JGIC Product Review: BR vs. 'Crew Round Two

A big "thanks!" to J.Crew Guy In Canada who is graciously reviewing Men's items from J.Crew with us.

I'm a dyed in the merino wool J.Crew guy.  Over 75% of what I own and wear comes from the mother-ship.  But even I have to admit that BR does do a few things better.

Shorts are more than pants with less length.  They more casual, less buttoned down and for many of us a sign of time off.  J.Crew makes some good ones, but I find the ones getting the most wear time with me are from BR.  Jenna and Frank have many options including the very good broken in chino short #67140 and the utility corduroy short #64198.  Over at BR the solid short with a regular price of $49.50 is a winner.  Soft cotton, good colour choice and even some patterns.  Current favorite is the burgundy plaid short.  More washed dark red than burgundy, they look killer with a white oxford or denim shirt.  And they are cheaper than the ones at 'crew.

Speaking of denim shirts this is another area I'm constantly looking for the 'one'.  Denim shirts seem to be tough to pull off properly.  They are either too heavy a fabric, cut too full or just a little too full on cowboy.  I have a Polo button down in a washed denim, and the possibly over exposed chambray from J.Crew.  The selvedge chambray utility shirt #84018 has great fabric, but has been around for several seasons.  Both of these are alright.  As previously mentioned in another post the button pockets on the J.Crew option are not working for me.  But the BR Heritage chambray for $89 is slimmer and a heavier weight cotton without feeling like you're wearing a pair of jean as a shirt.  The colour is dark and rich and a hands down winner.  And is $25 less.

This doesn't mean I'm jumping ship, it's just means I'm honest.  The J.Crew boxes will continue to outnumber the ones from Banana and company, but they won't be the only ones on my doorstep.

Another fantastic review! "Thanks!" again to J.Crew Guy In Canada for his view on BR versus J.Crew.

There are definitely a few pieces from Banana Republic that I find are much better at holding up than J.Crew's alternative. (I remember picking up a peplum sweater from BR that has held up quite well in the wash. Something I don't take lightly with J.Crew's sweaters.) However, as a whole, I love J.Crew's cut, fit, and styles much more. That is where my heart (and wallet) are at!

What are your thoughts on post? Are there items from Banana Republic that are better (in terms of quality, fit, etc) than J.Crew? If so, please share! :)