"Thanks!" to Pathos & altagracia (in this post), who suggested that there be a dedicated post to reviewing J.Crew's outerwear.With the colder weather settling in and all the promotions that are going on, it would be great to have a dedicated post for J.Crew's outerwear collection. (By the way, I know many of you have already shared your outerwear reviews in the "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}" posts, and thank you so much too!!! Just adding a dedicated post so JCAs can find these outerwear reviews a bit faster.) It will be especially helpful in making thoughtful purchases since J.Crew brought back their {dreaded} Final Sale.
I have two reviews to share myself...
First up is the Double-Cloth Townhouse Trench (Item 49612; $350.00). I found that the coat was true-to-size as I went with my usual size 2 in outerwear. (For reference, I am a 34B.) Although I should add that it was a bit snug in the arms and torso when I had a sweater on. (I can easily see how sizing up might help those in between sizes.) There is no back flap to the coat, so that is something to consider if you are pear-shape (like myself). I also want to mention the buttons- they feel a bit on the cheap side. From far away they look great, but are "meh" up close. As for the material, it is the same double-cloth material that J.Crew has offered before. It is good for light Winter days, but not freezing cold temperatures.
My second review is for the Stadium-Cloth Boulevard Trench (Item 19648; $325.00, now $229.99). This coat is also true-to-size for me. I went with size 2 and it fit me perfectly- even with a sweater underneath. The arms were not tight either. It is a beautifully constructed jacket that I highly recommend. There is a back vent which is a nice touch and the collar looks great up or down. (I have definitely popped the collar once or twice to keep my neck warm too and it works!) Lastly, the stadium-cloth material is fantastic at keeping you warm.What are your thoughts on the outerwear from J.Crew? Do you own any pieces? Have you tried on any at a store? If so, please share with us your review. :)
Icon trench in wool-cashmere: I bought this last year but it is offered once again this year. I went with a 0P because it was a longer coat and I'm 5'4. My only gripe is the sleeve length. It hits bracelet length for me (probably because of my long arms and the petite sizing) but the coat length is perfect (~ 2 inches above the knee). The coat is warm and silk/satin lined. Great purchase and a classic coat.
ReplyDeleteIn the townhouse trench, I went up one size from 2p to 4p. The 4p fits the same as my 2p coat from last year. If I was not doing a petite size, though, I would have stuck with the 2. I would say it runs a bit small of TTS and to order up at least, in petite sizes.
ReplyDeleteHere are reviews of the Double-Cloth Metro coat, Flared Perfect Coat, Stadium Cloth Boulevard trench, Majesty Peacoat and the Double-Cloth Envelope Coat (which I bought in the Vibrant Flame colour. HTH
ReplyDeleteI got this season's Elements stadium cloth coat in navy. I took the smaller of my dress sizes, a size 4, and it fits really well. The size 6 looked a little too boxy for my taste. With the size 4, I can still wear a bulky sweater underneath but it still looks very trim. The stadium cloth is great for really cold weather, much better than my double cloth Bonbon coat from last year. Great buy, very classic style, I will be wearing this for years to come.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first year in a long time that I didn't buy a single J.Crew coat and I'm a bit surprised at myself. I'll be reading these reviews with great interest, I'd like to know if I made the right call or if I totally missed out.
ReplyDelete(Already posted this in the review thread today)
ReplyDeleteAcademy coat in stadium cloth:
Got this during the sales before X-mas. (Wasn't even going to buy a coat this year but the price was too good.) I was surprised how much I liked it. It's a preppy coat, with an easy feel and clean lines. The length is perfect. It's very comfortable, and I love the stadium cloth. I got a 6 (I'm usually between a 4 and 6 in JC coats) and it fits me slightly on the loose side, which I don't really mind. I've been wearing this coat a lot. Very happy with it!
Icon trench in wool-cashmere-
ReplyDeleteThe coat fits TTS and is very well made. The sleeve length is not a problem on me( I have average lenghth arms I guess)and the body I would say is a slim fit. Love it.
Stadium-cloth engineer coat- This coat is a little boxy but I went with normal size 2. The stadium cloth is a very nice fabric and the color is muted grey and navy. I would say the grey has a little purple undertone to it. Also love it and the pockets add a cute touch.
Stadium-cloth car coat in buffalo plaid- At first I thought this coat was too bright but seem to wear it the most. I sized down to a 0 because it is very boxy but don't really ever button it because of that fact. Well made. Love it also. I guess I got enough coats this year :)........unless a good deal pops up!
