Comparison shopping - Banana Republic versus J.Crew

I used to shop at Banana Republic all the time. I have probably about 20 button down shirts and at least 10 pairs of their Martin fit pants in my closet. My trench coat, one of my favorite cashmere sweaters, my everyday messenger bag, my navy striped t-shirts, one of my favorite jersey dresses, are all from Banana.

But in the last 5 years I have not been shopping there much. They don't offer many fun colors or prints. The basics are still great, and their pants fit me better, the quality is about the same as J.Crew but J.Crew seemed more fresh, more youthful, more fashion forward and simply more fun.

However, if you are looking for basic colors, I think Banana has some viable alternatives at much better price points, especially that there is always a promotion going on. I pass a BR store on my way to J.Crew and recently their displays were catching my attention, so I decided to step in and check out a few items.

Colorblock short trench

This trench appears to be sold out on US site at this moment, but you can view it on Canadian site HERE. My store had it in all sizes, so if you are interested, definitely try calling the stores.

Colorblock Belted Mac

IRL:

Subtle colorblock is a nice touch

Casually belted

$130 100% cotton

I have very good experience with Banana Republic trench coats. This is my favorite spring coat:

Banana Republic trench (old)

I think it is very comparable to  J.Crew Icon trench.

This year's J.Crew version

Classic trench

I know Icon is a favorite of many and it is definitely a great coat.  Banana trench is smoother fabric and it drapes better in my opinion. And of course, the price on BR was so much better. I paid under $100 for mine (i think about $97). I have it for three years and I have been wearing it constantly.

Of course J.Crew does a better job at styling, and the coat does look more appealing on the model with sunglasses. But irl I would not necessarily picked J.Crew version, even if the price was the same. 

What do you think?

Metallic trim striped pullover

Sweater body 100% cotton, trim viscose and 2% metalic

This is not new at all but I liked this sweater a lot. On website, this color is full price but in the store it was $29.99. I think the fit is great and the trim adds a nice touch. The crewneck has just the right scoop. The trim did not feel scratchy to me and the drape was nice.


Compare it to Cotton V-neck sweater in stripe from J.Crew:

I don't like the shrunken boxy fit

Now I am also intrigued by this sweater and have to try it next time:

Metallic trim crewneck

How do you like those sweaters?

Sateen crop pants

Pants $69.50, trying size 4

Compare pants to J.Crew Café capri at $89.99.  They fit very similarly. I personally like BR pants fit better, not only for these pants, but in general, but that's my body type. You cannot see it here but especially in the back BR fits me better.

Here is the outfit with sweater and pants together:

Sweater size Medium on sale $29.99

And here are J.Crew cafe capris in foulard print for comparison (also trying size 4):

Basically the same fit

I think it is a question of color, because J.Crew of course have many fabulous colors and prints, but if you need a basic color I would consider Banana since their price is much better, especially with the 30% (or more) discount.

The Mad Men� Collection lace shell

$49.99, 68% cotton, 32% nylon, lining 100% poly

I like the fit

I like the lace

Compare to J.Crew ultra Eyelet Shell

In red

J.crew concept seems better, more interesting shape and lace pattern. But the execution? I think J.Crew top is shorter and boxy and requires a long slender neck. It actually felt bulky and restrictive even if I had plenty of room around the middle. I also don't like the shadows that are forming in between lace and the lining. 
It is also 100% cotton, which might have actually work against 'drapability'. Banana top has 32% nylon and poly lining, but it actually felt better on. It also looked much better with jacket over it.

If I was looking for a white lace top I would go with Banana.

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Do you shop at Banana Republic?
How you you think those pieces compare to J.Crew?

For tomorrow I have reviews of some Banana dresses that I also tried.
Do you like those comparison shopping posts?