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 essential factor is that this one’s a reasonably common jacket with notched lapels – not the model I’d recognized finest beforehand, with peak.
All the opposite particulars are actually simply particulars – patch pockets, flaps, lack of lining. Notably as that selection is usually 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 somewhat totally different.
I additionally assume it’s finest to consider this fashion as mendacity someplace between a jacket and a chore coat on our current checklist of tailoring alternate options.
Whereas it has common lapels and rounded fronts (two of the standard 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 lower slightly brief and sq. and, extra subtly, has no inside construction – nothing within the collar, lapels or chest – and due to this fact no actual shaping.
As with a chore, this throws all of the emphasis on the fabric, and this heavy twine is very nice. An English eight-wale, it’s sturdy however not stiff, and I’ve already seen mine soften over the primary dozen wears.
In actual fact fabric selection could be the most important power of the entire Video games vary. This mid-brown color is the right shade, as are the darkish brown and the olive. I’m even tempted by the corn color, which is hanging however not too saturated.
The navy tweed they’ve simply introduced out within the Mk.VII (single breasted, lined sleeves) is strictly 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 essentially 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 go well with.
Somewhat they’re nearer to outerwear, which is how most males who don’t usually put on tailoring would in all probability put on tailoring – not layered beneath an overcoat, however layered on high of a shetland or a sweatshirt.
Instinctively, this position 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, somewhat 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 sensible over this type of chunky materials.
I at all times put on the collar up – it’s what I’d often do with a chore, and the shortage of inside construction plus the thick materials makes it really feel pure.
I put on it undone more often than not. Given the shortage 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 towards the chilly, and whereas I’m doubtless to make use of the waist button, it seems to be simply pretty much as good with the highest button as a substitute – plus the useful button below the chin maybe.
Lastly, I exploit the hip pockets lots. The fabric can clearly take it, and the twine additionally makes it slightly 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 feel it’s for the man who desires a chunk of outerwear that’s informal however may be worn with flannels and denims. Maybe he is tried chore jackets however discovered them too easy, sq. or simple.
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 strive the items labelled ‘tailor-made jacket’ at Drake’s. Not essentially to purchase that one (I’d nudge him in the direction of made to measure in any case), however to note the distinction in fashion, lower, construction and ensuing smartness.
As a reader identified not too long ago, it’s undoubtedly simpler to put on a tailor-made jacket with denims and informal trousers than most individuals assume. I need to assist with that and by no means lose that. However I additionally know there will likely 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 lots for a twine jacket, even with the shop, service and styling that I’m very glad to pay for.
This places me off a few of 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 feel the Video games blazers fall into that class, as do the Drake’s suede chore jackets.
I did strive the Video games trousers that match this jacket by the best way, however didn’t take to them.
I feel it’s nice that Drake’s break them up with this fashion, and you should purchase each, one or the opposite. They do them in supplies – linen, twine, canvas – that I’ve at all times really helpful as finest for a ‘three-way go well with’.
However the trousers felt slightly decrease within the rise than with earlier iterations, and I didn’t like the only pleat. That thick twine can also be a better promote in an outerwear jacket, however slightly extra particular in a trouser.
Different garments pictured:
