Need Help Finding a Jacket Online. Alas, There Are Issues.

In My Humble Opinion
1

I need some suggestions on finding a lightweight, casual, outdoor jacket. I’ve looked at more than a few stores where I live (big city, plenty o’ shopping) but I couldn’t find quite what I’m looking for. I don’t need anything fancy, in fact, probably a bit the opposite (I don’t have a lot of money to spend—I’m flexible, but I’m hoping for $50 - $100.)

The problem is I’m a little picky about certain features I want. Mostly it’s about the pockets. I want two on the inside, and at least two on the outside. They should all be pretty deep and there are further considerations as well.

So, what I’m looking for are suggestions of good websites / webstores / manufacturer sites that allow me to select all sorts of jacket features in detail (e.g.- I could select number of pockets, where they are, how they close, and how deep they are. etc.). I’ve never bought much clothing online and I’d really like to nail down all the details before I buy it.

My Pocket Pickiness

I want the inside pockets to be zippered. The outside ones *could *be zippered, but only if they zip the “right way” (meaning: if the pockets are slanted I want the zipper to close on the high side of the slant.) Probably I want no zippers on outside pocket because I like to put my hands in those and zippers and/or the teeth on them can be rough on hands if the pockets aren’t designed well.

There are a few more features I want but I’ve gone into too much detail already because I don’t expect anyone will just happen to know, out of the blue, of an exact jacket that matches my specs (I’ve listed more details in my postscript for those who just can’t get enough blather :)).

Anyone know of any websites that offer these kind of detailed searches / selection? Any other help / hints / ideas you might have would be splendid as well.

I’d certainly appreciate the input!

**
PS: Details. for anyone interested in the nitty-gritty.**

Here’s some more information about what I’m looking for in case anyone knows an exact jacket that might suit me.

I use a jacket in much the same way some women use a purse. I keep all the random stuff I need when I go out in the pockets. This includes a phone, wallet, keys, cigarette-packet-size box of pills, mints or gum, a small notebook, thin gloves and a small knit cap, and on any given day maybe some more stuff.

This means two things: the pockets have to be sufficiently deep and well designed, and also, it must be comfortable, breathable and light enough (but not too light) to wear on pretty much any day. I live in the SF Bay Area so there aren’t too many days that are too hot for a light jacket.

  1. Although I need a lot of pocket-space, I’m angling against getting four outside pockets with two over the chest. It could be OK, but most likely two in and two out will work.

  2. A removable lining might be good.

  3. A hood is not necessary but I wouldn’t mind a removable one or one of the windbreaker-weight ones that can be stored in a zipper pouch in the collar.

  4. Probably waist-length.

  5. Prefer a zipper closure in the front with a right-handed zipper (pull is on the right-side track).

2

Holy shit, that’s a lot of specific requirements - you don’t need a jacket, you need your own sewist! (That’s a word now, I looked it up.)

My suggestion, if you’re not opposed to the idea, is to shop used. Thrift stores, *Goodwill *and the like. The main advantage besides budget is that you will find *tons *of variety all in one (or each) place. The potential bummer is that you might find exactly what you want, but it’s the wrong size or color, or it isn’t in like-new condition. Even if the idea of clothes adoption squicks you out, the good news is that at least you’ll be able to write down the brand name and any other identifying info of anything you find, then see if you can find a new or better condition used one online or elsewhere.

Then, when you find the perfect jacket, buy as many of those suckers as you can get your hands on!

3

Look up the jackets and vests are used by anglers.

4

I second your dislike of zippered exterior pockets. I mean, they’re called handwarmer pockets, so they should be meant for my hands. Arrgh. Anyways, I don’t know of any site that lets you sort coats the way you want, nor do I think one exists. However, perhaps you can clarify a bit more: how heavy of a jacket are you looking for? and how formal as well?

5

If it aint here it don’t exist

I have one of their fleece hoodies and the 26 ish pocket warm as hell winter jackets. love them both.

6

Thanks for the replies so far. That super mega-pocket jacket site mentioned by Critical1 is especially interesting.

