J.Crew: Poplin Cargo Jacket Review

This is J.Crew's Poplin Cargo Jacket (item #14962), which retails for $98. It is alpha-sized, and is available in two colors, utility green and bronzed sand. J.Crew describes the jacket as such:

A stylish update on a utilitarian silhouette, in cotton paper poplin, with a chic cinch tie at the waist. Classic fit. Straight shape. Hooded, with zipper and snap closure. Long sleeves. Functional buttons at cuffs. Chest pocket, patch pockets. Stitching details on jacket. Unlined. Hits at low hip. Import. Machine wash.

I tried this jacket on in a size small, but I think it runs a little on the larger size. I looked at a size extra small on the hanger, and initially thought I should try that size, but I am not the best judge of sizes on hangers, and I'm lazy, so I just went with the small. The size small was a bit too big. I think your regular size might be okay if you were wearing a lot of clothes underneath or were going for a much looser, relaxed fit, but if you want a bit more fitted shape, then I would size down in this one.

The fabric is a light cotton, that I would say almost has a papery feel to it. It's a pretty smooth fabric on its own, but I think it has purposely sort of rumpled look to it. The fabric is very comfortable, and is extremely light, both in texture and in actual weight. It's a great fabric for a summer coat.

The fit of the coat is very generous, with a fairly shapeless silhouette. However, there is a drawstring around the waist that allows you to cinch the coat and create a nice, relaxed shape. At the same time, I wouldn't look to this coat to be super shape-defining, as it seems like it's more meant to be a casual jacket. I like the length of the coat, as it hits at the top of the thigh for me The coat zips up the front, and snaps closed. Even though the ran a bit big and was pretty loose, it doesn't add much bulk around the middle, which is a plus.

The coat itself includes a hood and a bunch of pockets on the front. I thought the pockets were okay, and actually didn't notice them that much. I don't know how functional they would be, as the fabric is very light, and if you put a lot of things in the pockets, they would look bulky and/or weighed down. I did not try this on with the hood on, but it's the same fabric as the rest of the coat.

The green color is pretty true to the picture in real life, and in the way its depicted online. It's a warm, green-grey color that works with a variety of other colors.

I'll be honest - I really expected to dislike this coat, but I actually think it is kind of cute. I think it works well as both types of jackets - a layering jacket (similar to a blazer), and an outdoor, worn-for-the-weather jacket. But I also think it's a bit pricey for such a lightweight jacket, and I know I probably wouldn't end up wearing it that much. To be honest, if I were to get a jacket like this, I would probably pick up the military jacket from earlier this season.

What do you think? Do you like this jacket? Do you own it or have you tried it on? Which color do you prefer?