That is the Mk.1 Video games Blazer from Drake’s in russet corduroy.
To be sincere, I’ve misplaced observe of the numbers and which fashion every is, however the necessary factor is that this one’s a reasonably common jacket with notched lapels – not the model I’d identified greatest beforehand, with peak.
All the opposite particulars are actually simply particulars – patch pockets, flaps, lack of lining. Significantly as that selection is commonly pushed by the fabric itself – with this corduroy there is no such thing as a want for any lining, because the reverse is so clean; a bushy tweed is relatively totally different.
I additionally suppose it’s greatest to consider this fashion as mendacity someplace between a jacket and a chore coat on our latest checklist of tailoring options.
Whereas it has common lapels and rounded fronts (two of the same old properties of a jacket) it additionally has no vents, no buttons on the sleeve and twin-needle seams (all extra widespread on a chore).
It is also reduce just a little brief and sq. and, extra subtly, has no inside construction – nothing within the collar, lapels or chest – and subsequently no actual shaping.
As with a chore, this throws all of the emphasis on the fabric, and this heavy wire is very nice. An English eight-wale, it’s robust however not stiff, and I’ve already seen mine soften over the primary dozen wears.
In truth fabric selection is likely to be the largest energy of the entire Video games vary. This mid-brown color is the proper shade, as are the darkish brown and the olive. I’m even tempted by the corn color, which is putting however not too saturated.
The navy tweed they’ve simply introduced out within the Mk.VII (single breasted, lined sleeves) is precisely what I might have chosen, as is the melton within the double-breasted Mk.III. There’s even the mid-grey herringbone I’m at all times banging on about as probably the most versatile jacket.
They’re heavy – the tweed is a 14oz Harris – however that fits the fashion. They’re not a jacket substitute within the sense of one thing to put on across the workplace, as a contemporary substitute for a swimsuit.
Quite they’re nearer to outerwear, which is how most males who don’t usually put on tailoring would most likely put on tailoring – not layered beneath an overcoat, however layered on high of a shetland or a sweatshirt.
Instinctively, this function for the jacket can also be mirrored in how I’ve discovered I put on it.
Over knitwear, sure, as with the Rubato lambswool crewneck pictured. With a hotter shirt, a hat and a shawl to make it extra winter-friendly, relatively than a coat. And whereas the down-gilet-over-the-top look is an excessive amount of for me, I perceive the motivation – it is smart over this sort of chunky materials.
I at all times put on the collar up – it’s what I’d normally do with a chore, and the dearth of inside construction plus the thick materials makes it really feel pure.
I put on it undone more often than not. Given the dearth of form and construction, there isn’t that a lot to be gained by buttoning that waist button.
After I do button the jacket it’s in opposition to the chilly, and whereas I’m possible to make use of the waist button, it seems to be simply nearly as good with the highest button as an alternative – plus the practical button underneath the chin maybe.
Lastly, I exploit the hip pockets so much. The fabric can clearly take it, and the wire additionally makes it just a little awkward to make use of trouser pockets if the jacket is buttoned.
These are all issues I might naturally do with a chore.
So the place does such a jacket match right into a wardrobe?
I believe it’s for the man who needs a bit of outerwear that’s informal however will be worn with flannels and denims. Maybe he is tried chore jackets however discovered them too easy, sq. or easy.
Not for the sort of man who works in an workplace, in tailor-made trousers and sensible sneakers, and desires a jacket to go together with them. He ought to attempt the items labelled ‘tailor-made jacket’ at Drake’s. Not essentially to purchase that one (I’d nudge him in direction of made to measure in any case), however to note the distinction in fashion, reduce, construction and ensuing smartness.
As a reader identified lately, it’s positively simpler to put on a tailor-made jacket with denims and informal trousers than most individuals suppose. I need to assist with that and by no means lose that. However I additionally know there will probably be many males who desire a jacket that’s exactly this informal.
Drake’s is pricey as of late. This jacket is £795 and that’s so much for a wire jacket, even with the shop, service and styling that I’m very blissful to pay for.
This places me off among the tailoring, however I’m extra keen to pay for garments that really feel distinctive – the place I can’t get the identical factor anyplace else and might ‘really feel’ extra of the design. I believe the Video games blazers fall into that class, as do the Drake’s suede chore jackets.
I did attempt the Video games trousers that match this jacket by the best way, however didn’t take to them.
I believe it’s nice that Drake’s break them up with this manner, and you should purchase each, one or the opposite. They do them in supplies – linen, wire, canvas – that I’ve at all times really helpful as greatest for a ‘three-way swimsuit’.
However the trousers felt just a little decrease within the rise than with earlier iterations, and I didn’t like the only pleat. That thick wire can also be a better promote in an outerwear jacket, however just a little extra particular in a trouser.
Different garments pictured: