The hunt for the ideal field jacket

[Acousticfoodie]

Holmes, it sounds like you have your heart set on a field jacket instead of anything else, instead of defaulting for the manufacture fit is it possible for your local tailor to adjust a field coat for you?

[Gump]

EDIT: I just found this one online: http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Mens-C...e-Poacher.html. Anyone know how loose/tight it fits, and is the hood removable?

Nice to see Boden just added a new collection. From what I hear Boden runs large. You could always order both a S and XS and just keep the one you like better. Also Boden usually has sales. Probably a couple of 15% off coupons around online if you dont want to wait.

Also, most Barbour jackets in the classic fit are a little baggy. Sizing down might be a good call if you can find them used.

[lmwilson]

Have you looked at Eddie Bauer? Their style very often leaves something to be desired, but the gear and outerwear are often pretty good. Plus everything has a lifetime guarantee so you can treat it rough. A few of the jackets look similar to what you're looking for:

http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/Men/Out...dex.cat?page=1

[jeff4]

Two years ago, before I really started to upgrade my wardrobe, I purchased an oil-cloth jacket from Eddie Bauer on clearance for $35 down from $200 msrp. I ended up returning it, thinking I wouldn't wear it that often. Kicking myself...

[lmwilson]

I bought an EB field jacket on clearance. $150 down to $30 and I love it. Very light, but I'm happy with it and I'm not afraid to wear my "nice" field jacket someplace it might get ruined since I can always have it replaced.

[AJG Esq]

I went for the Billy Reid jacket Joe posted about today. His stuff runs very trim so I think it'll be what I'm looking for and possibly what you're looking for if it isn't out of your price range.

[redbeardedmike]

I bought the LL Bean Signature Field Coat linked above. It's a pretty nice jacket, although the outer fabric is a little stiff at first. It definitely fits trim - a lot trimmer than the Land's End oilcloth jacket. The LE jacket is fully lined (rather than just a vest) so it would probably be warmer. The fabric on the Land's End also is softer to the touch. Really, it seems like a better put-together jacket, save for the gigantic pockets and the loose fit.

I don't think I'm sold on either one and will probably return them. Next up: the Orvis (which is back in stock in Olive) for $198 or the Boden for $168 with the 15% off code floating around.

[redbeardedmike]

Also, I called Boden about the hood. The CSR said it is not removable, but it is stowable (it must zip up somewhere).

[holmes10]

So by way of update, I think my search may be over. I'd tried Macys.com before, as well as a local Macy's, but I didn't see this jacket until last week: http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/l...%26slotId%3D35.

I ordered the black version in a small, and the fit is really good. It pretty much covers everything I want in a field jacket (keep in mind my loose definition of "field jacket"), and was only around a hundred bucks:

Fit: the jacket is close but not tight; I can wear with minmal layers or with a sweater if necessary. Also, the jacket is shorter than the traditional field coat, which I like.

Styling: it has the mockneck collar and military-inspired look I was going for.

Function: it has two snap-flap chest pockets (though not four; ah well) and is warm enough to be worn through most of winter, though not too hot for a cool spring day, I think. Pretty much exactly what I needed

Construction: rugged cotton twill. Seems pretty sturdy...waxed cotton would be nice, but I think this will hold off a bit of rain decently. The 100% cotton feel makes a huge difference vs. synthetic fabrics.

Other details: I didn't have to have a hood, but any hood needed to be either stowable or detachable. This one zips up into the collar, and is very thin, which I like, because it doesn't add bulk to the collar, but is just enough to keep off a light rain. I never got why some stowable hoods are massive...if I'm going to be exposed to driving rain for an extended period of time, I'll wear a parka or technical raincoat...this hood is perfect for surprising showers that catch me without an umbrella, etc.

Overall a pretty good jacket...I think it will fill that space between spring jacket and wool overcoat nicely, and with a heavy sweater underneath, I might even be able to stretch it into the winter. Unless buyer's remorse sets in or I find a better coat soon, I'll probably stick with the Levi's.