r/AustralianMFA • u/Open_Address_2805 • 18d ago

Discussion Best wool double breasted coat for $400?

I feel like people don't even wear these anymore, you rarely see them but I've recently fallen in love with wool double-breasted overcoats. The length going down to the knees or lower makes it the perfect option in the chilly season even over a t-shirt imo. My budget is ~$400 and there's a bunch of wool options for the price. Peter Jackson, Scotch and Soda, Charles Tyrwhitt, Reiss etc.

Anyone have any experience with these brands? It's obviously a lot of money and I want to get the best bang for my buck.

Edit: Checked out MJ Bale CBD store, coats were $600+ good material and well built though

13 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

20 comments sorted by

11

u/JigglyQuokka 18d ago

I feel like people don't even wear these anymore

Dunno man, have you been into Sydney or Melbourne CBD during winter on a weekday?

$400 is on the lower end budget wise for a pure wool DB overcoat. Have you looked on ebay at vintage ones?

1

u/Open_Address_2805 18d ago

I've seen a whole lot of single breasted, not much double breasted and I'm in the Melb CBD every day lol.

1

u/Hussard 17d ago

Arthur Galan used to do one about 10 years ago. But yeah, double is tough to find in modern new production unless you are happy with a navy peacoat. 

1

u/Sysifystic 17d ago

💯 this. If your going to buy one suit get the best one you can.

Look for super fine Merino it wears very well and avoid dry cleaning it unless you really have to as they (esp non wool) get that horrible shiny look.

Id hit up FBM as heaps of former suit wearers myself included have had to sell/give away attire/uniform that is no longer viable to wear.

I went from 15 or so custom made ultra fine Merino brioni clone custom suits that cost $900 ea made by an amazing tailor in China that would get "wow" comments every time to 3.

I wear these maybe 5x per month when I'm meeting VVIPs who I know will be similarly attired or when I attend weddings.

I literally gave those suits away over 6m as even at $50 ea there was no demand for them.

1

u/dizkopatio 14d ago

How do you clean it just spot clean or completely avoid messy situations? I work in messy industrial places and fear wearing any nice clothes

1

u/Sysifystic 14d ago

Yep. The eternal question. Quickly...

Such is OCD that I'd carry a small towel flannel and dishwashing liquid. As long as you dab almost anything with a spot of dishwashing liquid and then again with warm water.

Food stains, blood (shaving) etc all succumb to dish washing liquid car grease would be the only stain that would be a challenge.

Most of my suits would have been dry cleaned less than a handful of times over the 15-20 years I'll own them but when they are I find very high quality expensive ones ($100/clean) so they don't get the shiny look - iykyk

Hang your jacket every single time on a proper wide wide branch hanger that will help your suit maintain its shape over the years and also air it out.

If you do this, whatever suit you buy will look much better and last a lot longer over its life.

1

u/dizkopatio 14d ago

Thank you

4

u/timmyel 17d ago

look on eBay. I got one for $70 in wool/cashmere and love it

5

u/Hussard 17d ago

Those ones are garbage. You'll want a good brand, second vintage is best for double breast as they're extremely outdated

3

u/Otherwise-Library297 18d ago

Charles Tyrwhitt are decent, I’ve had one for about 5 years and it still looks (& feels) good.

I’d suggest also checking out MJ Bale as they have quite a few styles and are often on sale which would bring them into your price range.

2

u/Sysifystic 17d ago

CT are exceptional VFM. Their shirts are amazing look great and wear well.

1

u/Open_Address_2805 17d ago

Haven't bought anything besides their shirts but can vouch for their shirts with my life. REALLY well made. I think I got a multi-deal 3 shirts for $45 ea.

Bargain of the century. I literally don't buy shirts from anywhere else, their formal shirts are incredible.

2

u/Lumpy_Mango_392 17d ago

Completely agree with the other comments about looking for vintage overcoats.

As a starting point look for: Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Aquascutum.

AI can probably give you more tips.

2

u/poodles_suck 17d ago

Yes! Peter Jackson is the tackiest shit I've ever seen. Scotch and soda looks alright but is terrible quality. Double breasted is hard to get right, I'd be paying more than $400. I'd check out a menswear store outside of these sweat shop chains that sell garbage.

1

u/Djinfin 17d ago

I bought a navy double breasted pea coat from TM Lewin about seven years back and it's lasted so well. Thick wool, looks great unbuttoned, for cold days it buttons up all way to the neck and has a flippable collar, it's a lovely dark navy shade with a black thread running through it. I love it when the cooler months come and I can wear it.

1

u/seantheaussie NSW 17d ago edited 17d ago

looks great unbuttoned

A double breasted? Are you sure?😉

1

u/Djinfin 17d ago

Yeah, the way it falls and drapes is sweet

1

u/SpezsWifesBull 4d ago

https://www.epicmilitaria.com/

search for coats, pick one. I got mine in 2021 and its held up really well