What better way to celebrate a spring moment than with a new sportcoat. As spring days approach, my mind goes to the Easter Parade, the Kentucky Derby, and eating outdoors at one of my favorite restaurants for a casual brunch or luckily, even dinner here in Dallas. A sportcoat has become a great “third piece” to add to a casual look like a 5-pocket with a shirt or knit. The addition of a sportcoat infuses these looks with a casual elegance that fits effortlessly into a guy’s modern lifestyle. The tailoring of the shoulder, the cut of the lapel, and the subtle details such as buttons—all sartorial nods that show you know how to look well dressed and relaxed at the same time.
I selected some new fabrics in both wools and wool blends to offer our Clients spring-forward options that I think will fit perfectly well into their J.Hilburn wardrobes. With selections for every budget, some of the standout color comes from Vitale Barberis Canonico. The Mango Twill (VBC72-S) is a linen, silk, and cotton blend that marries color with luxurious fabrics in the typical Italian way resulting in an elegant warm tone that whilst unique to a sportscoat is easy to wear back to natural shades of khaki and our shirting collection from Albini.
The other colorway I found irresistible is the Teal Twill (VBC70-S), which is in the same fabric quality as the Mango Twill, but in a rich aqua blue that reminds me of lagoons and the Mediterranean sea. This color also works beautifully with whites and naturals, but also pairs perfectly with navy and grey, making it an easy choice for most men. I love olives all year round, but in spring, when combined with ivory and khaki, they remind me of the garden growing back to full bloom with all its gorgeous colors and green foliage. The Olive Basketweave (VBC73-S) combines the year-round olive color with a unique detail that echoes the woven patterns of baskets and rattan decor. What could be more spring-like than that?
We are offering two Trabaldo Togna sportcoats this season as well. The first, in olive, features a vintage houndstooth check that combines the technology of Estrato wool with natural stretch comfort for a truly unique fabric. Also available in a soft coral tone, this subtle check is what I like to describe as a “non-pattern pattern” because it almost looks like a solid.
I was also excited to introduce Reda Flexo Hopsacks, which offer a traditional hopsack appearance in 100% wool, plus the added technology of stretch for a perfect combination. As is typical of Reda Flexo, they are always thinking about a modern, youthful Client who wants the absolute best at an affordable price point. We’ve also added patterned hopsacks from Reda 1865 that look like modern tweeds in our super 130’s quality, and new hatch patterns that create subtle, organic-looking irregularities by using multiple yarn colors. The Chambray Blue and Ivory Yacht Stripe (RDA56-S) is a standout piece with regatta style that will work perfectly for those guys looking for a Kentucky Derby sportcoat, but this fabric will work just as well at the yacht club, too.
For those looking for more exclusive pattern work and accessible luxury, we offer a range of rich offerings in patterns and solids from both Ermenegildo Zegna and Loro Piana Cloth. With the addition of Reda knit blazers and 4-way stretch solids this season, we have quite a few contemporary alternatives, and I think these will be favored by on-the-go guys who want a more relaxed, modern look that is still tailored enough for their business casual days. These sportcoats are designed to go perfectly with denim, 5-pockets, shirts and polos.
I often get asked why our sportcoat selections aren’t all available as full suits. The answer comes from our mills, who we rely on to provide us with technical data about yarn strength and tensile resistance of the fabric and weave. Most sportcoats are built with thicker yarns, so they do not always drape or wear well as a pant. As you can imagine a pant takes much more wear and tear than a blazer ever will, especially when a guy is sitting down a lot. The last thing we would want is seam slippage and splitting, so we don’t compromise when it comes to selecting the right fabric for each garment’s construction. And besides, these sportcoats are designed to steal the show when you pair them up with other pieces from your J.Hilburn custom wardrobe.
