Jigsaw is a brand I've mentioned before, but only now had the chance to try properly. Attracted by the combination of style, design and quality I asked if we could shoot their AW15 menswear to show how it might look on the older man. Jigsaw agreed and the Grey Fox photoshoot team found itself at Jigsaw's Avery Row store in London's Mayfair last week to photograph suits styled in a smart casual way.
Jigsaw's menswear range was relaunched four years ago after a hiatus of over ten years. Designed by Frances Walker, the range is classic, stylish and high quality. There is something there for everyone: attractive knitwear, footwear made in Northampton, England by Sanders, sharp tailoring (the trousers are cut on the slim side) and well-designed accessories. Shapes are simple, colours muted. These clothes don't take over, allowing you to do the talking.
Favourites? A merino cardigan, plain, classic and yet so different; a Prince of Wales check suit in a soft, strong cloth with red or blue overcheck, a wool jersey overshirt, warm and chunky and a tartan suit in a subtle midnight blue/black plaid that would be ideal for evening formal or smart/casual wear or something a little different for the day. I also liked the soft corduroy suits in dark blue or olive.
I rarely wax lyrical, but my advice is to get on the phone to Jigsaw to reserve either a Prince of Wales check or tartan suit once you're finished reading this post. They are excellent value. Indeed, I've a tartan suit on order myself.
Wanting to know more about the tailoring, I asked Frances Walker, Jigsaw's Menswear Design Director, to tell me about the cloth and construction:
"The Prince of Wales cloth is from an amazing small family run mill in Biella, Italy called SUBALPINO. (Biella is the centre for High end tailoring cloths).
The Tartan is an exclusive design for Jigsaw made by the best Scottish tartan mill, Lochcarron. They work with Comme des Garcons and the like! Again, an amazing hands-on operation who pride themselves on their creativity. We have worked with them every winter since we launched.
Both suits are hand-finished and made with a (light weight) half canvas construction with functioning cuffs".
For a two-piece price of just under £400, I felt these suits are excellent value given the construction and obvious quality of the cloth. You may also want also to look at a newly arrived thornproof tweed from a UK mill, which I didn't get a chance to try.
Explore the collection for yourself; visit one of their stores (where the helpful staff are so knowledgeable about what they sell) or go online at the Jigsaw website. More product details are given below.
As ever, I want to thank the Grey Fox photoshoot team; Nick Maroudias, photographer and Sarah Gilfillan, personal stylist of Sartoria Lab who both do their best to support a far from perfect male model. Our aim is to explore a variety of brands to show that the older man can wear stylish, contemporary menswear. To contact us, e-mail me.
Product details
Cord peaked lapel tailored jacket £229.00.
Tailored corduroy two-button jacket crafted in cotton with a slight stretch. Peak lapels, chest welt and flap pockets, single back vent and functioning button-cuffs for easy sleeve length alteration.
Corduroy slim tailored trousers £98.00
Tailored trousers in stretch-cotton corduroy, impeccably finished inside and out. Slim-fit through the leg, press-crease front and back, flap and slant pockets, Concealed button and hook-and-bar closure and belt loops.
Cord suit waistcoat £98.00
Tailored waistcoat with corduroy front and plain back flawlessly cut from pure cotton. Full button closure, four front facing welt pockets, back-tab to adjust fit and full spot lining.
Prince of Wales check jacket £269 and trousers £129. Tartan suit jacket £269 and trousers £129. Both jackets half canvas construction and working cuffs, with slim-cut trousers.
Wool jersey overshirt £89.00
Italian-made jersey shirt crafted in tonal wool-twill blended fabric. Patch pocket, regular fit, straight hem and full button placket.
Stretch poplin slim shirt £69.00
Essential slim fit shirt crafted in crisp cotton. Button-down collar full mother-of-pearl button placket and button cuffs.
Milano knit merino cardigan £119.00
Relaxed cardigan in pure merino wool for a soft handle. Full button placket, patch pockets, long sleeves and rib features.
Selvedge wool check scarf £49.00
Soft wool scarf in woven check. Contrast selvedges and frayed ends.
Shoes and boots
Collaboration between Sanders of Northampton and Jigsaw. BlackOxford shoe £229. Burgundy 6-eye derby boots with Solovair soles £249 (shoes £189).
Note: This feature is a collaboration with Jigsaw Menswear.
