A very practical coat

[alden]

Most of you who read the LL on a regular basis know that I am particularly fond of overcoats. And a 4x2 in a dark brown 900 gms tweed is the latest addition to the Alden collection.

The Duke’s 4x2 was still in my mind when the order was placed for this coat.



There is something in that picture I very much admire. And it is the ease and versatility of the garment. My thought was to create a look that would work well in city, business wear, more casual rus in urbe wear and really casual country attire.

So here is the result:









For a more casual application with a coat or sweater:





This is an immensely practical garment to own as it has many potential uses. Despite its seemingly imposing weight, the coat feels like a feather to wear as it has been tailored with virtually zero internals. Oh did I forget to mention that it is also very warm?

Cheers

Michael Alden

[TimMureau]

Wonderfull coat Mr. Alden!
I very like the fabric it is very stylish.

Regards,
Tim

[garu]

Michael,

That is a superb coat. I have been trying - and failing - to get my tailor here to tailor heavy cloth in the same way as you have had your coat tailored - that is, with as little internals as possible. When you have a chance, could you please post a few pictures of the inside of your coat? A few pictures could be worth thousands of Japanese characters...

Cheers,
garu

[mmkn2]

These two looks are what I consider ideal alternatives to a tie . . . the visual interest of silk next to the neck but not activating the carotid sinuses . . . relaxed yet interesting.

- M

[alden]

These two looks are what I consider ideal alternatives to a tie . . . the visual interest of silk next to the neck but not activating the carotid sinuses . . . relaxed yet interesting.

If you fear carotid sinus reflex, it may be that your collar or knot is too tight.

I can merely suggest the one not go out with a bare neck. Find some nice silks and have a go!

Cheers

[soupcon]

Michael,

Could you please post a close up of this cloth? You've really found a winner in this coat, and I would even suggest you consider it for the LL clothclub, either as is, or in a suiting cloth.It would make a superbly elegant suit.There are elements of dark charcoal and chocolate that make it ideal for day or evening.Is it possible to create this look in a worsted?

[storeynicholas]

A triumph of design and material: smart enough for town and relaxed enough for country.
NJS

[alden]

Could you please post a close up of this cloth?

Here is an outtake of the coat that shows a close on view of the cloth. You can also see a close up of the gray version of the cloth on the clothclub forum.



At 900 gms this is overcoat material though a lighter version could be made for a suit.

Cheers

M Alden

[soupcon]

It's a beautiful coat,but now I think it wouldn't work as a suit.It could as a sportcoat.

[alden]

It's a beautiful coat,but now I think it wouldn't work as a suit.It could as a sportcoat.

Yes, it would work as a sportscoat, but its ideal use is the overcoat as above. The mix of brown and dark gray threads make for a versatile garment: in the daylight it looks brown and at night, gray.

Cheers

Michael

[alden]

The weather in Europe these days is glacial and I am very happy to have this 900 gms DB to keep warm. I was a bit concerned about doing a DB in such a heavy cloth, but the crossover of two layers of 900 gms (ie1800 gms) on my chest and down the front of the body is a godsend. If any of you decide to purchase this cloth this Winter you can do a DB without problems.

Its on days like this that I have a very hard time understanding how our members in NYC and Boston can go out of doors in their lightweight pajama suits or maybe the answer is they never go outside. Guys, its nice to go outside, fresh air is good for you!

Cheers

Michael Alden

[alden]

A few of you have asked to see the back of the useful DB overcoat. Here it is:



Cheers

M Alden

[Greger]

Could you please post a close up of this cloth?

Here is an outtake of the coat that shows a close on view of the cloth. You can also see a close up of the gray version of the cloth on the clothclub forum.



At 900 gms this is overcoat material though a lighter version could be made for a suit.

Cheers

M Alden

Going vacattioning in Hawaii? Hear it rains there every day.

Some friends of mine their granddad lived in Ketchican Alaska back in perhaps the 40s, anyway he said that all their clothes were made of 18 oz. or heavier wool.

[alden]

One point of clarification: my Sicilian tailor found the 32 ozs cloth used in the Useful Coat very easy to make, no problems with needles breaking or the like.

Of course since the tailor had previously made a 35 ozs whipcord covert coat, this dainty 32 ouncer must have seemed a breeze. The finishing on the buttonholes is amazing.

Heavy cloth actually is easy for tailors. Light cloth takes more patience.

Cheers

M Alden

[DD MacDonald]

On the subject of light cloth taking patience, I remember reading an article in the WSJ in the past ten years or so about a range of 6oz summer cloth which briefly touched on a tailor's experience. I've never forgotten the description, the cloth was referred to as tissue thin and nervous.

DDM