Elements stadium cloth coat in Nordic Blue. TTS and love it. Great casual coat that still looks good with pencil skirt. Like the hood design, it actually stays on your head. LOVE the color, cheerful but not too bright, perfect. I was very happy to get it for about $143 because I got it price adjusted after it went on sale even if this color in my size was not available. It is quite warm as long as it does not get below 25 degrees. One thing I don't like is the patch pockets, not so handy to keep your hands warm.
ReplyDeleteMajesty Peacoat
Also TTS, bought it nave to replace other navy peacoat I don't love. Love the shape of it (fitted but nipping at the waist and narrow hips) and the fact that navy is not too dark. I know some JCAs did not like the buttons but I like them. Had to replace Prickly shoulder pads but J Crew paid for it.
I have the boulevard coat from last year in sandstone and it is a great coat. I like this year's camel color better but the fabric seemed thinner, not sure if it really is. My coat is very warm as no wind seemed to penetrate it even when it was about 1o degrees here, this year stadium coat does not seem to do the trick for some reason. I do want this coat in cherry if I ever catch it on popback.
The lady day coats have stayed remarkably consistent from last year. I bought one in majestic purple this year and it fits beautifully. However, it is definitely not made for a thick sweater or blazer under it.
ReplyDeleteStadium Cloth Elements Coat-
ReplyDeleteI bought this in Size 2 Navy and love, love, love the fit. Much as Cosmetic Bee reviewed. Great design in that it is a "duffle" coat but is sleeker and trim thru the body/hips so it looks great with pants. I'm 5'5" 115 lb, and the size R2 fit well to borderline big. I have long arms though so the sleeve length is good. The bottom hem hits a good 5" past my buttocks. I wish it were a tad shorter.
I bought it in gray too, it's gorgeous. The "silk" lined hood in soft gray looks elegant. I fantasize wearing it with winter white wool pants. Did the gray run bigger? The size 2 is swimming on me. The size P2 was too short in the arms, so now I have a size 0 on the way to try.
$199 less 30% is pretty darn good for a 3 season coat. I have worn this in 40 degree weather comfortably with a scarf. This is my 1st stadium cloth coat.
Wintress Puffer-
ReplyDeleteI got the XS in black, and it fit me great in the body and length, but was too short in the arms (talking 3" above my wrist bone.) I'm 5"5" 115 lb and a size 2/4 in coats. A bit narrow in the across the chest like they sewed the arms on too far in front. What happened to the arms? Not as puffy as last year's Meribel. I also felt the gold snaps were a bit distracting and cheapened the overall look.
I bought my first coat ever from J. Crew this year, the double-cloth metro coat with Thinsulate in eggplant purple. I initially ordered it in a size 0, since I almost always wear either a 0 or 0P at J. Crew, but it was uncomfortably bulky with a blazer or thick sweater underneath. Sizing up to 2 took care of that problem, and the coat still manages to be quite fitted even without the additional layers underneath. I would have preferred it to be just a touch shorter (I'm a shade under 5'4"), but the extra length was hardly a deal breaker.
ReplyDeleteI've been neglecting the other outerwear in my closet ever since buying it. The metro coat has such simple and clean lines, the purple colour is to die for, and the Thinsulate keeps me warm. What more could a girl ask for?
Ditto most of the previous review of the double-cloth metro coat with Thinsulate in eggplant purple. I bought it in 2P but really would have sized up to 4P if they had had any left by the time I realized that I needed a bigger size. But by then I had fallen in love with the fabric and the color. I even love the length, and I am only 5' - and it is not too long, as I had feared. It is really only snug in the sleeves and shoulders, and I can definitely not fit a bulky sweater or suit jacket underneath. But otherwise, perfect. It's odd, because I feel J. Crew has really gone overboard with the vanity sizing this year - everything I have bought has been XS, even a dress in 00! But not so much this coat, it is TTS.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reviews!
ReplyDeleteI reviewed the Plaza Coat in oo here:
http://thepetitefittingroom.blogspot.com/2011/12/j-crew-plaza-coat.html
I went a little crazy with the coats this year! I got the Stadium Boulevard trench in red. I love everything about it but it does pill a little bit under the arms, although it's not hard to clean up.
ReplyDeleteI also got the Double cloth Cheasepeake coat in black and sea salt. This is a beautifully made coat! I find myself reaching for the black one all the time both with jeans and to dress up. The price is great on sale - definitely worth it to me!
Off topic but I got a notice today that the interest rate on my J.Crew credit card was lowered to 11.99%. Very surprised about that although I don't usually carry a balance on it because of the very high rate it had before!
forgot to add-- the back of the buttons on the townhouse trench say Waterbury CT, USA. At least the buttons were made here! :)
ReplyDeleteWintress puffer coat in black:
ReplyDeleteTTS for me. I took my usual small and it fits perfect all around. Like the previous poster said, not as puffy as the last year's Mirabel. I actually like the gold buttons (one of the reasons I bought it), but I'm a gold (vs. silver) person. This is my first JC puffer and I'm very happy with it.
