Source: Gentleman's Playbook
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Elbow Patches: The Great Debate One of my readers recently asked for my take on elbow patches and I thought of the one jacket I own that has them which has been hanging in my closet untouched for over a year. My initial thoughts are that they are a trendy addition to a jacket or sport coat, which in some cases works well, but can also ruin a look.
One thing elbow patches certainly give to a jacket is a more unique identity. A solid suede or leather elbow covering will be one of the first things noticed on a jacket instead of its overall color or pattern. It also makes the jacket more easily remembered and limits the number of combinations that can be worn with it. Who isn’t going to remember a navy jacket with pale pink elbow patches? However, if you have several navy jackets in your arsenal then having a more unusual one like this makes a fine business casual look.
Another determining factor of whether this style works or not is how it is worn. The more casual the better - it does not work with full business suits and jackets, especially plaid and windowpane patterns which are unique enough on their own. Why take the focus off a beautifully patterned jacket with solid contrasting color leather elbow patches? While this may be considered a current trend, it will soon phase itself out as most do. The same jacket without patches will never be out of style. Before you run to your closets with scissors to cut off all your elbow patches (sidebar: any seamstress or tailor will be able to remove them with little-to-no visible damage to the jacket stitching), there are certainly instances where they work very well. Heavier, winter-weight fabrics such as tweed, wool, and flannel make for some of the colder seasons’ most stylish jackets that go great with an added touch of suede on the elbow; solid and tonal colored jackets especially.
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