And,** Voltire,** the thrift store are a large part of where I’ve browsed. They can be great values, the only problem is—you could find the perfect jacket at Goodwill, but it just happens to be several sizes too big or small.

7

Maybe try outlets? I don’t think there is an easy way to get that specific without spending a lot of time or money.

8

Damn. Here I was feeling smug because I just carry a purse instead of needing all those pockets. I like my purses!

However, there’s some really fine stuff at that link…

9

Dang, that Pack Jacket is intense…

10

Second Scottevest. I have pants and jackets from them, and they’re good products with lots and lots of useful pockets.

About a year ago my “hidden pocket khakis” had their magnetic pocket closures rip out, and they sent me a new pair of pants for free. So it’s a good company, in my experience.

11

But look on the bright side, at least you’ll have a manufacturer name to help narrow your search.

I have a fall/spring jacket at home that seems close to what you want. I don’t remember the brand, though, but I can post it later. It has an inside pocket on both sides; left with vertical zipper and right is open or maybe a snap (I rarely use that side). The hand-warmer pockets are roomy and not zippered. There is a third outside pocket at the left chest that is vertical zippered, just big enough for a thin wallet or phone. No hood and no liner. I’m pretty sure I got it somewhere like TJ Maxx.

12

I have this one or one very close to it, (mines a couple years old)
http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/Revolution-Jacket.shtml
people trip when you pull a laptop out of your pocket, and getting snacks into the theater is cake with this thing.

13

And if you need still more pockets and slightly warmer, Scott eVest Rev Plus. 26 pockets, no waiting. Sorry, didn’t see the link above. and it’s cheaper.

14

Man, aren’t *that *many pockets overkill? I’d imagine you’d have to be very organized to not forget which pocket holds what. Dafuq does anyone besides Lefty the Salesman need 26 pockets for?

15

I have been super-busy and haven’t had a chance to read everything yet (sorry). I just wanted to make a quick post to say thanks for all the responses so far! :slight_smile:

16

The brand is Radley. I’ve never heard of it and it looks like it could be a men’s line from the women’s clothing designer Hilary Radley. That is probably more evidence that it came from TJ Maxx or Marshalls.

17

Things finally slowed down enough for me to read all the posts. I have a few comments and some more info for those who asked.

I’m not really looking for something with LOTS of pockets (2 in and 2 out would be fine), I’m just really picky about the pockets. Some of that I already mentioned but I’ll comment on some things that you folks have brought up.

The jacket that SmellMyWort mentioned sounds decent but I really don’t like vertical pocket openings, whether they’re zippered or not. I’d like horizontal ones, and one zippered inside pocket is enough.

To answer The Joker and the Thief’s questions: I’d like a lightweight jacket, but maybe not as light as a simple windbreaker. It doesn’t need to be formal at all… but I don’t want it overly “sporty” either. For me, a simple, basic, classic look is best.

even sven, outlet stores is a good idea. The frustrating thing, though, is I’ve already looked in a lot of stores and there were a lot of jackets that were oh-so-close but had zippered outer pockets, or fastened in the front “left-handed” (what’s up with that, by the way? I thought only women’s coats fastened “left-handed”?) or some other little thing that bugged me. At that point, I thought I’d ask for advice here.

And thanks, Critical1, for your suggestion of Scottevest. I’m going to go check that out as soon as I’m done with the post.

18

Just because they’re there doesn’t mean that you’ll use them all at the same time. Max Flex. Besides, if you look at the item you’ll see the pockets widely vary in size so what you put in there may be as simple as a flash card or id you want squirreled away but still accessible. If you want real overkill check out the QUEST vest. It has 41.

19

Seconded!! If I were doing serious travelling I’d consider it.

Of course, the big purse is more versatile in that you can tote it along even if the weather doesn’t require a vest - or if it’s too darned COLD for just a vest. Barney goes everywhere I do (no, not a Barney’s bag - it’s a Kipling and it’s very bright purple. Yeah, I named my purse).

For the OP: If you see something you like on that site, and the product is well enough made and suits your needs well enough, it may be worth investing the money - consider how many years of use you’d get out of it.