The Buttons ‘n’ Threads Jacket Review

The Buttons ‘n’ Threads Jacket Review

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buttons n threads custom suit review

To say I have been longing for a velvet jacket would be a gross understatement.   It is one of those things that I have been wanting to acquire since I got into this whole ‘menswear’ thing.  But I could not justify the cost of one and none of the brands that have asked me to do reviews of them worked in velvet.  But finally, my prayers have been answered and the menswear god(s) decided to shine some good fortune upon me.

Enter Buttons ‘n’ Threads.  An upstart online made to measure brand based in Australia with its production in New Delhi, India.  Perhaps most importantly for my wardrobe, they have a nice burgundy velvet on offer ($349).  Buttons ‘n’ Threads was started by Yashas Alur and Sanchit Baweja, the two gentlemen met while in school in Australia and quickly connected on their common interest in menswear.  Which bloomed into creating Buttons ‘n’ Threads.

buttons n threads custom suit review

It is important to note that this jacket is not exactly a smoking jacket or a dinner jacket in the most traditional and strict senses.  And I did not want it to be such.  I wanted the jacket to be able to serve as both a dinner jacket as well as a less formal jacket to be worn to cocktail parties and dinners.  Which is why I kept the lapels velvet and not satin or grosgrain; and I should note, this is how Buttons ‘n’ Threads has the jacket on their site.

The website itself is pretty par for the course in the online custom suit world.  The ordering and customization processes are both simple and straightforward.  The measurement process is also on par with the rest of the market.

buttons n threads custom suit review
A less formal look with a gray wool knit tie.

In an effort to keep the jacket formal and steamlined I opted for the following details:  1 button front, peak lapels, slanted (hacking) pockets, side vents, functioning straight boutonniere, functioning sleeve buttons (at Yashas’ insistence), flower loop, velvet buttons and a maroon lining.  I also specifically requested 3.75″ lapels, as Buttons ‘n’ Threads’ normal lapels are on the slim side.  The wider lapels really make the jacket in this case.  Lastly, I requested a slightly lower than normal button stance and higher than normal gorge.  Fortunately, Buttons ‘n’ Threads met all but one of my requests perfectly.

velvet jacket and cheesesteak
One can never be overdressed for a cheesesteak.

So, what about the rest of the jacket?

buttons n threads custom suit review
To be honest, I was not expecting the jacket to come out as good as it did.  Like many online custom suit sites, the fit of the suits and the styling of the models leaves a bit to be desired.  I was very impressed that the jacket fit like this out of the box.  The only thing I may do is shorten the sleeves 1/4″, I have debated taking in the stomach a little bit but I think given the weight of the fabric I would rather wear it in a not so snug way.  The shoulders and chest of the jacket fit quite well and the balance of the button and peaks is excellent.
buttons n threads custom suit review
There is a little extra fabric in the back, which is fine, it allows for movement of the arms.
buttons n threads custom suit review
The jacket is clean from the side.
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The shape of the peak is nice.  However, the crease in the middle is unnecessary.  The lapel would also be much better served by a straight lapel button hole, which is what I requested, as opposed to a keyhole shaped one.  Upon speaking with Yashas we identified the root of the problem so I would not expect it to happen again.  He also offered to have it fixed but I did not think it was worth the time and expense.  The fabric itself is very soft to the touch and is a bright burgundy, closer to a deep red.
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The button hole on the front is clean.  I love the velvet covered buttons, I think they are exceptionally elegant.
custom velvet jacket
Sorry this one is a little blurry.  The breast pocket is neither good nor bad.  It serves its purpose and looks presentable.
custom velvet jacket
Machine stitched at the sleeve head, I prefer to see some hand stitching here as it allows for a little more stretch and movement.  But clean work nonetheless.
custom velvet jacket
The stitching along the border of the lining is even and clean.  Although I am not usually a fan of patterned liners this evolution one caught my eye and I am glad that I selected it.
custom velvet jacket
The flower loop on the underside of the lapel is a great touch.  I would prefer to see the velvet fabric from the collar folded over to underneath the collar though.
custom velvet jacket
I am glad that Yashas encouraged me to go for functioning sleeve buttons.  The stitching is clean.  And again, the velvet covered buttons – beautiful.

In conclusion I am very happy with the jacket.  Partly because I was finally able to acquire a velvet jacket and partly because it is a solid jacket for the money.  I should note that I cannot speak on the quality of their pants or suiting fabric because we decided to only do a jacket for this review.  But there are really not many things to fault this jacket for.  The construction and fabric are both good for the money.  But more importantly, Buttons ‘n’ Threads did a great job with the fit.  So check them out if you are in the market.  If you have any questions, comments or experience of your own with Buttons ‘n’ Threads, please feel free to sound off in the comments.

JLJ

 

Note: FYGblog did receive the jacket being reviewed for purpose of review.  As always, the utmost care is taken to maintain and unbiased and honest perspective on the brand and its products.

 

4 COMMENTS

  1. Cool jacket Justin ! I have long been enthralled by the velvet jacket but have never really known what to team it up with. The image I have of the burgundy velvet jacket is the Gucci ad from a few years ago where the model wore it with a white high collared shirt ( open neck) and denim. You are doing a more formal look here and I know that you are not a big fan of denim so what would you wear for a less formal look- given that the original concept of the velvet jacket was the smoking jacket ? I think it is a great jacket and I have about half a dozen in the wardrobe but don’t wear them all that much as they are not really a day time look. A UK Esquire article article said to wear the velvet jacket with cotton pants of a similar colour and a plain white or pale blue poplin shirt. What do you think? Regards, Geoff. P.S. Interesting to see the globalization of custom tailoring with an Australian online company doing this one.

  2. They have definitely improved the quality and fit since they first debuted and it shows here.

    Personally, I’d only wear a red velvet jacket as a smoking jacket like Justin is here, but I’ve seen elephant grey ones that work well as casual jackets.

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