I hadn’t given J.Crew’s Downtown field jacket much thought.. Until I saw it styled with the Minnie pants and plaid shirt in Spetember’s catalog (see my Aug 19th post). I LOVE this look, so I went to the store to see the jacket in real life.
I tried on the extra small and as usual, it was too big 
Inside, under the tag, the jacket touts an adjustable waist. This got me excited for a minute! The jacket has tabs on each side that snap in the back. Unfortunately, there are only two snaps and the jacket was already at it’s smallest. One more set of snaps and this jacket would have come a lot closer to working for me. Looking at my pics closely though, it does look big in the shoulders and chest as well.
I gotta say, I am close to giving up on J.crew entirely. I can’t believe I am being completely sized out of a retail chain store. *Biting tongue*, I’ll spare you may well rehearsed JC sizing rant.
Anyway, the fabric of the Field jacket is resin coated canvas which is pretty stiff and noisy. In fact, even if this jacket fit, I don’t know that I could deal with a jacket announcing my every move like this one does. Maybe after breaking in the field jacket quiets down?
I will say I really did like the style of the jacket. It is very cool and I love the standing collar. It may be a bit too casual for me though.. I think it looks best dressing down a fancier outfit rather than with the jeans I usually wear.
I tried this jacket on in Mossy brown, which is a dark olive drab. I compared it to the black and there was barely a noticeable difference in color.
What do you think of the Downtown field jacket?
Thanks for the review Shannon! *So sad* that the xs doesn't even fit you anymore, ay ayyy. :p What're they doing, sizing out their fit upper-middle class petite clients with spending money? It's crazy nuts, I tell you, crazy nuts!
Anyway, totally agree w/you- the catalog styling was fab, but IRL the fabric was stiff and waxy: big BOO. Also, it made that kind of zipper/nylon-ish noise at the touch. Wonderful concept, bad execution. If I can't stand the touch or noise of fabric on the hanger, it's a pass. Perhaps it would soften with a few washings – but then I presume it wouldn't be that rain-resistant. And why take the chance when there are other perfectly cute & good jackets out there in its price range with better fabric and better fit just beckoning to be bought? Pass for me too, even though I still like the catalog pic.
Me no likey. The fit looks good on you. I just don't like the jacket. I can't get into the style as I feel the cut would overwhelm me. I agree w/your assessment that it's cute over something dressier. Otherwise it's a hunting wabbits look.
Diana-Thanks for your opinion on the jacket! I'm glad I'm not alone not digging the fabric
Gigi-lmao @ hunting wabbits
I forgot to mention, Anne found a great alternative to this jacket from Eddie Bauer, the Stine
I had the same problem with this jacket…runs large! Too large, too noisy, too stiff…enough said…
I love mine! I had in mind wearing it with nicer pants or a black skirt. It's not wrinkly like the other field jacket styles, and the gold buttons really pop out. I have a more casual work life, and it should be just right for fall. It does quit talking after a while!
Shannon, glad you posted your review. But very sad as the EB Stine does not come in XS in our area of Canada (apparently does in the US.) And bad news is that with most J Crew field style jackets even the XS means a trip to the tailor for me to tweak far-too-long sleeve length or waist tabs etc. Really wanted this one to dress down as I work between a fairly formal main office and off-sites and thought this could be the perfect go-between piece for fall. Anyway you saved me from pulling the Trigger and a costly return send. Already aggro about JC's sliding scale on sizing today! Just received a pair of much-needed work pumps in same size and style I bought in different colour in March and they are too small with a marked difference in length, not just that leather uppers on original pair have stretched. So it is going to cost me $$$ to send them back (Canadian postage.) Only ordered shoes online because I was convinced that two identical pairs would be same size, and they no longer stock any shoes in the B&Ms in upstate New York I can occasionally get to – unless you count ribbon flip flops of course. Apparently my feet are too "big" (6.5 LOL) and the rest of me is too small for JC.
I'm sorry it didn't work out for you! I tried it on and found the same problem – it ran large. Boo! I have seen this jacket look really cute on other JCAs but unfortunately I was not one of them
Oh well, I'm sure you'll find other Fall goodies that are even cuter!
I've seen this jacket look stunning on certain people, and 'off' on others. I think it requires height–not a jacket for petites.
I tried this jacket on recently, and I really liked the styling and the mossy color, but the stiffness and noisiness of the fabric bothered me, too. I really wanted this jacket to work b/c I loved the way it was styled in the catalog and online. Sadly, it's another pass for me. I'm 5'5", and I think one needs to be taller to wear it well.
Sorry it didn't work for you. I guess I'm in the minority here, I love mine! Got it in the mossy brown and I like pairing it with pretty prints and girly tops – does this make any sense?! I also like to roll up the cuffs and have whatever top I'm wearing peaking out with the collar up, much like the styling in the catalog I guess!
PS- I'm 5'7" for reference, so not super tall or short. Maybe the height thing does make a difference in this one?
I agree that it's cute but a bit casual. I'd look like I was wearing an Eddie Bauer windbreaker in this jacket, but I know there are some ladies who could knock it out of the park.
Hi Shannon,
First off, congratulations on finding the Inverness trench. Yeah!
I haven't tried on the field jacket, but Boden has what I think is a much cuter version, called the Biker jacket. There are four colors to choose from, and since their sizing is Euro, you should be able to get it quite small. I also prefer the styling.
And to Diana Drew above, is that the outline of the Lolita Lempicka perfume bottle as your avatar?
I also found a similar jacket at Eddie Bauer last Spring in a safari style. I love it. Most all styles are available in petites.
Free shipping if you order from a store (even sale items).
Most of my jackets are either from Eddie Bauer or Talbots. I know that those retailers are not regarded to be as stylish as J. Crew, but I think they often have some terrific pieces. And they fit, because they're available in petites!!! I can't fit into any retailers regular size jacket as the overall length and sleeves will always be too long.
I actually wanted the same exact look. I hated the too stiff feeling of the downtown field jacket, and it was huge. I found a great alternative at Forever 21 though!
http://www.dominiqueshops.blogspot.com/
Check it out!
Thanks for a great review on the jacket Shannon! I was *this* close to ordering before I read your post. Now I think I'll wait until it goes on sale. I'm tall so think I can wear it but doesn't sound like it's a huge hit with many JCA's.
Fidele-It's nice to know the jacket quiets down!
Anne-Omg how frustrating about your shoes
Anon & JKW- I think you are right, height may be the key
Jmpb-Sounds cute!
Jane-Thanks for the tip! I've always wondered how Boden runs. They group the sz 0 and 2 together under 8, so I wasn't sure if it would be small enough. For some reason I thought UK sizing ran a little large and less fitted? Maybe I need to make a Boden post!
Machenta-Great find!
Biggercloset- I bet it will look great on you. Hopefully you can snag it for a great price!