The London Lounge

So:

Of those making a blazer from the navy Mistral, who's doing patch pockets and who has conventional welts/flaps?

My own thought is that patches are a bit less practical for traveling, but perhaps not enough to require a more suit-like appearance.

I don't have the Mistral (though I like it), but it's a cloth that says "patch" to me. As I never keep anything heavy or bulky in my coat's outside pockets, there would be no practical considerations involved.

For a navy blazer, Mistral or any other good-quality basketweave wool hopsacking will work well. If you prefer a six-button double-breasted model, choose straight flap hip pockets with/without a matching
flap ticket out and high-gorge peak lapels. If you prefer a one- or two-button single-breasted model,
choose patch hip pockets and high-gore notch lapels. Whichever style you choose, tell your tailor you
want a barchetta, or little boat-shaped, breast pocket with pick-stitched welt. More pick-stitching on
the edges of the lapels and the pocket flaps makes more sense than lapels with a swelled edge. Picking on edge dresses up the blazer. Deep double side vents work well on a double-breasted model, while a deep
center vent looks good on a single-breasted model as long as it's cut properly, which is to say it doesn't flop open like the backdoor on a hospital gown. For buttons, try Benson & Clegg in London or Tender Buttons in Manhattan. Think golden or brassy.

What's a blazer without trousers? There are flannels, twills, linens and tweeds in any number of shades
and weights. The beauty of a blazer is that you can pair it with a wide range of colors and cloths except
for jeans, which destroys the elegant nonchalance of the coat.

JMB

Of those making a blazer from the navy Mistral, who's doing patch pockets and who has conventional welts/flaps?

Do you plan on wearing the coat in the evening when you travel? If so, then go for the flaps. If not, then go for patch.

Michael Alden