Cotton Jackets Are Full of Versatility

From young men to boomers, from surfbrands to high-end designers, everyone is hopping on the cotton blazer trend - starting this fall and continuing into next spring.

"I was into this look right away," says Gary, 42, a music retailer in Vermont. "I live in jeans, so this really works for me." Gary likes the way he can quickly add polish to his jeans and shirt just by throwing on a blazer - yet it doesn't have the formality of a suit jacket.

That's just the line of thinking retailers are banking on. There are a lot of young men and former dot-commers who never dove into the suit and tie pool. Now, they can get their dress up feet wet by adding a casual cotton jacket to their ubiquitous jeans or khakis. The look also has fans among those used to donning a suit and tie - it's dressed down, and is something virtually any man can understand and make his own.

Banana Republic's Michael Anderson, designer, says cotton jackets have become a bestseller for fall. "Because they are versatile [cotton jackets] can be worn both to the office with a dress pant, but also at night to a bar, club, or restaurant," he says.

more: cottoninc.com/lsm/article.asp?articleID=402 (220)

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