Mine is charcoal with Thinsulate and a real work horse.  While mine lacks the kissing pockets (maybe if I had them I'd pucker up more?) it is so very practical.  With the collar popped and yes you should pop your jacket's collar.  From hoodies and denim to turtleneck or dress shirts and tie with wool pants this goes with them all.  The fabric wears like steel and after four years no sign of pilling or adverse wear, take that cashmere sweaters.  While is warm without being too heavy it's no heavy down filled puffer jacket.  I definitely recommend this one, classic well made and a good value especially with sales.

The Dacota down jacket (#17343) is the way to go for serious warmth from J.Crew.  I picked mine up last year right before Christmas with a great discount.  It's very light, slightly more fitted than the University jacket and warm.  I find that if this jacket isn't warm enough I should get inside immediately.  While it does come with an unlined hood in the collar your best best is a cashmere or wool hat, (see #33871 or #33828).  I have a cashmere one from two years ago and it's warm.  The down jacket is what I wear shoveling snow and running errands on the weekend.  It washes beautifully and it's a bonus not having to worry about dry cleaning which is the best way to make a down jacket ineffective.

As to the well advertised pea coat, aka the authentic Bayswater Peacoat (#87195), I actually picked up on from my friends over at BR.  I know, I know a BR review and recommendation on a J.Crew blog.  The fabrics used in the peacoat are the same as the University jacket and I was after something different, hence the BR peacoat.  It's a faint plaid, fitted and looks sharp, but in all honesty not as warm as the University jacket or as practical.  While a single breated jacket looks good open or closed the peacoat loses something when it's open and unbuttoned.

Finally for a warmer winter day the Boulder down vest (#50836) is awesome.  Worn with a wool sweater it can't be beat.  Like the Dacota jacket it's light, slighly fitted and washes perfectly.  Definitely something to add to your collection.

All these jackets fit true to size and with the sales being offered an even better deal.  No reason to be chilled or cold with great offerings like these around.

Another fantastic review! "Thanks!" again to J.Crew Guy In Canada for his in-depth look at the outerwear collection!
 
What are your thoughts on J.Crew's outerwear for Men? Do you own any of their coats? If so, please share with us your review. :)