The $190 Blazer Project: Take One

Diagnosis: The doctor does not currently own a male wardrobe essential - the navy blazer. Once dubbed the "male exoskeleton", the navy blazer is renowned for its versatility and classic appeal. Its rare to find piece of clothing that's perfect for weddings and more formal affairs to nights on the town and other casual outings.

The goal of the $190 blazer project is twofold. First and foremost, (surprise, surprise) is to procure a navy blazer for a total cost of under $190. Keep in mind that $190 is still a chunk of change, but the goal here is to invest in an essential item that will last a long time. Second, is to somehow customize this blazer to set it apart from the navy blazers that everyone else is wearing.

First, a look at the market...When we think navy blazer, we think iconic American brands, so let's start there.


Brooks Brothers, not surprisingly, offers a nice selection of navy blazers ranging anywhere from $420 to $900. Dr. Dapper generally like Brooks Brothers' style (tough to dethrone its position atop iconic American style) but detests (a strong word I know) the clothiers insistence on classic, boxy cuts for shirts and suits. The point being that any BB blazer would require a good deal of tailoring.

Polo's offerings are similar: a nice selection but at higher price ranges and with a slightly more fashion-forward fit.

While reading one of my favorite online fashion blogs (askAndy - http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/), I stumble across a posting from a clothier that has recently reintroduced itself into the market, Anderson-Little (http://www.andersonlittle.com/). The doctor is too young to remember, but Anderson-Little was a household name to many New Englanders throughout the post WWII era. The brand was bought out in the 1960s but is back as of 2008 offering factory direct navy blazers at a remarkably low cost of $159. I called the factory to ask a few questions (one about the jacket's vents (center) and a second about the jacket's materials (wool/poly blend for breathability)). Guess who answers the phone? None other that Scott Anderson himself. I am impressed with his knowledge and confidence in his blazers and decide to order later that day.