Stadium Cloth Elements Coat, 31410
ReplyDeleteReview Here
I have tried the Plaza, Townhouse,Envelope and Stadium cloth cashmere coat. I returned the Townhouse and found it to be too tight in the shoulders in my reg. JC coat size. The Stadium cashmere was already pilled when I got it. It was tts. I am still on the fence with the Envelope in sea salt since I know I will get makeup on the collar and never zip my coats. It was tts to big. I went with my Perfect shirt size in this. The Plaza is pretty in cobalt but more than I wanted to pay. I had to size up one size. I am just disappointed that the special details on the JC coat I currently have are missing. It is a double cloth in blue and has orange piping inside and a beautiful lining in a greenish color in the sleeves. It is a little small so I was looking for an alternative. I think I will have just lose weight or try ebay.
ReplyDeleteGot theStadium Cloth Boulevard Trench in Red. TTS (2) and I love this coat. Get a lot of compliments on it. Its very warm and well constructed.
ReplyDeleteAlso got the Icon trench in wool-cashmere in camel. A beautiful coat. Love the fabric. Very soft. It is a much lighter coat and felt it was a wee bit larger than the Boulevard Trench in the size 2. It is probably a better choice for my climate....but...love them equally. Two great coats.
I purchased Double-Cloth Townhouse Trench in the salt color and I adore it. Based on the size charts, a size 2 would fit, but I size up to a 6 so I have extra room in the shoulder. The fit if perfect for me. So nice to find the size that works best, that's for sure. I got the coat on sale and could hardly believe it! Great price! The buttons don't bother me and I love the military styling. :-)
ReplyDeletePlease help!! I bought the stadium cloth trench coat in red and I love it!!! I highly recommend it if it pops back. But I also love chocolate and managed to sit on some and there are now two small stains on the lower bottom of the coat. I also made the mistake of trying to blot it out with some water. Any tips on how to remove it without making it worse?
ReplyDeleteGot the longer Wintress Puffer in dark green. I'm normally an 8P or 6 regular and a S in t-shirts and sweaters. I would have ordered the MP but none left in the green so ordered the LP b/c I just was needing something different than black. The S regular was too tight, the M regular was fine but too long in arms and general cut. The MP probably would have been perfect. BUT the LP is do-able, actually, esp if I want to wear a bulky sweater. I kind of like that it's a little big bc the whole point with this sort of coat is comfort (less so style, IMO). I don't like it tied, though, as there's too much bulk (I think even the MP would've been like that). And the sash doesn't keep it's width when tied. SO I tied it in the back like a trench and it really gives the coat a nice silhouette. And no fussing with the bow. I like the green so much that I'm willing to make the LP work.
ReplyDeleteMeant to add: I also ordered the Snowbound Puffer in Navy in M. It fit everywhere except when I crossed my arms out front (like hugging myself) then it was a bit tight in the arms. The navy was nice, as was the collar, but it wasn't very puffy. If you're between sizes, I'd say size up. And the Wintress seemed like it'd be warmer.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI purchased the Lady Day Coat and 2 Plaza Coats. I absolutely love the colors that J. Crew offers in their coats. My only complaint is that the sleeve length is rather short in petite sizing but its not a deal breaker. If interested, I reviewed my coats here:
ReplyDeletehttp://sewpetitegal.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-j-crew-lady-day-and-plaza-coats.html
Hi ladies, my first time commenting, though I've been lurking for years. No J. Crew store in my state so thanks for all the great reviews and real-life photos!
ReplyDeleteI wear an 8 tall in most J. Crew items and am 6 feet tall, 145 pounds, rectangular body shape.
I have the townhouse trench in the 8 tall blue (can't remember the precise color name). Love the look of the gold buttons contrasting against the deep blue, however when I tried it on, I knew the fit was not ideal.
The shoulders, waist, and sleeve length were spot on, but the hip measurement was too big for me. I may have to take it to get altered to feel like I can wear it with confidence.
The majesty peacoat in fiesta purple (?) 8 tall fit like a glove and the color was divine! The buttons were a little cheaper looking than the townhouse trench, but not enough for a real complaint from me. I love that it isn't too boxy of a fit, more tailored than other peacoats I've had. The fabric was not as fine (looked like pilling was possible, but I hope not) as the double cloth for the townhouse.
I'd buy another majesty peacoat or two, if the colors I like weren't out of stock.
I have an oasis green metro winging my way, hope it fits as well as the peacoat.
Christine in Alaska
I left reviews on other posts, but here's a rundown: I'm 5'2", 123 lbs, 34b, pear shaped. I usually wear a 0/XS in tops. Stadium Cloth Elements coat fits perfectly in 4P. It feels soft and cuddly, wondering if it will pill over time? Stadium Cloth Boulevard Trench fit best in a R2. P4 was too short in the arms and too tight in the shoulders. I ordered it 3 times to get the right size and am sad to report one sleeve is longer than the other. Wonderland Puffer fits just right in XS, though the S would probably be good in the case of weight gain. Tried the Envelope Coat in store in R4 and I looked like I was wearing a blanket. Probably would have gone with R2 or maybe P2 if I had ordered it. I think that covers it!
ReplyDeleteI get tons of compliments on the color of my oasis green metro coat. I love wearing it.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to add that the only nit I have w the metro is that the size and placement of pockets only allows for carrying keys, etc. You won't be able to stick your hands in them.
ReplyDeleteI purchased the Majesty Pea Coat in warm lemon - beautiful color and looks great. I always get compliments when I wear it. However the buttons keep falling off! The first time I emailed J.Crew and they shipped me a new coat (and a $35 g.c. for my trouble! Awesome CS!) but now the buttons are falling off my new coat too. So frustrating!
ReplyDeleteMonica-
ReplyDeleteI have the pea coat from last year with the gold buttons and they fall off ALL THE TIME. I've spent so much money having them sewn back on at the tailor that I either avoid wearing that coat, or only wear it when I can wear it open and not risk loosening the buttons. SAD because the coats with the gold buttons are truly majestic, but poorly constructed. Definitely will steer clear from now on.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSo I got the Flared Perfect Coat on sale in 00. I do love the style, color and fabric and the fit is good, but get this. The first time I decided to wear it, as opposed to try it on I was buttoning it and one of the front buttons snapped in half?! Lovely. It is a Collection coat. So I had to get my tailor to replace the button (which uses up the one spare). And I also had noticed the the hem was hemmed badly - the crease part was hanging down on one side so that also had to be repaired. JCrew is reimbursing me but still. The button breaking...
ReplyDeleteAnd Pathos, I agree - I got the XXS Wintress puffer and it fit me in the body but the sleeves were way short so I returned it.
I have the Encore trench from this year. It's a size 6, and I'm 5'2" and around 135 lbs. Size wise, it fits fine everywhere except the upper arms for me, but that's because I carry a lot of weight in my upper arms unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteWomen who are normally proportioned would have no trouble. Women who are bottom heavy or hourglassy would look GREAT in this trench due to the billowy tulle underskirt and the fact that it buttons/belts tightly enough to give a nice shape to the waist. Sleeves are bracelet length on me which is sort of annoying, and I don't have long limbs.
Lengthwise, it hits below my knees. It definitely looks its best if I have heels on due to my being short. Works beautifully with short dresses or midi length outfits, or over dress pants with a nice blouse. Not really a casual piece, it's more of an "occasion" item and I have trouble styling it for everyday. It's warm enough for a mild winter (not colder than 40s-50s at night) but would not be warm enough for a truly chilly evening. Not a problem for me though because I live in AZ!
It is certainly beautiful and I love it because it's so unusual. It gets loads of compliments every time I wear it.
Well, the metro coat in oasis green 8 tall finally arrived. Wasn't sure how this colorway was going to look with my coloring, but it is passable. Wish I could say the same for the waist and hip measurements. Wow. Just like my doublecloth townhouse trench, fit in shoulders and bust was fine, but the waist and hip measurement seems cut for the next size up.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course I bought it final sale, so off to the tailors to see if something can be done that doesn't cost the earth yet makes me want to wear it.
Comparing the metro with an older hot pink lady day I have, the measurements tell the story:
8 tall lady day waist- 32.5 inches
8 tall Metro waist-35.5 inches
Note to self: final sale is for buying t-shirts only.
Christine in Alaska
Has anyone purchased the factory classic peacoat (dbl-breast)? I'm curious as to whether it has buttons on the sleeves. It's so frustrating that the factory item descriptions are minimal and they don't show multiple views!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering about the Factory peacoat, too-- how warm is it, does anyone know?
ReplyDeleteWintress Puffer
ReplyDeleteI bought the dark green in MP since RS was sold out. I just received it today and love it. Fits everywhere except the waist. It's a touch big there. I feel like I can take it in about 1/2". Does anyone have this puffer in RS? How much size difference is it compared to MP? Does it run big? I didn't order it in SP cause I feel the P version might be too small.